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World Record Efficiency for High Concentration of Semprius modules, the American Farm Held by Siemens.

Semprius , American manufacturer of solar panels in which Siemens has invested in a strategic partner in June 2011, has reached its high concentration forms a world record efficiency of 33.9%. This result was certified by the Solar Energy (IES) of the University of Madrid (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) who tested the modules in standard conditions.

Semprius , based in Durham, North Carolina, is a manufacturer of high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV). The latest prototypes have reached 33.9% efficiency, thus setting a new world record. In collaboration with the Spanish Institute of Concentration Photovoltaic Systems (ISFOC) and the University of Madrid, this testing was performed by the IES University. For the first time a photovoltaic panel has converted more than one third of solar energy into usable electricity. Depending on the specific position and the irradiation, the modules with a high concentration can provide in output an amount of energy per square meter twice as high compared to common polycrystalline panels . The largest manufacturers of solar modules can reach a maximum efficiency of the traditional panel of around 20% with monocrystalline and about 16% with polycrystalline technology.

In June 2011, Siemens acquired 16% of Semprius to allow innovative HCPV technology to reach market maturity. Systems Semprius high concentration convey the sunlight on the modules with special lenses integrated into photovoltaic cells. The HCPV is the first real alternative to conventional photovoltaics especially in the sunbelt regions characterized by high levels of direct radiation.

While Semprius continue to develop modules, Siemens will focus its research and development activities on the optimization of system components, such as tracking systems, plant design and the inverters.

In collaboration with Semprius , Siemens will provide integrated solutions and will this year's worldwide distribution of the first technology systems Semprius . The first pilot installation has been operating in Arizona since August 2010. In addition, Semprius will complete the construction of another pilot plant in Henderson, North Carolina, to test the technology, even in large installations. The activation of the first pilot production line of HCPV modules will take place during the second half of 2012.