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					</table><p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy Systems</a> (ISE) collaborated with industry partners to achieve an efficiency of 22.55% in a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell measuring over 100 square centimeters.</p>
<p>Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (<a href="https://www.bmwk.de/Navigation/DE/Home/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BMWK</a>), the project, titled SwiTch, developed interconnection and encapsulation solutions for perovskite-silicon tandem cells using industrial screen-printing metallization.</p>
<p>The experiment aimed to reach the best achievable power conversion efficiency in tandem solar cells of larger size. The best-published efficiency for tandem cells measuring 1 square centimeter under laboratory settings has been 31.3%.</p>
<p>However, Fraunhofer ISE researchers realized that most manufacturing processes used in the laboratory are not suitable for the industrial-scale production of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.</p>
<p>According to the department head of photovoltaic modules at Fraunhofer ISE, Holger Neuhaus, &#8220;The interconnection and lamination processes had to be understood and adapted in such a way that the perovskite-silicon solar cells can be integrated into the module without damage at low cost, and with long-term stability.&#8221;</p>
<p>The solar cell made of perovskite material was stacked atop a conventional silicon solar cell in the experiment. The cells were arranged to enable the enhanced use of the solar spectrum, allowing better capture of sunlight, compared to used pure silicon solar cells.</p>
<p>The positioning of the perovskite solar cell and silicon solar cell establishes improved stability and durability, paving the way for possible industrial production of tandem cells.</p>
<p>The researchers developed the first module prototypes with a peak output of 430 W, for which they performed a detailed analysis of cell-to-module losses while targeting the long-term stability of the tandem photovoltaic modules.</p>
<p>&#8220;Efficiencies of over 35% are possible with these tandem solar cells. Laboratory-scale perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells have already overcome the silicon cell&#8217;s theoretical upper-efficiency limit of 29.4%, showing promise for even more efficient solar cells in the future,&#8221; observed Andreas Bett, director at Fraunhofer ISE.</p>
<p>Earlier this month, scientists at the Swiss Laboratories for Material Science &amp; Technology, Empa, claimed to have <a href="https://mercomindia.com/silver-tandem-solar-cells-achieve-record-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">developed</a> a low-temperature method using silver to produce a bifacial perovskite-copper indium gallium selenide tandem solar cell. They achieved record efficiencies of 19.8% and 10.9% in the front and rear sides of the bifacial tandem solar cells, respectively.</p>
<p>In June this year, scientists from Fraunhofer ISE&#8217;s Center for High-Efficiency Solar Cells claimed to have <a href="https://mercomindia.com/fraunhofer-researchers-claim-record-efficiency-four-junction-solar-cell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">achieved</a> an energy conversion efficiency of 47.6% in a multijunction solar cell (III-V) using an anti-reflection coating at a concentration of 665 suns.</p>


Scientists Claim 22.5% Efficiency in a Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Cell of Large Area


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					</table><p>After a year and a half of extensive research in heterojunction (HJT) solar cells, China-based <a href="https://www.longi.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LONGi Green Energy Technology </a>said it has achieved a record efficiency of 26.81% for its HJT silicon solar cells on full-size silicon wafers through mass production.</p>
<p>The efficiency was confirmed and certified in a report by Germany-based <a href="https://isfh.de/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Institut für Solarenergieforschung</a> in Hamelin.</p>
<p>LONGi’s accelerated the research and development in HJT delivered 1.55% more efficiency to reach 26.81% compared to 25.26% achieved last year.</p>
<p>LONGi Founder and President said Li Zhenguo, “Improving the efficiency and reducing the LCOE (levelized cost of energy) is the eternal theme of the development of the photovoltaic industry. Every 0.01% improvement in solar cell conversion efficiency requires enormous efforts. In particular, crystalline silicon solar cells account for nearly 95% of the current photovoltaic market, so the ultimate efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells also shows the development potential and direction of the photovoltaic industry, which is of great significance in the entire photovoltaic industry.”</p>
<p>Professor at the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of New South Wales</a> Martin Green said that the 26.81% efficiency achieved by LONGi is the highest silicon solar cell efficiency worldwide.</p>
<p>“This outstanding achievement will be included in the next version of efficiency tables that is published in the progress in photovoltaics. This is the first time in the history of the photovoltaic industry that a Chinese solar technology company has set the world record for silicon solar cell efficiency,” Green said.</p>
<p>The new world record set by LONGi has been recognized by the International Energy Agency, the Energy Transformation Commission, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and industry associations like Australia’s Smart Energy Council, Renewables in Africa, and the Association of Chile Energy Solar.</p>
<p>LONGi was one of the five module suppliers which <a href="https://mercomindia.com/jinko-trina-ja-longi-adani-top-solar-module-suppliers-1h-22/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">led</a> the Indian solar market during the first half of 2022.</p>
<p>LONGi <a href="https://mercomindia.com/longi-solar-records-revenue-surge-of-44-yoy-in-1h-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted</a> a year-over-year increase of 44% in net revenue at ¥50.4 billion (~$7.32 billion) for the first half (1H) of the financial year (FY) 2022.</p>


