RED BANK, N.J., June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "Now that our
black silicon has been demonstrated to be commercially viable in a
solar cell production line, we plan to take quick advantage of this
momentum," says Chuck Provini,
president and CEO of Natcore Technology Inc. (TSX-V: NXT;
NTCXF.PK). "We want it to quickly achieve its full
potential."
So Natcore has engaged the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy
Systems to augment what Natcore has accomplished in its own R&D
Center and in the Chinese factory of one of the world's largest
photovoltaic manufacturers. "We've been building a head of steam,"
says Provini. "We want to capitalize on it. We want to accelerate
the delivery of black silicon's benefits —low cost, higher light
absorption, higher efficiency — to the marketplace."
Based in Freiburg, Germany,
Fraunhofer ISE conducts research on the technology needed to supply
energy efficiently and on an environmentally sound basis. To this
purpose, the Institute develops systems, components, materials and
processes in the area of solar energy. The Institute's work ranges
from fundamental scientific research relating to solar energy
applications, through the development of production technology and
prototypes, to the construction of demonstration systems. The
Institute plans, advises and provides know-how and technical
facilities as services.
Fraunhofer's initial work for Natcore will focus on solar cell
passivation and efficiency of solar cells with black silicon
surfaces. While Natcore has developed and patented novel
passivation techniques, Fraunhofer will determine the effect of
each of these, for example, on a cell's performance and production
cost.
"In our recent test at a major Chinese solar cell production
facility, we achieved an efficiency of 15.7% on our first
trial. The technical staff at that facility said they were
very impressed with that result. Conventional cells made in a
similar industrial process do have efficiencies in the range of 17%
to 19%. But considering the results of this first attempt,
the Chinese engineers feel that we could easily push our black cell
efficiency into the high teens," says Provini.
"We want to overdeliver on that promise. We want black silicon
to be all that it can be."
Dr. David Levy, Director of
Research & Technology, will be Natcore's Project Manager. Under
the terms of the agreement with Fraunhofer, Natcore's intellectual
property will be protected.
Statements in this press release other than purely historical
factual information, including statements relating to revenues or
profits, or Natcore's future plans and objectives, or expected
sales, cash flows, and capital expenditures constitute
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on
numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and
uncertainties inherent in Natcore's business, including risks
inherent in the technology history. There can be no assurance that
such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as
actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not
place undue reliance on such statements. Except in accordance with
applicable securities laws, Natcore expressly disclaims any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements or
forward-looking statements that are incorporated by reference
herein.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
Contact: Chuck Provini
732-576-8800
Info@natcoresolar.com
www.natcoresolar.com
SOURCE Natcore Technology Inc.
