On December 18, 2024, Qcells announced a world-record 28.6% efficiency for its perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell. This breakthrough, independently verified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), demonstrates a leap towards scalable, commercial solar technologies. The innovation was achieved on a full-area M10-sized cell developed on Qcells’ research & development pilot line in Thalheim, Germany, aligning with the goals of the PEPPERONI project.
What happened?
Following a series of R&D achievements in developing highly efficient small-area tandem solar cells, Qcells has pivoted its focus to large-area tandem development and in 2019 boosted its efforts – including involvement in the PEPPERONI project – to realize the next-generation solar product. The tandem technology combines a perovskite top cell with its proprietary Q.ANTUM silicon bottom cell to deliver high performance. Accomplished on a full-area M10-sized cell using a standard industrial silicon wafer, it maintains compatibility with industrial-scale manufacturing processes.
As Fabian Fertig, PEPPERONI’s technology development coordinator notes: “This tandem cell efficiency record is based on our in-house developed perovskite technology as a top cell, and cost-efficient Q.ANTUM silicon technology as a bottom cell. The champion cell is a typical cell from our R&D pilot line in Germany and has been fabricated by exclusively using processes that are feasible for mass production. This result is laying the groundwork for future commercialisation of this exciting technology.”
Read the full press release here.
Fabian Fertig, Head of Tandem R&D – Director, Qcells
Why is this important?
Achieving high efficiency on industrially scalable cells signifies progress from lab-scale concepts to real-world applications. Qcells’ approach prioritises compatibility with existing mass manufacturing processes, ensuring the innovation’s feasibility for widespread implementation. This could make solar energy more accessible, reduce costs, improve land-use efficiency, and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Who benefits?
It supports the PV industry’s efforts to meet global renewable energy targets while addressing climate challenges. Stakeholders in the PV industry, researchers, policymakers, and the public stand to benefit as the development accelerates the journey toward affordable, efficient solar power solutions.
How does it relate to PEPPERONI?
This record-setting achievement highlights the value of industry-research collaboration, driving innovation that benefits stakeholders across the solar energy landscape – from manufacturers to policymakers and the general public. The PEPPERONI project’s mission to refine perovskite/Si tandem technologies closely aligns with Qcells’ achievement.
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As 2024 comes to its end, the solar research and industry landscape has encountered both setbacks and notable advancements. We invite you to explore these dynamics in the second issue of our bi-annual PEPPERONI newsletter, offering in-depth updates from and outside the project. In this edition, we take you on a journey through 2024, offering insights into the ever-evolving world of PVs. From policy updates to market trends and research breakthroughs, we explore the future of solar energy while highlighting the challenges European PV manufacturers face, including intense global competition and low market prices. Our newsletter addresses key questions from various stakeholders across the PV innovation landscape.
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