Korean module manufacturer Q CELLS will invest €35 million into its global R&D headquarters in Germany to support its efforts in n-type solar cell and module development. The company has identified this technology as the most effective next-generation driver of reduced cost within solar over the next few years.
Development of the n-type technology – which will be called Q.ANTUM NEO – is already well advanced. Q.ANTUM NEO is the next step in Q CELLS’ unique Q.ANTUM Technology roadmap, utilizing n-type cells with passivating contacts to further increase the efficiency and power of the solar modules. Q CELLS expects to introduce Q.TRON, a new solar module manufactured using this cell technology within 2021, boosting efficiencies well above the levels of current p-type modules on the market. In parallel, Q CELLS is also working on tandem solar cell research and development based on perovskite technology in its technology and R&D headquarters in Germany.
“The core values of Q CELLS have always been technological excellence and leadership, and I am excited to reveal that the company is poised to once again introduce an era-defining PV technology to the market this year with a new high-efficiency module product made with our brand new n-type Q.ANTUM NEO technology,” said Dr. Daniel Jeong, Q CELLS CTO. “Our precise investment roadmap has been carefully considered to ensure that Q CELLS can continue to shape the next-generation of solar energy technology for many years to come.”
