2009
Accomplished 35.8% conversion efficiency of triple-junction compound solar cells

Sharp has achieved the world’s highest* solar cell conversion efficiency of 35.8% using a triple-junction compound solar cell.
To boost the efficiency of triple-junction compound solar cells, it is important to improve the crystal quality in each photo-absorption layer (the top, middle, and bottom). It is also crucial that the solar cell be composed of materials that can maximize the effective use of solar energy.
Sharp has succeeded in forming an InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) bottom layer with high crystal quality by using its proprietary technology. As a result, the amount of wasted current has been minimized.