Amonix sets new solar CPV module efficiency world record at 35.9%

Amonix Inc. (Seal Beach, California, U.S.) has achieved a 35.9% conversion efficiency with its concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) modules, as verified by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL, Golden, Colorado, U.S.).

This is a new world record at the module level for any solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The efficiency was achieved at IEC test conditions of 1000 watts per square meter at 25 degrees Celsius, as measured in an outdoor test from late February through April 2013.

“This 35.9% IEC CSTC module efficiency is a direct comparison to PV module efficiencies, which are often reported at IEC standard test conditions,” said Amonix Founder and Chief Technology Officer Vahan Garboushian.

“With the advent of higher efficiency cells from companies like Solar Junction, Amonix anticipates achieving considerably higher module efficiencies and breaking our currently standing world records in the very near future.”


Amonix breaks own record

This is the first time that NREL quantified the rating for a CPV module with cells at 25 degrees instead of operating temperature, and Amonix notes that it worked with NREL to help develop the new measurement process.

Amonix set the previous record for CPV module efficiency at 34.9% under Concentrator Standard Operating Conditions (CSOC), and was the first company to reach 33% efficiency under CSOC in May 2012.