3SUN, CEA Achieve Breakthrough in Solar Cell Efficiency

• Breaking barriers in solar tech, 3SUN and CEA unveil a record 30.8% efficiency in tandem cells, promising a brighter, more sustainable future for renewable energy.

3SUN, an Italian solar cell manufacturer owned by Enel Group, and France's CEA have achieved a significant milestone in solar technology, reaching 30.8% efficiency with a tandem perovskite-on-silicon solar cell. Developed at the CEA's National Institute for Solar Energy, this 9 square centimeter cell surpasses most international records that are measured on 1 square centimeter surfaces. The efficiency has improved by 2.4 percentage points within a year, rising from 28.4% in January 2024.

The partnership aims to address challenges in scaling up the technology for mass production, including increasing cell surface area and enhancing longevity. The tandem architecture employed not only exceeds the theoretical efficiency cap of conventional silicon technologies (around 29%) but also has the potential to increase electricity generation by over 20% while minimizing the land required for solar installations.

How does this tandem solar cell technology advance efficiency and production scalability?

Advancements in Tandem Solar Cell Technology: Efficiency and Production Scalability

• Enhanced Efficiency: Tandem solar cells, particularly those utilizing a perovskite-on-silicon structure, can significantly exceed the efficiency caps of traditional silicon solar cells, achieving efficiencies above 30%. This is a considerable leap from the maximum theoretical efficiencies for conventional solar technologies, which are typically around 29%.
• Layered Architecture: The tandem architecture allows for the combination of multiple light-absorbing materials. This means that the cell can capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, effectively converting more sunlight into electricity and reducing energy losses.
• Increased Electricity Generation: With the ability to produce more electricity per unit area, tandem solar cells can yield over 20% more energy compared to conventional silicon cells. This capability is essential for meeting rising energy demands without requiring additional land for new solar installations.
• Scalability Potential: Ongoing developments focus on increasing cell surface area while maintaining high efficiency. As production techniques evolve, larger tandem cells can be manufactured, which not only enhances output but also reduces manufacturing costs per watt.
• Longevity and Stability: The partnership between 3SUN and CEA aims to tackle issues related to the longevity of perovskite materials. By improving the stability and lifespan of these solar cells, the technology can become more viable for widespread deployment in various climates and conditions.
• Material Cost Reduction: Perovskites often use cheaper and more abundant materials compared to traditional silicon, which can lower overall production costs. This cost-effectiveness is crucial for making solar energy more accessible and competitive in the energy market.
• Innovative Manufacturing Techniques: The research is focusing on scalable manufacturing processes that can be integrated into existing production lines. This will help streamline the adoption of tandem solar cells, potentially making them widely available faster.
• Environmental Impact: With improved efficiency and reduced land-use requirements, tandem solar technology supports the global push for sustainable energy solutions. Higher energy yields in smaller footprints can contribute to minimizing environmental disruption associated with large solar farms.
• Market Competitiveness: As efficiency continues to improve and production becomes more scalable, tandem solar cells are likely to enhance competition in the renewable energy market, pushing other technologies to innovate and improve.
• Potential for Bifacial Applications: Research into bifacial designs, where cells can capture sunlight from both sides, can further amplify energy capture, offering potential gains when combined with the tandem configuration.

By advancing tandem solar cell technology, the partnership is not only setting new records in efficiency but also contributing to the larger goal of making solar energy a more viable and prominent source of power around the world.