Energy solutions provider Qcells has set a world record by achieving 28.6% efficiency in tandem solar cells on a full-area M10-sized cell, approximately 0.36ft², developed on Qcells’ research and development (R&D) pilot line in Germany.
This breakthrough in perovskite-silicon technology marks a significant step towards scaleable solar solutions.
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The record has been independently verified by CalLab at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.
The advance focuses on commercial processes, allowing for mass manufacturing rather than just laboratory-scale proof of concept.
Qcells global chief technology officer Danielle Merfeld stated: “The tandem cell technology developed at Qcells will accelerate the commercialisation process of this technology and, ultimately, deliver a great leap forward in photovoltaic performance.
“We are committed to advancing the next generation of solar energy efficiency and will keep investing significantly in research and development to drive progress in this field, as every kilowatt counts on the path to building a more sustainable future.”
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By GlobalDataThe tandem cells stack a perovskite top cell with Q.ANTUM silicon bottom cell technology.
This tandem cell design enhances performance by efficiently capturing both high-energy and low-energy light, reducing the number of modules needed for the same power output.
Qcells head of R&D Germany Robert Bauer stated: “Qcells is excited to announce this new world-record in tandem cell efficiency based on our in-house developed perovskite technology as a top cell, and cost-efficient Q.ANTUM silicon technology as a bottom cell.
“The champion cell is a typical cell from our R&D pilot line in Germany and has been fabricated by exclusively using processes that are feasible for mass production. This result is laying the groundwork for future commercialisation of this exciting technology.”
The innovation promises to lower solar energy costs and the land footprint required for solar projects, making solar power more affordable and sustainable.
Qcells’ R&D efforts began in 2016, focusing on perovskite top-cell technology and proprietary silicon bottom-cell technology.
In 2019, the company intensified its efforts at its R&D centre in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany, and at a dedicated research centre in Pangyo, Korea.
The focus on large-area tandem development led to this new world record.
Funding for the Bitterfeld-Wolfen R&D centre is provided by the German government, the state of Saxony-Anhalt, the European Commission and the Dutch and Swiss governments.
Qcells’ Pangyo R&D centre, recognised as a research institute for national projects, receives ongoing support from the Korean government to develop commercially viable tandem cell technology.
Qcells global chief technology officer Danielle Merfeld stated: “We are fortunate to have outstanding global R&D teams and to have received invaluable support from our partners in Europe and Korea, leveraging their resources and expertise. We deeply appreciate everyone dedicated to driving innovations that bring us closer to achieving our climate goals.
