Qcells, a global solar energy provider, has set a new world record for tandem solar cell efficiency, achieving 28.6% on a full-area M10-sized cell.
This milestone was independently verified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE).
“The tandem cell technology developed at Qcells will accelerate the commercialization process of this technology and, ultimately, deliver a great leap forward in photovoltaic performance,” said Danielle Merfeld, Global CTO at Qcells, in a statement.
“We are committed to advancing the next generation of solar energy efficiency and will keep investing significantly in research and development to drive progress in this field as every kilowatt counts on the path to building a more sustainable future.”
Record-setting
The record-breaking efficiency is achieved using perovskite technology for the top cell and Q.ANTUM technology for the bottom cell.
This tandem structure captures high-energy light more efficiently in the top cell while allowing low-energy light to pass through to the bottom cell, increasing power output per area.
This reduces the number of modules needed for solar systems, cutting costs and land use for solar projects.
Qcells began tandem development on large-area cells in 2023, focusing on processes that can scale to mass manufacturing rather than laboratory-scale proof of concepts.
“This result is laying the groundwork for future commercialisation of this exciting technology,” said Robert Bauer, Head of Qcells R&D in Germany.
With R&D efforts spanning Germany and Korea, supported by funding from European and Korean government agencies, Qcells aims to make solar energy more efficient, affordable, and accessible.
“We deeply appreciate everyone dedicated to driving innovations that bring us closer to achieving our climate goals,” added Merfeld.
