Oxford PV explains the benefits of pairing perovskites with silicon

Scientists from Oxford PV have recently published a study describing how pairing metal halide perovskites with conventional silicon leads to a more powerful solar cell that overcomes the 26% practical efficiency limit of using silicon cells alone.

'We identified perovskites as the perfect partner for a tandem system with silicon,' commented author Laura Miranda Pérez.

Perovskites fulfill the optoelectronic requirements for a photovoltaic cell, and can be manufactured using existing processes. These features make perovskite an attractive addition to silicon technology as it can be deposited as a layer onto a conventional silicon solar cell.

'We're proving the potential of perovskite-on-silicon tandem technology through the continuous achievement of world-record efficiencies, with our current record at 29.52%,' said Miranda Pérez.

The researchers found adding perovskite onto existing silicon photovoltaics is the fastest way to improve silicon performance as it bypasses the industry disruptions associated with the introduction of a brand-new technology. They focused on tandem solar cells for seven years, and the group is now very close to starting mass commercial production in its factory in Brandenburg, Germany.

'We want to help people understand the huge potential of perovskite-on-silicon tandem technology to boost the efficiency of solar installations and to help the world reach the goal of providing sustainable energy for all," said Miranda Pérez.