LONGi Says Achieved 26.8% Efficiency in Heterojunction Silicon Solar Cells


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					</table><p>Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology <a href="https://www.iitr.ac.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(IIT), Roorkee</a>, said they have successfully developed a prototype of a low-cost, high-quality perovskite solar cell that achieved a stable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.05%.</p>
<p>The newly developed perovskite solar cell exhibits long-term operational stability paving the way for the mass commercialization of these solar cells. The cell leads to the optimum phase distribution, enlarged grain size, and comes with enhanced crystallinity.</p>
<p>The efficiency achieved by Soumitra Satapathi from IIT Roorkee’s Department of Physics and team is said to be one of the highest reported PCEs for quasi-two-dimensional (2D) perovskite.</p>
<p>The quasi-2D layers have unique optoelectronic properties with structural diversity that help control the perovskite growth kinetics and play an efficient role as passivating agents for defect annihilation.</p>
<p>Satapathi said, “The perovskite solar cell developed by us are low-cost and can be used as an alternative to silicon solar cells. These are also the prototype solar cells exclusively developed at IIT Roorkee. Perovskite solar cells have demonstrated competitive power conversion efficiencies with the potential for higher performance, but their stability is limited compared to leading alternatives. Our main aim is to optimize the efficiency and to reduce the cost of manufacturing for Perovskite solar cells as much as possible.”</p>
<p>Perovskite solar cells found their significance in photovoltaic technology a decade ago as the potent substitute for silicon solar cells, given their higher energy conversion efficiency and stability. The process of manufacturing perovskite cells is also comparatively simpler and cheaper compared to silicon.</p>
<p>Director IIT Roorkee Professor K. K. Pant said, “The perovskite solar cell developed at IIT Roorkee is an important step towards developing efficient and stable solar cells. This technological development would boost self-reliance in India in the field of renewable energy. We encourage the development of such technologies, which have the potential of not only commercialization but also help in achieving national priorities.”</p>
<p>Institutions and experts worldwide have been performing experiments to achieve stable efficiency in perovskites.</p>
<p>Mercom had previously <a href="https://mercomindia.com/silver-tandem-solar-cells-achieve-record-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> on how scientists at Empa, Swiss Laboratories for Material Science &amp; Technology developed a low-temperature technique using silver to produce a bifacial perovskite-CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) tandem solar cell, wherein the front side of the cell achieved record efficiency of 19.8% and the rear side displayed 10.9% efficiency.</p>
<p>In June this year, scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in the U.S. <a href="https://mercomindia.com/2d-cations-tin-lead-perovskite-solar-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">developed</a> a new tin-lead perovskite tandem cell merging diverse layers of two chemical compounds achieving a record power conversion efficiency of 25.5%.</p>


