Micromorph tandem technology is good to go

Micromorph tandem technology is good to go

With key performance breakthroughs in amorphous silicon technology, Oerlikon Solar is set to launch the next generation thin film solar technology.

Preparations for the unveiling of the new production solutions for micromorph tandem modules are almost complete; Oerlikon Solar sees remarkably strong and widespread interest in this new technology across the booming solar energy market. As the leading provider of turnkey solutions, Oerlikon Solar has signed the first contracts for lines with "micromorph tandem" technology. Modular upgrades to the new technology will be available for all existing Oerlikon production solutions.

Approaching crystalline efficiency

The term 'micromorph tandem' refers to the two different silicon semiconductor materials stacked in the same cell: amorphous and microcrystalline silicon. Through its dual-layered structure, the tandem cell makes optimum use of the solar spectrum, converting both the visible part in the 400-700 nanometer range and the near infrared spectrum (700-1,100 nanometers) into electrical power. As a result, the micromorph tandem cell is about 50% more efficient than a purely amorphous cell. Many experts are convinced that this technology will emerge as the toughest competitor to today's crystalline silicon standard since efficiencies of over 10% have already been demonstrated.