Chinese researchers have revealed how they built the world’s most efficient silicon solar cell, reaching 27.81% efficiency near the physical limit for solar technology. Their hybrid HIBC design boosts performance using laser-crystallized back contacts to cut resistance and a new iPET edge treatment to reduce electron loss, raising the cell’s fill factor and stability. Tested independently in Germany, the result sets a new efficiency record and brings scalable, high-efficiency solar panels closer to commercial reality.
