Alta Devices Achieves 30.8% Efficiency Record with New Generation Solar Cell Technology

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alta Devices today disclosed that it has reached 30.8% solar cell efficiency. This new NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) verified record has resulted from the company’s first implementation of a new generation “dual junction” solar cell technology which augments the company’s “single junction” technology.

“We are changing the way solar technology is used”

Higher efficiency directly translates into more electricity generated from smaller surface areas. Therefore, applying Alta’s highly efficient, very thin and flexible mobile power technology to consumer devices can extend the battery life of everyday products such as smartphones, tablets, keyboards, mice, remote controls, and more.

“We are changing the way solar technology is used,” said Chris Norris, president and CEO of Alta Devices. “With our technology, enough energy can be generated from sunlight to effectively power devices in ways not previously possible. We are working with a number of customers who are designing their mobile products to increase battery life; and in some cases, we can provide enough energy to eliminate the need to plug into the electric grid.”

To help device manufacturers understand the benefits of using Alta’s material on their products, Alta has created a calculator to compute the battery life extension for a variety of consumer mobile devices (http://www.altadevices.com/calculator.php). According to the calculator, a typical outdoor worker could realize 80 percent more battery life each day for their mobile phone. Or a student can get over 60 percent more battery life for his or her tablet device. These results can be achieved with minimal weight or form-factor penalty on the device design.

Alta’s Second Generation Technology

“Alta Devices has been setting efficiency records since 2010. This new dual junction record at 30.8% is a testament to our technology and our world-class team. It’s also an important step toward our target of 38% efficient cells,” said Norris. “We continue to redefine the boundaries of what is possible with solar power.”

Alta Devices pioneered the world’s highest efficiency single junction solar technology by using a number of breakthrough approaches to implementing Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) for solar cells. The company’s new dual junction technology builds on that basic GaAs approach, but implements a second junction (or layer) with Indium Gallium Phosphide (InGaP) as the absorber on top of the base cell. Because InGaP uses high-energy photons more efficiently, the new dual junction cell generates more electricity from the same amount of light than a single junction device. Alta Devices is currently shipping its single junction technology.

About Alta Devices

Alta Devices is (EM)POWERING THE UNPLUGGED WORLD™ by delivering the world’s most efficient, thin and flexible mobile power technology. Converting light into electricity, Alta's technology extends the energy source of a system, and in many cases, completely cuts the traditional power cord. The solution can be completely integrated into the final system, and is ideal for use in unmanned systems, consumer electronics, automotive, remote exploration, or anywhere size, weight, and mobility matter. Alta Devices holds world records for energy conversion efficiency¹, and has received funding from, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, August Capital, Crosslink Capital, AIMCo, GE, Dow, and others. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA. For more information, visit http://www.altadevices.com.

Editors Notes:

1. Alta Devices holds the following records: single junction solar cell efficiency record at 28.8%, single junction module efficiency record at 24.1%, and dual junction solar cell efficiency record at 30.8%. All records are under one sun and validated by NREL.

2. All trademarks and registered trademarks are those of their respective companies.

3. For more graphics or technical information, please contact Roeder-Johnson Corporation at http://email.roeder-johnson.com