Efficiency just a step away from exceeding 30%. The Tandem 3SUN cell is once again a record-beater
Research carried out during the laboratory stage have let us achieve 29.8% efficiency on a solar cell using innovative silicon and perovskite technology. Another step further in the photovoltaic market revolution
Credits: CEA
We have reached a new record in terms of efficiency for the Tandem cell in silicon and perovskite. Our researchers, in collaboration with the CEA team at the French National Institute for Solar Energy (INES) have been able to elevate the conversion efficiency of this innovative technology once again, taking it to 29.8% in a 9 cm2 cell
The results have been certified by the European Solar Test Installation of the European Commission Joint Research Centre, which is increasingly closer to the goal of exceeding 30% efficiency - an essential step in the road to industrialising this innovative technology.
Tandem technology consists of a bottom cell using heterojunction technology (HJT) and a top cell consisting of perovskite, a material able to transform a broader band of spectral light wavelengths into current. This combination of materials allows us to build far more efficient solar modules, reducing energy production costs and maximising the use of available surfaces at the same time.
But we are not just looking at a new and surprising efficiency record: 29.8% for a 9 cm² cell is also the umpteenth tangible confirmation of our world leadership in advanced photovoltaic technology development.
A record and another step towards industrialisation
As Cosimo Gerardi, Chief Technology Officer at 3SUN is keen to point out, the decisive factor is the ability of our researchers to take the Tandem further towards an “industrialisation made possible by the choice of materials which, by working closely with CEA at INES, have allowed us to scale this technology to areas larger than the cm2”.
To sum up, we are always ready to revolutionise the photovoltaic market with solar panels “made in Europe” that are accessible, competitive and give great performance. Continued improvements in terms of solar cell materials and design have allowed us to convert an increasing amount of sunlight into electricity, making solar power installations more efficient and affordable.
Better performing, more resistant cells
As well as the efficiency, as reported in a recent study performed by our team, and published in scientific review “Advanced Science”, silicon and perovskite Tandem cells show excellent resistance and can keep up their productivity levels even in sub-optimum conditions, such as in cases of partial shade and the resulting effect known as reverse bias.
This is a key element in guaranteeing the long life and performance of photovoltaic installations over time, and it is what clearly separates them from the thin film.
The revolution starts with 3SUN
Continuing to look to the future, after industrialising our CORE-H technology, which powers our B60 and M40 series modules, at 3SUN we will continue with our innovations, with the aim of bringing the Tandem technology of our solar modules to wide-scale distribution in the very near future. Making Europe more competitive on the global photovoltaic market. At our Gigafactory we are laying the foundations for the solar power industry of tomorrow. More sustainable, better performing, and innovative.