PERC Solar Cell Technology Gaining Ground

Passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) technology increases conversion efficiency by adding a dielectric passivation layer at the rear side of the cell (shown as the yellow layer in the image below). Higher efficiency levels in standard cell architectures are limited by the tendency for photogenerated electrons to recombine. PERC cells maximize the electrical gradient across the p-n junction, which allows for a steadier flow of electrons, reduction in electron recombination, and higher efficiency levels.