January 26, 2011 - Honda Soltec Co., Ltd. will this year release a new thin-film solar cell with an even more compact design than the current model to allow efficient installation on a wide range of roof shapes. The module conversion efficiency^*1 of the new solar cell module is expected to exceed 13.0%, ranking it among the world’s most efficient CIGS-based thin-film solar cells^*２.

*1

Based on the following formula to calculate the efficiency of converting solar energy striking 1m² of module surface into electricity:

	Module nominal maximum output (W) × 100
	Module area (m2) × 1000W/m2

*2

Solar cells consisting of a thin film made from a compound of copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS)

[Key Features of the New Solar Cell]

• The performance of the photosensitive CIGS layer has been improved and the surface area of the surrounding frame and other non-photosensitive portions reduced, resulting in approx. 10% increase in module conversion efficiency compared to the current model. This results in more power generated from the same installed surface area.
• The new model is more compact, with only approx. two-third the module surface area of the current model, allowing it to be installed in limited space on a wide range of roof shapes. This will facilitate the efficient installation of more thin-film solar cells in a variety of locations.

The prototype manufactured using existing Honda Soltec equipment achieved a module conversion efficiency of 13.0%. Honda is working to further improve module conversion efficiency as it brings the product to market.

Honda's independently developed CIGS thin-film solar cells require little energy in the manufacturing process, further contributing to environmental preservation. Honda will continue to contribute to the preservation of the global environment by developing thin-film solar cells that respond to market needs, thereby promoting further widespread use.

[Specifications]