Australian National University (ANU) researchers in Canberra, ACT have achieved a major milestone in solar energy by reaching an efficiency rate of 30.3% with their perovskite-silicon tandem solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for harnessing the sun’s power more efficiently and effectively.
To achieve 30% module efficiency and 30 cents per installed watt (USD 0.21/W) at utility scale by 2030, Australia set its “Solar 30 30 30” objective in 2021. The first 30 were reached by Perovskite Photovoltaics Research Group, a team from the ANU having a 30.3% efficiency.
Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
The efficiency of a 4-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell was calculated to be 30.3%, one of the highest values reported for this type of tandem device using the perovskite top cells with comparable active areas. Importantly, the encapsulated 4-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem cells showed excellent operational stability, retaining over 98% of the initial performance after 42-day/night cycles in ambient.
Source&Image: ANU – Perovskite Photovoltaics Research Group
Source: Advanced Energy Materials
World research institutions and industries are also investing in this technology
The ANU researchers are not the only ones exploring the potential of tandem PV cells. Other research institutions and companies worldwide are also investing in this technology, recognising its potential to revolutionise the solar energy industry. However, the ANU team’s recent breakthrough puts them at the forefront of this research and sets a new standard for the industry.
According to Reuters, with a conversion efficiency of 27% and an energy yield of 24%, US’ Oxford PV plans to commercialise its perovskite-on-silicon tandem cell this year. By comparison, the majority of silicon panels now available on the market have a yield of between 20% and 22%.
By the decade’s end, the company plans to scale manufacturing to 10 GW by expanding its pilot factory outside Berlin, Germany.
Tandem 4T Perovskite/Silicon cells will be manufactured in a solar panel facility in France built by the IPVF solar institute in collaboration with the country’s Voltec Solar company. By 2030, the partners hope to ramp up capacity to 5 GW and begin production in 2025.
They published their findings in Advanced Energy Materials.
“Solar 30 30 30”
To support research and development (R&D) and commercialisation activities that aim to lower the cost of solar significantly, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced that it awarded $41.5 million in funding across 13 research projects on behalf of the Australian Government.
Previous investments made by ARENA in solar PV support projects that are in line with the project’s “Solar 30 30 30” target to improve module efficiency to 30 per cent and reduce total construction costs of utility-scale solar farms to 30 cents per watt by 2030. To assist the new technologies in getting to market, funding is being made available to focus on commercialisation prospects, which will place after an initial R&D phase.
Researchers from three Australian universities—The University of New South Wales (UNSW), The Australian National University (ANU), and The University of Sydney (USYD), have received funding.
What is perovskite and why perovskite solar cells?
A class of materials known as perovskites has several beneficial properties, including converting light into electricity.
The majority of commercially accessible solar cells are silicon-based.
Although the price of silicon cells has decreased dramatically over time due to increased commercial demand, these cells are approaching the limit of 30% energy conversion efficiency (shockley-queisser limit), beyond which efficiency cannot be increased.
The solar cell industry requires next-generation photovoltaic advancements to meet the rising demand for sustainable energy. One of the most promising approaches to this issue is perovskite-silicon tandems, which provide increased energy conversion efficiency by layering perovskite layers on top of silicon cells to improve their capacity for light absorption and conversion. The end user receives better value for their money because perovskite materials are less expensive and produce more electricity throughout a solar cell’s lifetime with fewer additional costs. The ANU-developed technologies make it simple for manufacturers to integrate perovskite deposition capabilities with their current manufacturing pipelines.
Source&Image: ANU – Perovskite Photovoltaics Research Group
World research institutions and industries are also investing in this technology
The ANU researchers are not the only ones exploring the potential of tandem PV cells. Other research institutions and companies worldwide are also investing in this technology, recognising its potential to revolutionise the solar energy industry. However, the ANU team’s recent breakthrough puts them at the forefront of this research and sets a new standard for the industry.
According to Reuters, with a conversion efficiency of 27% and an energy yield of 24%, US’ Oxford PV plans to commercialise its perovskite-on-silicon tandem cell this year. By comparison, the majority of silicon panels now available on the market have a yield of between 20% and 22%.
By the decade’s end, the company plans to scale manufacturing to 10 GW by expanding its pilot factory outside Berlin, Germany.
Tandem 4T Perovskite/Silicon cells will be manufactured in a solar panel facility in France built by the IPVF solar institute in collaboration with the country’s Voltec Solar company. By 2030, the partners hope to ramp up capacity to 5 GW and begin production in 2025.
A key component to a more sustainable energy future
The 30.3% efficiency success of the ANU researchers is a testament to the potential of renewable energy technology to transform our energy systems and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. With continued investment and research, the tandem PV cell has the potential to become a key component of the global effort to transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Energy Matters has over 17 years of experience in the solar industry and has helped over 40,000 Australian households in their journey to energy independence. Let us discuss and choose the best quote that suits your needs and budget. Use our free solar quote system to get up to 3 free solar quotes from our network of trusted, local solar installers in Melbourne. Complete our quick quiz and begin your solar journey today!
