The two companies have entered into a strategic agreement with the intention to co-develop solar cells conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will conduct the development work at both Innovalight’s headquarters in California and at JA Solar’s R&D center in China.
According to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Germany, the Secium solar cells enable better spectral response at short wavelengths in comparison with standard solar cells which in turn help achieve higher conversion efficiency and in this case, 18.9%.
JA Solar, which began the pilot production of the Secium cells in May, plans to begin the commercial volume production in the second half of 2010.
Dr Peng Fang, CEO of JA Solar, said: “We are very excited about the strong partnership we have established with Innovalight.
“JA Solar will continue to stay at the forefront of solar cell technology and commercial production of high-efficiency solar cells through partnerships between our internal R&D group and external partners like Innovalight.”
Conrad Burke, CEO of Innovalight, said: “JA Solar is a world leader in solar cell production and a pioneer in advancing solar technology. I am delighted with this long-term commercial agreement as well as our plans to jointly develop new products.”
