ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 29, 2016 /CNW/ -- Natcore
Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; OTCQB: NTCXF) has achieved
commercial-level efficiencies for its laser-processed solar
cells.
Refinement of Natcore's revolutionary all-back-contact silicon
cell structure, which utilizes low-cost aluminum instead of
high-cost silver, has progressed rapidly.
Less than 11 months ago, early proof-of-concept cells were
delivering 4% efficiencies. Today, the cells have already reached
efficiencies of 17.5%, roughly equivalent to typical commercial
cells being sold today.
Importantly, Natcore's new cell design is producing
short-circuit currents above 40 mA/cm2 and open-circuit
voltages above 0.65V. Expected improvements in these measurements,
as well as fill factor, project to efficiencies well above 20%.
Natcore's new design builds upon the basic concept of a silicon
heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell. An SHJ cell produced by Panasonic
holds the current world record efficiency for a silicon solar cell
at 25.6%. There is nothing inherent in Natcore's new design that
would preclude it from ultimately achieving efficiencies in this
range.
The rapid improvements in performance for Natcore's new SHJ
cells have been made in the company's Rochester research facilities, which, while
employing advanced laser and processing equipment, are somewhat
limited in comparison with commercial solar cell production
facilities. Thus it is expected that significantly higher
performances will be achieved as development of Natcore's cells
progresses from the lab to production facilities.
Natcore's laser processed, all back contact solar cell
technology will accelerate the introduction of a new generation of
solar panels that will be more efficient than current solar panels
and will be lower in cost. Part of the output gain will come
from eliminating the reflecting metal contact strips on the top of
the cell, thereby increasing the amount of light absorbed by the
panel, and part of it will come from reducing cell-to-module
losses, i.e., the electrical losses that occur when the cells are
electrically connected to each other using the small metal ribbons
that are today's technology. The result will be an
improvement of panel efficiency by as much as 8% to 10% compared to
today's products. The panel cost reduction comes partly from
replacing the cost of silver with the cost of aluminum and partly
from the reduced handling needed for an all back contact panel
assembly compared to a standard panel.
To quantify these cost advantages for potential partners,
Natcore has retained a highly respected independent laboratory to
prepare an analysis comparing the cost of producing solar cells
using Natcore's breakthrough process with that of making cells
using existing manufacturing methods.
"Many companies are producing cells with efficiencies at the
levels we've so far achieved," says Dr. David Levy, Natcore's Director of Research and
Technology. "But cells made using our technology will ultimately be
much more efficient and far less expensive to produce, which will
equate to very significant cost/watt improvements."
The Natcore structure leverages a high-volume aluminum
metallization that can be very low in cost. Because its current
efficiencies are now in the range of commercial production, Levy
feels that its novel approach is validated.
"We have reached performance goals that make us ready to present
our case to large manufacturers whose scale and resources can help
us reach the ultimate, ultra-high-efficiency potential that our
cells are capable of," says Chuck
Provini, Natcore's president and CEO.
About Natcore Technology
Natcore Technology is focused on using its proprietary
nanotechnology discoveries to enable a variety of compelling
applications in the solar industry. Specifically, the company is
advancing applications in laser processing, black silicon and
quantum-dot solar cells to significantly lower the costs and
improve the power output of solar cells. With 62 patents (26
granted and 36 pending), Natcore is on the leading edge of solar
research. www.NatcoreSolar.com.
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.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or
solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any
jurisdiction. Neither the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the TSX Venture Exchange, nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) opines as to, nor accepts
responsibility for, the adequacy or accuracy of this
release.
Contact: Chuck Provini
(585) 286-9180
Info@NatcoreSolar.com
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SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.
