Quality shield-glass adds up to the solar PV cell efficiency

Corning is making PV glass substrates that can increase current thin-film module efficiency by 20% to 30%. The glass has high transmission, allowing more sunlight into the semiconductor layer. Corning says due to its substrates' high-temperature withstanding, more uniform semiconductor films may be applied, which increases overall conversion efficiency. Corning Incorporated has announced its first commercial order for photovoltaic (PV) glass substrates.

"We understand the current market challenges for photovoltaics and the focus on delivering cost-effective solar energy solutions. Clearly, energy conversion efficiency is integral to addressing these challenges. Therefore, we are very excited about this initial deployment of Corning's PV glass substrates and their ability to deliver on such an important need in the advancement of thin-film PV solutions," said Dr. Gary Calabrese, senior vice president, Corning New Business Development. "The substantial efficiency improvement of our glass technology has been demonstrated in lab and customer trials. Now, this order validates the need for engineered glass to drive higher conversion efficiency and can provide module makers with a competitive advantage."

John Duke, business director for Corning Photovoltaic Glass Technologies, said, "Corning is committed to offering innovative glass substrates that enable increased solar conversion efficiency. This is just the beginning."

Corning says its photovoltaic glass substrates are also 50% stronger with less than half the thickness of the glass commonly used today in thin-film PV modules.