Revolutionizing Solar Power: Tandem Cells on the Rise

• Unlocking the potential of tandem solar cells for a brighter, more efficient future in renewable energy. Collaboration is key to commercialization success.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have outlined a roadmap for the commercialization of tandem solar cells, which combine different photovoltaic technologies to increase efficiency. The world is predicted to need 75 terawatts of photovoltaics by 2050 due to population growth and increased electrification, making the development of more efficient solar cells crucial. Tandem solar cells, with two or more junctions, have the potential to reach higher efficiencies by absorbing more sunlight and converting it into electricity.

The roadmap focuses on hybrid tandems, combining different PV technologies to maximize efficiency. Materials like metal halide perovskites are seen as initial enablers for hybrid tandems due to their high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Gallium arsenide and gallium indium phosphide are also considered for their high efficiency, despite the expense of manufacturing. The roadmap suggests a collaborative effort between researchers and manufacturers to overcome challenges and accelerate the mass production of tandem solar cells.

How can tandem solar cells help meet the world's growing energy needs?

• Tandem solar cells can help meet the world's growing energy needs by increasing efficiency and maximizing the amount of sunlight that can be converted into electricity.
• Hybrid tandems, which combine different photovoltaic technologies, are seen as a key solution for achieving higher efficiencies in solar cells.
• Materials like metal halide perovskites, gallium arsenide, and gallium indium phosphide are being considered for use in tandem solar cells due to their high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• The roadmap for commercializing tandem solar cells emphasizes the need for collaboration between researchers and manufacturers to overcome challenges and accelerate mass production.
• With the world predicted to need 75 terawatts of photovoltaics by 2050, the development of more efficient solar cells, such as tandem solar cells, is crucial for meeting the growing energy demands.