Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany have achieved a breakthrough in solar technology with the development of a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell that boasts an impressive efficiency of 31.6%. This innovation paves the way for more efficient solar cells that could be produced on an industrial scale.
The newly developed solar cell, measuring 1 square centimeter, effectively integrates a perovskite layer with a textured silicon base. The Fraunhofer Institute highlighted that utilizing a standard silicon layer as the foundation enhances the potential for industrial production. The texturing of the silicon layer minimizes reflection losses, allowing for better utilization of sunlight.
By adding a perovskite layer on top, the tandem cell is able to capture and convert more sunlight into electricity than traditional silicon cells alone.
The researchers employed a unique method known as a combined hybrid process, which enables the even application of the perovskite layer on the textured silicon surface.
According to the Fraunhofer Institute, the achieved efficiency of 31.6% is the highest to date for a cell that combines an industrially textured silicon solar cell with perovskite through a hybrid deposition route.
