Chinese firm for photovoltaic solutions Trina Solar has provided Osaka Sangyo University (OSU) Interdigitated Back Contact (IBC) cells and modules for the latter's solar car project 'OSU-Model-S'.
The OSU-Model-S, powered by solar energy converted to electricity via 565 highly efficient solar cells, has just concluded its first test run in Shirahama Old Airport, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
The cells, which were provided by the firm, have displayed efficiencies up to 24.4% in laboratory tests and 23.1% in pilot industrial production.
Prof. Hisakazu Fujita of Osaka Sangyo University said, "We believe Trina Solar's IBC cells, a similar technology of which that has already been successfully applied to Solar Impulse-2, a solar-powered aircraft flying around the world recently, will put us ahead of the competition in a race designed to favor the most energy efficient race cars.
"Furthermore, our cooperation with Trina Solar has not only inspired us to achieve our vision of promoting the most advanced future car technology, but has also given us the technological expertise to maintain our leading position in the race, as we look to build on our 3 consecutive championships since 2012."
The solar car will belt down the road in early August in IFA Suzuka Solar Car Race, stated to be the largest international solar car race in Japan.
Trina solar module business unit COO and president Zhiguo Zhu said: "We are very happy that OSU has selected us to be its partner in such a prestigious competition, and this cooperation has broadened our outreach from solar power generation to technology and research applications.
"I believe our high-efficiency cutting-edge modules will help OSU outperform the overwhelmingly strong competition from other different university teams and again demonstrate Trina Solar's position as a technology leader with proven ability to continuously pursue excellence."
