As you will see if you look back just a few posts, I just wrote about this same subject. However, this is not a multicrystalline cell as I was writing about in the previous article.

This breakthrough came in the multi-cell combination category. This means that we are not talking about the cells people are used to seeing on roof tops, calculators, toys and other daily items. This is the super high efficiency stuff that costs too much for production use. This is the research that helps lead to breakthroughs and ultimately more power for less money somewhere in the future.

This record was set by the University of New South Wales in Australia. In this category, the previous record was 42.7 percent conversion efficiency. This new record is 43 percent conversion efficiency and requires gallium, indium, phosphorus and arsenic. This magic recipe is a long way from production, but every step forward helps.

Follow the related link for more information.

PS - I think someone may have jumbled their numbers, the University website lists last years record at 24.7 and the new record at 25 percent. I think someone transposed the first numbers and remembered it was the next whole number for the new record. This would also fit better with my somewhat long running knowledge on the subject. Although I am not an expert. I did check several other websites who are listing the 42.7 and 43 percent values.

University Article from Oct 2008 lists 24.7 percent efficiency. This is why I like to check the source and include a link for you.