Flexible perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell achieves new efficiency record
This study is led by Dr. Xinlong Wang, Dr. Jingming Zheng, Dr. Zhiqin Ying, Prof. Xi Yang and Prof. Jichun Ye of Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Despite the remarkable progress made in rigid perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, with reported efficiencies as high as 33.9%, the use of flexible perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells has remained elusive. The difficulty lies in improving light absorption in ultrathin silicon bottom cells while maintaining mechanical flexibility.
The research team successfully demonstrated the first flexible perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell using ultra-thin silicon, approximately 30 µm thick. By reducing wafer thickness and adjusting the characteristic dimensions of light-trapping textures, they significantly improved the flexibility of the silicon substrate without compromising light utilization. In addition, by capping the perovskite top cells, they improved the mechanical durability of the device, eliminating concerns related to fractures in the silicon surface.
The resulting flexible perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell achieved a certified stabilized efficiency of 22.8%, marking a record efficiency for flexible solar cells. With an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 3.12 W g-1, the device promises high performance in a lightweight package. Remarkably, the flexible tandems demonstrated excellent bending durability, retaining 98.2% of their original performance even after 3,000 bending cycles at a radius of only 1 cm.
The research of Professor Jichun Ye and his team represents a significant advance in the development of flexible photovoltaic technology. Their research not only demonstrates the feasibility of flexible perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, but also opens new avenues for the practical application of highly efficient, lightweight solar cells in various fields.
Research report:Ultra-thin (~30 um) flexible monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell
