LONGi Green Energy Technology hasannounced a noteworthy milestone, setting a new world record for the efficiency of crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells at 33.9%. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 33.7%, which was established by King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) in May of this year.
The recent feat has been officially confirmed through the latest certification report from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). LONGi’s internally developed crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells have not only achieved an efficiency rating of 33.9% but have also positioned themselves as the global leaders in this regard. It is important to note that this accomplishment follows LONGi’s previous declarations of 31.8% efficiency at the SNEC 2023 event in May and 33.5% efficiency at the InterSolar Europe 2023 event in June.
What makes this achievement even more significant is that it has surpassed the Shockley-Quieser (S-Q) theoretical efficiency limit of 33.7% for single-junction solar cells. This practical demonstration serves to highlight the enhanced efficiency capabilities of crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells when compared to single junction solar cells.
Dr. Xixiang Xu, the Chief Scientist and Vice President of LONGi Central R&D Institute, pointed out that LONGi had previously set a world record in November 2022 for silicon heterojunction cell efficiency, exceeding 26.81%. This recent milestone in crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells marks another accomplishment, cementing LONGi’s position as a leader in the field. Additionally, it represents the first time a Chinese company has surpassed this efficiency record since the inception of crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells in 2015.
Zhenguo Li, Founder and President of LONGi, emphasized the critical role of solar cell efficiency in assessing photovoltaic technologies. While crystalline silicon single-junction cells have been steadily improving and approaching their theoretical efficiency limit of 29.4%, crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells have shown significant promise with a theoretical efficiency limit of 43%. This technology is recognized as a prominent solution to surpass the efficiency limits of single-junction cells, representing a substantial advancement in high-efficiency solar cell technology. Its capacity to generate more electricity from the same amount of light within the same area is a notable feature.
Hua Jiang, Deputy Secretary-General of China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA), commended LONGi’s achievement, underscoring the global significance of the enterprise’s research and development in crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells technology. Jiang Hua stressed that the photovoltaic industry places a strong emphasis on cost-efficiency, and improving the efficiency of solar cells is integral to reducing the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE). The potential mass production of high-efficiency solar cell technology is anticipated to significantly reduce the cost of photovoltaic power generation, thereby supporting the growth of the global photovoltaic market and the broader transition towards cleaner energy sources.
Zhenguo Li reiterated LONGi’s dedication to technological innovation, cost reduction, and efficiency enhancement, while also encouraging the industry to remain focused on technological competition and to embrace continuous innovation.
