Fraunhofer ISE, has unveiled a groundbreaking perovskite-silicon triple-junction solar cell boasting a remarkable conversion efficiency exceeding 30% and an impressive voltage output exceeding 2.8 volts.
This innovative solar cell comprises three distinct sub-cells, earning it the moniker “triple-junction” cell, with two of these sub-cells constructed using perovskite materials and the third employing silicon technology. The development of this cutting-edge solar cell is attributed to Fraunhofer's academic experts, who were part of the Triumph research project, backed by the European Commission, and the RIESEN research project, funded by the German government.
Professor Dr. Stefan Glunz, the Division Director for Photovoltaics at Fraunhofer ISE, emphasized the significance of tandem photovoltaics, stating that they hold the key to achieving higher efficiencies. He noted, “While we are currently in the process of scaling up the development of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells and readying them for industrial use in our Pero-Si-SCALE project, it's also fantastic to see how triple-junction solar cells hold so much potential for advancing the concept in the future.”
The unique material composition and tripartite structure of this solar cell have conferred upon it a substantially higher conversion efficiency compared to other cells in the solar energy sector. Notably, last month, Solar Module Super League member Risen Energy garnered attention for successfully mass-producing a heterojunction solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 23.89%. While Fraunhofer's solar cell has thus far been tested exclusively in a laboratory setting and is not yet poised for commercial production, any strides in boosting conversion efficiency represent a positive development for the global solar industry.
Moreover, the choice of materials in this solar cell warrants attention. Although it may not claim the title of the most efficient solar cell ever produced – as last year, researchers from the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory unveiled a triple-junction cell boasting a conversion efficiency of 34.2% – the usage of both silicon and perovskite materials holds significance, as both are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the solar energy sector.
Dr. Juliane Borchert, the Group Leader for Perovskite-Silicon Technologies at Fraunhofer ISE and the University of Freiburg, remarked on the potential of perovskite and silicon technologies in the future, stating, “The voltage of over 2.8 volts measured for the perovskite-perovskite-silicon solar cell suggests that the technology is extremely promising for electricity generation. This is a record value for this type of solar cell and demonstrates how photovoltaics combining perovskite and silicon offers huge untapped potential.”
This development comes at a time when TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) solar cells are regaining attention, with particular focus on TOPCon back contact cells anticipated to witness heightened interest in the years ahead.
