Efficient 4T Perovskite-CdTe Tandem Solar Cells Breakthrough

• University of Toledo researchers develop innovative 4T tandem solar cell with perovskite and CdTe absorbers, aiming for 30% efficiency with TBC technology.

Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a four-terminal (4T) tandem solar cell featuring a perovskite absorber with a tunable wide-bandgap in the top device and a cadmium telluride (CdTe) absorber in the bottom cell. This combination is relatively unexplored compared to other tandems, but the researchers believe it has potential for thin-film tandem applications due to the commercial success of CdTe solar cells.

The key innovation in the solar cell design is the use of transparent back contact (TBC) technology with indium zinc oxide (IZO) instead of the traditional indium tin oxide (ITO). By optimizing the IZO thickness, the researchers were able to achieve an overall power conversion efficiency of 25.1%, with the top cell reaching 17.93% efficiency and the bottom cell reaching 7.13%.

The researchers are now working on a roadmap to further increase the efficiency of the perovskite-CdTe tandem solar cell to 30%. Their findings demonstrate the potential of this configuration to enhance the performance of commercial CdTe thin-film solar cells.

What is the potential of perovskite-CdTe tandem solar cells for thin-film applications?

• The perovskite-CdTe tandem solar cell has the potential to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 25.1%, with the top cell reaching 17.93% efficiency and the bottom cell reaching 7.13%.
• The use of transparent back contact (TBC) technology with indium zinc oxide (IZO) instead of traditional indium tin oxide (ITO) is a key innovation in the solar cell design.
• Researchers are working on a roadmap to further increase the efficiency of the perovskite-CdTe tandem solar cell to 30%.
• The configuration of perovskite absorber with a tunable wide-bandgap in the top device and a cadmium telluride (CdTe) absorber in the bottom cell is relatively unexplored but shows potential for thin-film tandem applications.
• The commercial success of CdTe solar cells indicates the potential for the commercialization of perovskite-CdTe tandem solar cells in the future.