Qcells announced on the 19th that it has developed and manufactured a perovskite-crystalline silicon tandem cell suitable for mass production, achieving the world's highest power generation efficiency. This has been evaluated as coming closer to the goal of the first commercialization of next-generation solar cells.
Qcells stated that the M10 (330.56㎠) size tandem cell recorded a power generation efficiency of 28.6% and obtained certification from the international certification authority, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE). It is the world's first to manufacture a tandem cell of large-area specifications applicable to commercially sold modules, rather than small-area (1㎠) used for research.
The tandem cell being developed by Qcells is a next-generation solar cell that maximizes power generation efficiency by stacking silicon cells that absorb light from different wavelengths and perovskite cells. According to academia, the theoretical efficiency limit of the tandem cell reaches 44%, which is about 50% higher than the theoretical efficiency limit of 29% for commercially available silicon cells.
By installing tandem modules with a power generation efficiency of 26-27% instead of the existing silicon modules with a power generation efficiency of 23-24%, approximately 15% more electricity can be produced. Additionally, as perovskite has minimal output variations due to temperature and sunlight changes, the tandem cell utilizing this material can produce more stable electricity compared to silicon single cells, even in hot climates or cloudy weather.
Focusing on the early commercialization of tandem cells, Qcells has concentrated on developing manufacturing technologies applicable to mass production and module processes. The tandem cell from Qcells consists of a bottom silicon cell made with the company's proprietary Q.ANTUM technology and an upper cell utilizing a self-developed large-area perovskite thin-film formation technology. The bottom cell is made from commercial wafers, which is expected to be easily applicable in future module processes.
Hong Jeong-kwon, CEO of Qcells, noted, "Once the high-efficiency tandem cell, known as a 'game changer' in the solar market, is commercialized, the efficiency and economic viability of solar energy will significantly improve," adding, "We will continue to strengthen our research and development efforts to successfully mass-produce tandem cells first in the world and lead the global solar market based on technological competitiveness."