Since the first silicon solar cell was reported in 1941,1
there have been substantial improvements in silicon
cell performance, culminating in the 250% value
reported in the present paper. Since 1983, key results
have been independently measured at recognised
testing centres.2 Over the same period there has been
ongoing refinement and standardisation of cell
measurement techniques. The most recent refinement
has been in April 2008 with the acceptance by the
International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) of a
revised global AM15 spectrum (IEC 60904-3: Ed.
2 equivalent to ASTM G173).3–5 A unified history of
the evolution of silicon cell performance is presented,
normalised to present reporting conditions. The
commonly cited National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL) graph of ‘Best Research-Cell Efficien
there have been substantial improvements in silicon
cell performance, culminating in the 250% value
reported in the present paper. Since 1983, key results
have been independently measured at recognised
testing centres.2 Over the same period there has been
ongoing refinement and standardisation of cell
measurement techniques. The most recent refinement
has been in April 2008 with the acceptance by the
International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) of a
revised global AM15 spectrum (IEC 60904-3: Ed.
2 equivalent to ASTM G173).3–5 A unified history of
the evolution of silicon cell performance is presented,
normalised to present reporting conditions. The
commonly cited National Renewable Energy Laboratory
(NREL) graph of ‘Best Research-Cell Efficien