Japan-based PV vendor Sharp plans to hike the required energy conversion rates for P-type monocrystalline silicon solar cells its procures over the next 3-6 months, putting pressure to improve energy conversion rates on Taiwan-based makers, according to industry sources.
Energy conversion rates for P-type monocrystalline silicon solar cells currently stand at 18.8-19%, and Taiwan-based makers which will compete for Sharp's orders will have to adopt new manufacturing processes to hike energy efficiencies, the sources said, and some Taiwan-based makers will introduce a PERC (passivated emitter and real cell) process.