Perovskite-silicon solar cells cross 30% efficiency, set new record

Researchers at EPFL and CSEM have developed a triple-junction solar cell combining a silicon bottom cell with two perovskite thin-film layers, achieving a certified efficiency of 30.02%, surpassing the previous record of 27.1%. This breakthrough is notable not only for its high performance but also for its focus on scalability and cost-effectiveness, aiming to make high-efficiency solar technology practical for widespread terrestrial use. Unlike traditional high-efficiency cells that rely on expensive III-V semiconductors used mainly in space applications, this design leverages more affordable materials, potentially reducing costs by a factor of 1,000 per watt. The team addressed key technical challenges by introducing a molecule to improve perovskite crystal formation, boosting the top cell voltage to 1.4 volts, and employing a new three-step fabrication method to enhance near-infrared absorption in the middle layer. Additionally, nanoparticles were incorporated to reflect light back into the middle cell, increasing current. The researchers