Monolithic Si/Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell: Towards High-Efficiency at Low-Cost
- $1.13m Funded by ARENA
- $4.11m Total project cost
Summary
This project will develop innovative concepts and advanced designs towards commercially-viable silicon/perovskite tandem solar cells.
Need
Mass-market conventional silicon (Si) solar cells are approaching their limit of what is possible in terms of their efficiency. There is a risk that the cost of solar energy will plateau within the next 5-10 years if a clear technology pathway is not developed. A combination of silicon and perovskite to form Si/perovskite tandems can make better use of blue light in the solar spectrum, offering higher efficiency potential and thus increasing energy yield per unit area of installation.
Demonstrated Si/perovskite tandems currently use complex device architecture and expensive materials that can add to the cell manufacturing cost, affecting the potential viability of Si-tandem commercialisation.
Learn more
Report: Monolithic Si/Perovskite Tandem Solar Cell
The project is nearing commissioning after negotiating a number of challenges and delays. This process has led to some significant learnings that have relevance for similar projects.
Media Release: Research Boost for Solar Panel Efficiency and Cost Reduction
ARENA announced funding to 16 research projects to help address solar PV panel efficiency, overall cost reductions and end-of-life issues.
Action
ANU has developed a ground-breakingSi/perovskite tandem structure that considerably reduces the tandem cost while retaining high-efficiency and is particularly advantageous for upscaling.
Building on this innovation, this project will develop advanced device designs to simplify the device structure along with cost-effective processes and stable materials to reduce the cost of Si/perovskite tandems while lifting their efficiency and durability. Innovations include:
- Si and perovskite interface engineering for high-efficiency interconnect-free tandems
- Si subcell improvements specific for tandems
- development of higher-performing and stable perovskite material and contacts
- tandem stability improvement incorporating intrinsic and extrinsic strategies.
Outcome
This project will develop a set of new technologies (cell architecture, materials and processes) to produce cost-effective, stable, high-efficiency Si/perovskite tandem cells that are industrially feasible. This has potential to reduce the cost of mass-market photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
This project will also produce cost analysis reports to accelerate the commercialisation of silicon-tandem technology.
Additional impact
This project will strengthen Australia’s industrial collaboration in photovoltaic research. It will also deliver increased skills, capacity and knowledge through presenting high-quality research findings to the PV research community, industry and the public. Furthermore, this project will foster the next generation of Australian PV researchers.
ARENAWIRE Blogs
Solar research funding awarded to 16 new projects
New funding will help solar researchers to develop panels that are more cost-effective and efficient.
