Listen to the article now:
In a groundbreaking development that is set to redefine the landscape of renewable energy, November 2023 witnessed a buzzworthy leap in solar technology efficiency. In a field where records are celebrated, one was shattered that had stood unbeaten for merely five months. This rapid succession of breakthroughs underscores a trend that seems to be accelerating today’s pinnacle of achievement may well be tomorrow’s starting point. This cycle of continuous improvement is emblematic of a revolutionary solar technology known as perovskite tandem solar cells.
For the past decade, the scientific community has been engrossed with the potential of perovskite solar technology. Perovskite cells, named for their unique crystal structure, have consistently surpassed their own efficiency records. These records are pivotal, as they measure the proportion of sunlight hitting the cell that is converted into usable electricity. Unlike traditional silicon cells, which dominate today’s solar market with a 95% share, perovskites can absorb a different spectrum of light. This capability becomes even more potent when perovskites are combined with silicon to create tandem solar cells. Such cells harness a broader range of the solar spectrum, enhancing electricity production per cell.
Silicon-based solar cells have reached a technical efficiency ceiling of just below 30%. Perovskite-only cells, on the other hand, have achieved experimental efficiencies around 26%. Yet, when these materials are united in tandem cells, they have shattered expectations, achieving more than 33% efficiency in laboratory settings. The promise of perovskite tandem cells is staggering theoretically, they could generate more electricity at a lower cost than conventional solar cells, if they can be produced and deployed at scale.
However, the journey from lab to field has not been without its challenges for perovskite technologies. Silicon solar cells boast durability, capable of lasting decades, while few perovskite tandem panels have been rigorously tested outdoors. The core of the issue lies in perovskites’ electrochemical composition, which renders them susceptible to moisture absorption and heat degradation. Nevertheless, relentless research efforts are paving the way towards more resilient panels, focusing on protective barriers and the development of more stable perovskite compounds.
A significant milestone was reached in May when Oxford PV, a pioneering firm based in the UK, announced an efficiency of 28.6% for a commercial-size perovskite tandem cell. Notably, this figure surpasses those achieved in controlled laboratory environments, marking a significant step towards the commercialization of this technology. Oxford PV aims to commence the delivery of its first panels and scale up production in 2024, setting the stage for what could be a transformative era in solar energy.
As the horizon for perovskite tandem cells expands, so does the potential for a seismic shift in how we harness the sun’s power. With companies like Oxford PV at the forefront, the coming years may see other enterprises unveiling their contributions to this technological evolution. The promise of perovskite tandem cells—a more efficient, cost-effective form of solar energy—is on the cusp of moving from the laboratory to the global stage, heralding a new chapter in renewable energy.
