Breakthrough Bifacial Tandem Solar Cells Exceed 24% Efficiency

• Researchers unveil breakthrough bifacial solar cells with over 27 mW cm−2 output, achieving 24% efficiency—pioneering the future of solar energy technology!

Researchers from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) developed bifacial perovskite/silicon heterojunction tandem solar cells featuring FAPbI3-based perovskite. Utilizing a hybrid evaporation-spin coating process, the team achieved efficiencies exceeding 20% for planar cells with stable performance over approximately 720 hours (T80). When integrated into tandem devices on textured silicon heterojunction cells, the devices demonstrated efficiencies over 24% under standard illumination conditions.

The optimized bifacial devices produced over 27 mW cm−2 power output with 15% illumination from the rear, showcasing high reproducibility and long-term stability. Researchers highlighted the sensitivity of perovskite films to processing parameters, stressing the importance of fine-tuning fabrication protocols. By improving the hybrid evaporation-spin coating method, the team obtained high-quality crystalline absorbers with uniform optoelectronic properties, ultimately leading to efficient bifacial solar cells that represent a significant advancement in solar technology.

What advancements in bifacial perovskite solar cells did EPFL and CSEM researchers achieve?

Advancements in Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cells by EPFL and CSEM Researchers

• Innovative Hybrid Fabrication Technique: The researchers developed a hybrid evaporation-spin coating process that allows for more precise control over the deposition and crystallization of perovskite layers, resulting in higher-quality films.
• Record Efficiency Achievements: The bifacial perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells achieved efficiencies surpassing 20% for planar cells and exceeded 24% when integrated with textured silicon heterojunction cells, indicating a significant leap in energy conversion capabilities
• Enhanced Power Output: The optimized bifacial cells demonstrated impressive power output of over 27 mW cm−2, even with limited rear illumination, showcasing their efficiency in varied light conditions.
• Long-Term Stability: The performance of the solar cells remained stable for approximately 720 hours (T80), indicating a promising lifespan and reliability for commercial applications.
• Sensitivity to Processing Parameters: The study emphasized the critical importance of processing parameters in the production of perovskite films, highlighting how even minor adjustments can lead to substantial improvements in performance.
• Fine-Tuning Fabrication Protocols: The team's research underscores the necessity for meticulous refinement of fabrication methods, which contributed to achieving uniform optoelectronic properties across the film, a key factor in enhancing device performance.
• Bifacial Design Advantages: The bifacial structure allows these solar cells to harness sunlight from both sides, increasing their overall energy capture and making them highly efficient in various installation scenarios, such as rooftops and solar farms.
• Potential for Cost Reduction: By improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, the research could lead to reduced costs for solar energy production, contributing to the overall economic viability of renewable energy technologies.
• Market Implications: The advancements made in bifacial perovskite solar cells are poised to influence the solar market by offering a more efficient and stable alternative to traditional silicon-only solar cells, potentially leading to wider adoption and deployment.
• Future Research Directions: The findings from this study pave the way for further research into the scalability of bifacial perovskite technologies, exploring their integration with other renewable systems and enhancing their application in diverse environmental conditions.

This comprehensive suite of advancements signifies a notable progression in the realm of solar energy, particularly through the innovation of bifacial perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.