Suntech Power announced it has again set a multi-crystalline solar module efficiency record, this time achieving 16.53%, an improvement of 1% over the previous record of 15.6% announced in August. The record pertains to the aperture area only, and was measured and certified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.

The measured module was powered by Suntech's Pluto PV cells, utilizing solar grade silicon. Each PV cell has a higher efficiency ratio by itself, of more than 17%. The company is very pleased to have proven that low cost manufacturing and first class R&D can produce an economically viable production model.

Suntech has this way raised the bar for multi-crystalline module efficiency once more, even if it's only by relatively small margin.