“The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) using photovoltaic technologies is still high compared with other power generation methods, and cost reduction is a continuous challenge. A number of companies and research organizations around the world have been carrying out technological development to improve the conversion efficiency of solar cells, which will contribute to a considerable reduction in LCOE. Kaneka Corporation developed a high conversion-efficiency crystalline silicon solar cell (heterojunction back-contact type) in NEDO’s Development of High-Performance and Reliable PV Modules to Reduce LCOE project, and has achieved the world’s highest conversion efficiency of 26.33% in a crystalline silicon solar cell having a practical size (180 cm2). This achievement breaks the world record of 25.6% by ~0.7%, exceeding 26% for the first time in the world.”