Hanwha Corp’s Qcells announced a breakthrough in solar technology, potentially reducing the space required for solar power generation.
The innovation addresses land-use challenges faced by large-scale solar projects.
Qcells set a world record for efficiency in large-area silicon solar cells with a perovskite top layer, achieving 28.6 percent efficiency.
Perovskite materials are cost-effective and absorb large amounts of light, offering opportunities to shrink project sizes and cut costs.
Other companies, including China’s Longi and Britain’s Oxford PV, have also achieved efficiency milestones with smaller cells.
Tandem perovskite and silicon cells are more efficient than traditional ones but need long-term reliability testing.
Qcells’ achievement was validated by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.
This milestone represents a significant leap forward in solar energy innovation. The breakthrough combines a perovskite top cell with Qcells’ proprietary Q.ANTUM silicon bottom cell technology, enabling enhanced energy capture by efficiently utilizing both high-energy and low-energy light. The result is a significant improvement in power density, reducing the number of modules needed for equivalent energy output and minimizing the land required for solar installations.
Unlike many lab-scale proofs of concept, Qcells designed this record-setting cell for scalability, using industrial silicon wafers and commercially viable manufacturing processes. This approach ensures readiness for mass production, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application.
Developed at Qcells’ R&D centers in Germany and Korea, the technology benefits from global collaboration, with funding and support from German and Korean governments, the EU Commission, and other partners.
Qcells’ commitment to innovation is reflected in its ongoing investments in research and development since 2016. The company’s efforts have consistently pushed the boundaries of solar efficiency, culminating in this record-breaking achievement.
By delivering a solar cell that is both powerful and cost-effective, Qcells is paving the way for a more sustainable and accessible energy future while supporting global climate goals. This new tandem technology lays a robust foundation for future commercialization, signaling a transformative moment in the photovoltaic industry.