Qcells, a leader in solar energy innovation, has achieved a significant milestone by setting a world record 28.6% efficiency in tandem solar cells. Verified by CalLab at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), this breakthrough combines high efficiency with scalability, making it feasible for mass production.
The record-setting cell, measuring approximately 330.56 cm² (0.36 square feet), was developed on Qcells’ pilot line in Germany. By combining a perovskite top layer with a Q.ANTUM silicon bottom layer, the cell leverages the strengths of both materials. The perovskite captures high-energy sunlight, while silicon efficiently absorbs lower-energy wavelengths, resulting in a higher energy conversion rate. This tandem design reduces the number of modules required to generate the same power, lowering costs and land requirements for solar installations.
Unlike lab-scale prototypes, Qcells’ tandem cells are built using commercial manufacturing processes on standard industrial silicon wafers. This ensures they can be integrated seamlessly into scalable production lines, bridging the gap between research and industrial adoption.
Qcells’ record achievement is the result of years of research and development. Since 2016, the company has focused on creating tandem solar cells that combine performance with scalability. In 2019, Qcells expanded its efforts with a dedicated research center in Pangyo, Korea, and advanced R&D at its Bitterfeld-Wolfen center in Germany. These innovations were supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the state of Saxony-Anhalt, and the European Union Commission, as well as the PEPPERONI project, which aims to commercialize perovskite tandem technology.
“We are fortunate to have outstanding global R&D teams and to have received invaluable support from our partners in Korea and Europe, leveraging their resources and expertise,” said Danielle Merfeld, Global CTO at Qcells. “We deeply appreciate everyone dedicated to driving innovations that bring us closer to achieving our climate goals,” Merfeld added.
A Milestone for the Future of Solar Energy
The tandem cell’s ability to improve power output per area is transformative for urban and space-constrained installations. Qcells’ achievement aligns with global efforts to lower the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from renewable sources, making solar more competitive with fossil fuels.
“The champion cell is a typical product from our R&D pilot line in Germany, fabricated exclusively using processes that are feasible for mass production,” said Robert Bauer, Head of Qcells R&D in Germany. “This result is laying the groundwork for future commercialization of this exciting technology.”
Despite its advantages, perovskite technology faces challenges, particularly its tendency to degrade more quickly under real-world conditions compared to silicon. However, Qcells’ success demonstrates that tandem solar cells are steadily advancing from research labs to industrial applications. With continued investments and global collaborations, Qcells is positioned to lead the transition to scalable, high-efficiency solar solutions.
Conclusion
Qcells' 28.6% tandem solar cell efficiency sets a new benchmark in renewable energy innovation, combining cutting-edge research with scalable manufacturing techniques. This achievement highlights the transformative potential of tandem technology to make solar energy more accessible, efficient, and sustainable, paving the way for a brighter, greener future.
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