In the continuously expanding world of solar power, there’s a lot to be excited about. Researchers at the University of Toledo in the United States have designed a novel tandem solar cell with an impressive power conversion efficiency of 25.1%, with a potential to attain an efficiency of 30%.
In simple terms, a tandem solar cell consists of two layers that work in tandem to absorb more light than a single-layer solar cell. The top layer absorbs the high-energy sunlight while the bottom layer absorbs the lower-energy light.
For those of you who are newly inducted to the realm of solar power or are considering solar panels for your home, it’s important to understand what these advancements mean. In essence, a higher efficiency means you can generate more solar energy from the same size solar array for the home. This is particularly beneficial for those who have limited roof space. This could be a game changer for many homeowners, and solar companies alike.
The top cell of this tandem solar cell employs a special type of material known as perovskite. Perovskite is interesting because of its exceptional ability to convert sunlight into electricity, flexible structure, and cost-effectiveness in production.
On the other hand, the bottom cell utilizes a proven narrow-bandgap absorber technology made of cadmium telluride (CdTe), another commonly used solar cell material. Unlike other combinations used for tandem cells, perovskite-cadmium telluride tandem solar cells remain largely uninvestigated. However, given the broader commercial success of CdTe solar cells, solar companies already have a growing interest in this area.
Key to the solar cell design is special technology known as transparent back contact (TBC), used for the top perovskite cell. Indium zinc oxide (IZO) has been used as a promising alternative to more commonly used indium tin oxide (ITO) for these contacts.
A significant aspect of the research lies in determining the ideal thickness of this IZO layer as it can improve the performance of the semi-transparent perovskite top cell. This consequently allows more long-wavelength photons to reach the CdSeTe bottom cell, offsetting a common loss factor in this type of configuration.
In the vast ecosystem of solar, this breakthrough could herald a new era of increased efficiency. The uptick in solar energy production could reinvent the way we think about solar panels for our homes and how solar companies create their products.
While the material and tech might seem too technical if you are new to the solar industry, the important takeaway is that ongoing research and development in solar power technology will lead to more efficient solar panels. This evolution will continue to make solar a cost-effective and sustainable energy choice for everyone, from individual homeowners to large-scale solar companies.
So whether you’re a homeowner looking to make the leap into solar, or a veteran of the solar industry, this development gives us all something to look forward to. Moreover, it underscores the significance of continued research in solar technology and the potential impact it can have on our future energy needs. Trust me, the future of solar is brighter than ever!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/05/17/researchers-demonstrate-25-efficient-perovskite-cadmium-tandem-solar-cell/
