Sharp has much experience in the development of multijunction compound solar cells, which stack layers to absorb differing wavelengths of light and generate electricity. This allows efficient generation of electricity from solar energy, which is made up of a broad spectrum of wavelengths. Our triple-junction solar cell, which has layers made of three different materials, is used to power satellites. Sharp’s compound solar cells achieving a conversion efficiency of more than 30% propelled a Tokai University solar car to victory in October 2009 in Australia at one of the world’s largest solar car races. This accomplishment demonstrates the outstanding performance of our solar cells. Going one more step, Sharp has achieved the world’s highest conversion efficiency* of 35.8% at the research level. We set this record by using a composition of materials that maximizes the efficient use of solar energy and employing our exclusive technology for forming layers. We will continue to create more innovative technologies that can further improve the performance of solar cells.

The Tokai University team with the solar car “Tokai Challenger,” the winning entry in Global Green Challenge, one of the world’s largest solar car races