Despite difficult times for the solar industry, Europe remains at the technological forefront in the field of photovoltaics. Fraunhofer ISE demonstrates this fact with its new record: 24% efficiency for a silicon solar cell that uses an n-type base material and a novel concept for the rear contact. The special feature of this cell is a so-called passivated contact covering the entire rear surface. The majority of commercial solar cells today are manufactured from boron-doped p-type silicon. H...