In November 2022, Qcells, in collaboration with a group of European research institutes in Thalheim, Germany, initiated a four-year research project focused on the production of highly efficient tandem solar cells and modules.
To facilitate this endeavor, the group established a pilot manufacturing line in Thalheim under the project called “Pepperoni” (Pilot line for European Production of PEROvskite-Silicon taNdem modules on Industrial scale).
In addition, Hanwha Solutions, the parent company of Qcells, announced its intention to invest $100 million in setting up a pilot production line for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells at its factory in Jincheon, South Korea, by the end of 2024.
Qcells CEO Justin Lee emphasized the significance of the investment in Jincheon, stating, “This investment in Jincheon will mark an important step in securing technological leadership. With a global R&D network spanning Korea, Germany, and the US, Qcells will intensify its efforts to manufacture high-efficiency advanced tandem cells.”
Earlier this year, Germany's Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin and Qcells jointly presented a tandem cell demonstrating an impressive efficiency rate of up to 29.3%. The results have been officially certified by the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The tandem cell device is based on a silicon bottom cell utilizing Hanwha Qcells' monocrystalline Q.antum half cell technology, coupled with a perovskite-based top cell.
Qcells commented on this achievement, stating, “This latest record efficiency result, reaching 28.7%, signifies an improvement of nearly one percentage point compared to the previous record of 27.8% set in 2020. This enhancement in tandem efficiency is attributable to advancements in both the perovskite and the silicon subcells.”
