Company Files For Provisional U.S. Patent
RED BANK, N.J., March 16, 2015 /CNW/ -- Scientists working
in the Rochester R&D Center of Natcore Technology Inc.
(TSX-V: NXT; NTCXF.PK) have produced an all-back-contact
silicon "HIT-structure" (heterojunction with intrinsic thin layer)
solar cell using their proprietary laser technology.
"Silicon HIT-structure cells have been shown to yield record
efficiencies of greater than 25%," says Dr. David Levy, Natcore's Director of Research and
Technology. "Natcore's HIT-structure cells are made using thin
amorphous silicon layers in combination with a standard crystalline
silicon solar wafer. This concept makes very efficient cells, as
seen in the Sanyo/Panasonic HIT™ cell."
Natcore's scientists used a laser in applying contacts to the
rear of the cell. In addition to further increasing cell efficiency
relative to industry standards, the Natcore all-back-contact
technique could allow production of these high efficiency cells at
low cost.
Panasonic recently reported an all-back-contact HIT-structure
with 25.6% conversion efficiency – the highest efficiency ever
reached for a silicon solar cell. That cell, however, was produced
using a relatively complicated, higher-cost process. Natcore
believes that it can achieve similar efficiencies at a much lower
cost and without the environmental damage incurred through the
chemicals and energy required for the high-temperature process.
Because of their initial results, Natcore has moved to protect
its new process by filing a provisional patent application titled
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
"Basic HIT-structure cell technology is a couple of decades
old," says Chuck Provini, Natcore
President and CEO. "But our HIT-structure cell is not your father's
HIT cell. We've made a device that has all of the positive aspects
of a HIT cell, but also with our laser technology that will allow
us to significantly streamline production. Our cell will have a
much lower manufacturing cost than the cells made using the older
technology. We continue to change the ways solar cells are
made."
Statements in this press release other than purely historical
factual information, including statements relating to revenues or
profits, or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected
sales, cash flows, and capital expenditures constitute
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on
numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and
uncertainties inherent in Natcore's business, including risks
inherent in the technology history. There can be no assurance that
such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with
applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements or
forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference
herein.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contact: Chuck Provini
732-576-8800
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natcore-technology-makes-laser-processed-hit-structure-solar-cell-300050791.html
SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.
