First Solar?s CdTe PV Panel Sets World Record 17% Conversion Efficiency

First Solar has set a world record for cadmium-telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) module conversion efficiency, achieving a record 17.0 percent total area module efficiency in tests performed by the DOEs National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The new record is an increase over the prior record held by the company of 16.1 percent set just over a year ago. What is important about CdTe PV cells? Like other CIGS cells, they are flexible allowing them to be deposited on flexible substrates.