The joint research and development agreement is expected to receive more than $3 million funding from the Australian Solar Institute (ASI), according to Trina Solar.

Under the terms of the agreement, Trina Solar will collaborate with the Australian National University (ANU) to develop industry-ready n-type monocrystalline solar cells. The project aims to develop high efficiency n-type silicon solar cells with conversion efficiencies of 20 per cent for mass production by leveraging existing and proven processing tools currently used for p-type cells.

In addition, the project will aim to improve the efficiency of Trina Solar's standard p-type multicrystalline silicon solar cells, by increasing commercial production efficiency to approximately 19 per cent.

“We are very excited to announce this research agreement with the ANU, which will help Trina Solar remain at the forefront of high-efficiency solar cell production,” says Mr Jifan Gao, Chairman and CEO of Trina Solar.

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ANU Project Leader and Associate Professor Daniel Macdonald said that the outcome of this research is expected to make solar energy more affordable.

“We are pleased to partner with Trina Solar in this project, and we look forward to working together to bring innovative new technologies into production. We hope this will be the start of a long-lasting partnership that will benefit both parties.”