A new efficiency record has been set by a tandem solar cell based on silicon and perovskite. Tandem solar cells are made up of two or more solar cells of different materials arranged in a layered structure. The upper layer, also known as the subcell, is exposed to light of lower wavelengths and allows the passage of light with longer wavelengths. The second subcell below then absorbs another range of the light spectrum. The main purpose of this configuration is to optimize the conversion efficiency of solar energy into electrical energy compared to conventional single solar cells. Researchers at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have developed a tandem solar cell made of silicon and perovskite that achieves an efficiency of 33.2%, a new efficiency record.
The perovskite material shows a high absorption capacity for blue light, while the lower silicon material primarily absorbs red light. This combination captures a larger proportion of available sunlight and converts it into energy. The European Solar Test Installation has independently certified the record performance, and it has been included in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) list of the highest research cell efficiencies. The combination of silicon and perovskite cells is attractive because it has a significantly lower energy consumption during production. While perovskite cells can be produced at room temperature, the production of silicon cells requires high temperatures.
The KAUST researchers are still holding back many details about the tandem solar cell. Currently, the team is focusing on improving the cell’s lifespan and size, which is why it is not yet suitable for commercial applications. A seemingly minor increase in efficiency has significant importance when extrapolated to millions of solar modules and years of sunlight exposure. This breakthrough in solar cell technology could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar energy production, contributing to a more sustainable future.
