A collaborative effort between NREL and CubicPV has yielded a perovskite minimodule with 24.0% certified efficiency, marking the first time a U.S. effort has set a record in the perovskite minimodule category.
Image credit: NREL
The researchers at NREL and at CubicPV made the minimodule consisting of multiple interconnected cells, with several steps in the fabrication sequence done at each location.
CubicPV’s focus is on tandem solar devices, using perovskites on top of silicon to make a solar panel that captures more photons and continues to lower the cost of energy, while NREL’s focus is on advancing manufacturing, durability, and efficiency of perovskite-enabled tandems.
Kai Zhu, a senior scientist in NREL's Chemistry and Nanoscience Center has previously collaborated with CubicPV. Zhu said the complementary expertise of the two organizations is a testament not only to technical excellence, but to the accelerated impact of combining complementary strengths. “It’s really the strength from both parties that creates the environment for record setting,” he said. “Both teams can achieve great results - but collaboration amplifies our impact and sets new device benchmarks.”
Adam Lorenz, chief technology officer of CubicPV, said future efforts will focus on demonstrating durable performance outdoors and producing larger area perovskite modules. “We are committed to leveraging U.S. technical leadership and collaborating with the top researchers in the world to drive cutting-edge perovskite science toward scalable, commercially viable, and durable products,” he said.
