AIKO and ACAP Launch $4M Partnership to Break Efficiency Limits in Silicon Solar Cells

AIKO, a global leader in solar technology, has partnered with the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) to embark on a $4 million research and development initiative focused on enhancing silicon solar cell efficiency using advanced photon multiplication (PM) technology. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to achieve over 30% efficiency in Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) cells by generating multiple electron-hole pairs from high-energy photons—a leap beyond the 29% limit typical of crystalline silicon cells, achieved without the added complexity of tandem structures.

“AIKO leads the world in back-contact cell manufacturing, and we are excited to collaborate on this groundbreaking initiative ” said Professor Martin Green, founder of ACAP. ” With UNSW’s world-class research capabilities and AIKO’s industry leadership, we aim to push the boundaries of photovoltaic performance and shape the future of solar energy.”

The executive director of ACAP, Professor Renate Egan said, “The ACAP Consortium serves as the foundation for this partnership, bringing together leading academic institutions and industry partners to foster innovation and drive the development of high-efficiency solar technologies. This joint effort exemplifies how collaborative R&D can overcome technical barriers, setting new benchmarks for the solar industry.”

The initiative is part of ACAP’s Industry Consortium, a pioneering alliance between academia and industry designed to drive the next wave of innovation in photovoltaic technology. AIKO’s investment underlines its long-term commitment to advancing high-efficiency solar solutions and aligns seamlessly with its goals to deliver sustainable energy advancements worldwide. The project’s design allows for smooth integration into existing solar manufacturing processes, making it a transformative development with immediate industry impact.