"Technology gains will be even more imperative under a Trump
administration": Provini
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 15, 2016 /CNW/ -- By reducing resistance
from laser-formed contacts, Natcore Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT;
OTCQB: NTCXF) has achieved an efficiency of 19.4% in its latest
demonstration solar cell.
The laser-formed base contact is critical in the Natcore Foil
Cell™, which is an all-back-contact cell. Higher resistance
at this contact, as well as damage from the laser process, has been
limiting the performance of the company's demonstration
cells. As a result, improving this contact has been a main
focus of their research program. Natcore scientists have just
discovered a new laser-based contacting process that overcomes
these issues.
Despite only a few runs with this new structure, the device
efficiency has already increased by nearly two absolute percent
since June, when the company announced an efficiency of 17.5%. Last
year, early proof-of-concept cells were delivering 4% efficiencies.
At 17.5%, Natcore's cells were roughly equivalent to typical
commercial cells being sold today.
Additionally, cells from the new approach have an open-circuit
voltage (Voc) of nearly 0.7V, pointing to the potential
of significantly higher efficiencies. "Considering the rapid
achievement of these good results, prior even to serious
optimization of this new approach, we expect to announce devices
soon with efficiencies considerably over 20%," says Dr.
David Levy, Natcore's Director of
Research and Technology. The work was accomplished in Natcore's
R&D Center in Rochester,
NY.
"This breakthrough comes at a perfect time," says Chuck Provini, Natcore's president and CEO.
"Solar stocks are tumbling following Donald
Trump's election because of the perception that government
support of the industry through subsidies and tax credits might be
rolled back or eliminated. But while this perception may be
negative for the solar manufacturing industry as a whole, it's
actually a very positive development for a solar R&D company
like Natcore. Technology will be the key driver in the years
ahead.
"With subsidies in place, solar manufacturers were under
relatively little pressure to innovate, because the subsidies
helped keep solar costs at a parity with energy from more
traditional energy sources. But Natcore's focus has always been to
provide generational improvements in solar cell performance –
significant increases in efficiencies and significant
reduction in production costs.
"Our position, if these incentives were to disappear, could not
be more advantageous, since cell manufacturers will be forced to
consider our technology and to adopt it once available."
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
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/using-new-laser-based-technique-natcore-achieves-194-efficiency-with-innovative-solar-cell-structure-300363046.html
SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.