A recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) has demonstrated the immense potential of triple-junction solar cells composed of perovskite-perovskite-silicon subcells.

The Fraunhofer ISE research team, led by Juliane Borchert, Group Leader for Perovskite-Silicon Technologies, has achieved an open-circuit voltage exceeding 2.8 volts in their perovskite-perovskite-silicon solar cell.

Traditional silicon solar cells typically exhibit open-circuit voltages ranging from 0.7 to 0.8 volts.

The significance of triple-junction solar cells lies in their ability to harness even greater efficiency than double-junction tandem cells. The researchers said this progress in solar cell architecture presents a game-changing opportunity for the renewable energy industry.

The research indicates that perovskite-silicon solar cells have untapped potential and can substantially contribute to the global transition toward clean and sustainable energy sources.

The quest for more efficient and sustainable energy sources has led researchers to explore innovative solutions in the field of solar photovoltaics.

According to Fraunhofer, perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells have emerged as frontrunners for the next generation of solar energy technology.

Traditional silicon solar cells typically exhibit open-circuit voltages ranging from 0.7 to 0.8 volts.

Compared to other factors that determine solar cell performance, such as short-circuit current and fill factor, the open-circuit voltage is most influenced by the inherent properties of the materials used.

A high open-circuit voltage reflects the suitability of the materials, demonstrating that the fundamental prerequisites for an exceptionally efficient solar cell are present.

This voltage measurement underscores the tremendous potential of perovskite-silicon solar cell technology, combining the advantages of both materials.

The Fraunhofer ISE team’s achievement was made possible through their participation in the Triumph research project, funded by the European Commission, and the RIESEN research project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

This achievement comes on the heels of global efforts to develop perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells with efficiencies surpassing 30%. Fraunhofer ISE recorded an efficiency of 30% in its recent laboratory measurements for such a solar cell.

Recently, Fraunhofer ISE integrated 120 PERC passivation emitter rear contact cell shingle solar cells into a passenger car’s sheet metal hood to fabricate a 115-watt rated solar-active surface for onboard power generation.

In July, researchers from Fraunhofer ISE and the Materials Research Center FMF at the University of Freiburg achieved an efficiency of 15.8% for an organic solar cell covering a one-square-centimeter area.