The research team at the State Key Laboratory of PV Science and Technology of China (SKL PVST) achieved the record using a module featuring 120 pieces of P-type mc-Si solar cells.

It was manufactured with half-cell interconnection, passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology and highly efficient light trapping, Trina Solar said.

The new record, achieved on a module area of 1.514m², was independently verified by the Fraunhofer ISE CalLab in Germany.

The earlier one of 19.14% efficiency was also set by a Trina Solar team in April last year, on a 1.515m² aperture-area.

The new record represents a 3.8% or more than 0.7% points of increase in efficiency.

Trina Solar vice-president and chief scientist Pierre Verlinden said: "This 19.86% aperture efficiency result that Trina Solar achieved demonstrates the huge potential for future multicrystalline p-type silicon research. It is also a leap forward in the trend of continuous efficiency improvements of crystalline silicon solar modules.

"In the innovation-driven PV industry, Trina Solar is always focused on developing leading-edge PV techniques and products that improve cell efficiency and reduce system cost. By tuning into the needs of the market, we look to achieve commercial success with our innovations."

Trina Solar manufactures mono and multi-crystalline photovoltaic (PV) modules that offer clean solar electric power to on-grid and off-grid residential, commercial, industrial and utility scale applications globally.

Image: Trina Solar achieves record efficiency in its multicrystalline solar cell. Photo: Courtesy of Naypong/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.