ROCHESTER, N.Y., March 15, 2018 /CNW/ -- Natcore Technology
Inc. (TSX-V: NXT; OTCQB: NTCXF) has dramatically
streamlined the fabrication method for its revolutionary Natcore
Foil Cell™, allowing for even lower-cost production methods.
The use of laser processing to create Natcore's innovative,
all-back-contact cell structure has been eliminated and replaced by
a carrier selective contact process. This is combined with a foil
metallization that can be cheaply made with high-speed
roll-processing methods.
These advances have maintained, and in fact enhance, the two key
advantages of Natcore's Foil Cell:
1) The elimination of high-cost silver. Natcore's Foil
Cell replaces silver, and its high material costs and complicated
production processes, with aluminum foils.
At approximately 1/300th the cost of silver, aluminum
allows for more metal to be used to maintain conductivity, while
also enabling high-speed, high-volume materials handling and
processing.
2) The potential for ultra-high efficiencies in an affordable
production cell. The silicon heterojunction (SHJ) structure of
Natcore's Foil Cell is the same basic structure used to achieve
world-record silicon cell efficiencies of over 26% by major
manufacturers in experimental solar cells.
But Natcore's innovative use of pre-fabricated foils to produce
this structure will allow, for the first time, the low-cost mass
manufacturing of these ultra-high efficiency, all-back-contact
solar cells.
Natcore is targeting over 25% real-world efficiency for its
eventual production solar cells, roughly a 25% performance
improvement over many high-end commercial cells being installed
today.
"The solar industry is exceedingly competitive," notes
Brien Lundin, Natcore's Chairman.
"Studies show that they have to achieve at least a 0.6% performance
improvement every year to survive, yet they struggle to clear even
this low bar.
"Because Natcore's Foil Cell will represent a generational leap
in performance, we are confident that major industry players will
join us in advancing our technology to market."
Accelerated Prototypge Production And
Financing
Natcore has begun an accelerated development program to produce
a prototype with the new process, as well as include production
cost and efficiency modeling by independent authorities.
The result will be a functioning prototype proving the essential
production process, as well as studies establishing the ultimate
affordability and ultra-high-efficiency potential of the Foil Cell.
Natcore plans to pursue partnerships with leaders in the industry
to commercialize its technology. The production of this prototype
will be a key part of this process.
To fund the accelerated prototype program, as well as general
corporate expenses, Natcore will conduct a financing, the terms of
which have yet to be determined.
About Natcore Technology
Natcore Technology is focused on using its proprietary Foil Cell
technology to significantly lower the costs and improve the power
output of solar cells. www.NatcoreSolar.com
Statements herein 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
585-286-9180
Info@NatcoreSolar.com
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SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.