Japanese Researchers Set World Record with 12.28% Efficient Indium-Free Solar Cell

Published: Mar 13, 2026 17:28

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The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) in Japan recently announced the successful development of a copper gallium selenide (CuGaSe₂) solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 12.28%, setting a world record for indium-free wide-bandgap chalcogenide solar cells in the same frequency band.

The research team enhanced the open-circuit voltage and cell performance by incorporating aluminum to form a back-surface field and optimizing the buffer layer. This achievement provides a new approach for the development of high-efficiency tandem solar cells.

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