Fraunhofer ISE, in collaboration with Oxford PV and Wavelabs Solar Metrology Systems, has launched a groundbreaking project aimed at establishing a reliable efficiency standard for perovskite solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules. The consortium, known as the ‘Katana' project and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate, seeks to provide highly precise and reproducible measurements for this emerging technology to foster objective competition.
Perovskite-tandem cells, which combine silicon and perovskite layers, have demonstrated remarkable potential for significantly improving efficiencies in laboratory conditions. As a result, manufacturers and research institutions worldwide have been exploring ways to effectively scale up this promising technology. With the ‘Katana' project, Fraunhofer aims to advance the evaluation of perovskite solar cells and draw attention to the future of PV cell technology.
To achieve this, Fraunhofer has constructed a solar simulator at its photovoltaic calibration laboratory (CalLab). This simulator enables the measurement of perovskite-tandem cells' efficiencies, ranging from 5mmx5mm up to modules of 2.4mx1.3m. The simulator covers a broad spectrum of wavelengths, from 320 to 1650 nanometres, utilizing 40 different light sources. By accurately assessing the performance of perovskite cells under diverse light conditions, the program has the potential to establish standardized evaluation procedures for this technology.
Falko Griehl, the project manager for the SINUS-3000 Advanced solar simulator at Wavelabs, highlighted the significance of the new solar simulator. Griehl explained that the technology ensures homogeneous illumination of the modules and realistic activation of all cell layers. Moreover, it allows the simulation of light at various times of day and regions, enabling in-depth analysis of its impact on tandem modules.
Perovskite-tandem cells have been achieving new efficiency records with regularity. Oxford PV recently announced a commercial-size cell with an efficiency of 28.6%, while a test-size cell from a Saudi Arabian university holds the current record of 33.2%. Prior to that, Helmhotz-Zentrum Berlin reclaimed the record with an efficiency of 32.5%.
The industry is actively working toward commercializing perovskite technology. Qcells recently invested US$100 million in a pilot production line in South Korea, while FuturaSun, an Italian PV manufacturer, acquired a perovskite research startup from the University of Rome. These efforts demonstrate the increasing momentum behind bringing perovskite solar cells to the market.