IIT Roorkee Experts Claim 17% Efficiency in Perovskite Solar Cells


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					</table><p>Scientists at <a href="https://www.empa.ch/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Empa</a>, Swiss Laboratories for Material Science &amp; Technology, said they have developed a low-temperature technique using silver to produce a bifacial perovskite-CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) tandem solar cell, wherein the front side of the cell achieved record efficiency of 19.8% and the rear side displayed 10.9% efficiency.</p>
<p>In the work published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/nenergy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nature Energy</a>, the experts at EMPA captured both the direct sunlight and its reflection on the two sides of the tandem solar cell.</p>
<p>To overcome the issue of achieving limited efficiency, the scientists used a conductive oxide (TCO) to establish an optically transparent electrical contact which enabled the rear side of the bifacial CIGS tandem cell to capture the sun’s reflection.</p>
<p>The TCO became a substitute for largely used opaque back contact which is mono-facial, where solar cells are made of molybdenum which is a transition metal.</p>
<p><strong>The use of silver raises the current flow</strong></p>
<p>However, the scientists found that the flow of the current produced on the rear side of the cells is largely blocked due to the formation of a gallium oxide (GaOx) interface, lowering the energy conversion efficiency of the cell.</p>
<p>A chemical reaction occurs between the gallium of the CIGS layer and the oxygen of the transparent rear contact, when the production of highly efficient CIGS solar cells is subjected to an increased temperature deposition process, for instance, under 550 degrees Celsius.</p>
<p>According to the Head of EMPA’s Thin Film and Photovoltaics lab, Ayodhya N. Tiwari, the highest efficiencies achieved in a single cell are 9% for the front side and 7.1% for the rear side. “It’s really difficult to have a good energy conversion efficiency for solar cells with both front and rear transparent conducting contacts,” he said.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gourav.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-46553 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gourav.png" alt="Empa solar cell efficiency " width="602" height="417" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gourav.png 602w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gourav-300x208.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Gourav-600x416.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Source: Empa</p>
<p>To significantly void the presence of GaOx interface, the team then used little silver as a secret element to reduce the melting point of the CIGS alloy.</p>
<p>They focussed on obtaining absorber layers with enhanced electronic properties at a deposition temperature of 353 degrees Celsius. On keenly observing the multilayer structure of the cell with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, gallium oxide was almost nil.</p>
<p>The low-temperature deposition method using a tiny amount of silver boosted the energy conversion efficiencies on the front side to 19.8% and 10.9% on the rear side of the bifacial-CIGS tandem solar cell.</p>
<p>The efficiencies achieved by the EMPA scientists <a href="https://mercomindia.com/fraunhofer-researchers-claim-record-efficiency-four-junction-solar-cell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">align</a> with the record power conversion efficiency of 47.6% achieved by researchers from the <a href="https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fraunhofer ISE</a>’s Center for High-Efficiency Solar Cells. The team at Fraunhofer optimized each layer of the complex solar cell with multiple junctions using an anti-reflection coat at a concentration of 665 suns (heat concentration level equalling 665 suns).</p>
<p>EMPA scientists <a href="https://mercomindia.com/swiss-researchers-record-efficiency-for-cigs-solar-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed</a> to have achieved an efficiency of 22.2% for CIGS flexible solar cells. This is an improvement of 0.8% from the previous value of 21.4%, which was announced by the same lab.</p>


Scientists Use Silver in Tandem Solar Cells to Achieve Record Efficiency


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					</table><p>China-based solar cell and module manufacturer <a href="https://www.jinkosolar.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jinko Solar</a> announced achieving a record maximum solar conversion efficiency of 26.1% in its 182 mm N-type module, which is Jinko&#8217;s latest TOPCon (tunnel oxide passivated contact) cell technology.</p>
<p>In a recently released statement on the development, Jinko said that the maximum solar conversion efficiency of its 182 mm N-type module reached 23.86% in the current experiment, surpassing the record of 23.53% for N-type module, also set by Jinko in July this year.</p>
<p>The module adopted Jinko&#8217;s TOPCon cell technology and advanced welding and packaging technology. It achieved a conversion efficiency of 23.86% for the first time for 2 mm square above large-size solar modules.</p>
<p>Jinko&#8217;s record efficiencies were confirmed by <a href="https://www.tuv.com/india/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TÜV Rheinland</a>, which provides a globally unique testing standard 2 PfG 2796/02.22 for the certification of building-integrated photovoltaic modules (BIPV).</p>
<p>The results achieved by Jinko using its latest TOPCon technology establish the practical foundation needed for the mass production of subsequent advanced products. The technology effectively reduces the internal resistance loss of the module while significantly improving the conversion efficiency.</p>
<p>Chief Technology Officer of Jinko Solar Hao Jin said, &#8220;We are pleased to make another breakthrough in module conversion efficiency, leveraging our accumulated experience and continuous efforts in N-type technology R&amp;D and mass production. It is both a recognition and an incentive for our R&amp;D (research and development) capabilities. We will drive industrial progress through constant technical upgrades in product structure, materials, and processes, catering to clients&#8217; demands for high-efficient and more reliable N-type products.&#8221;</p>
<p>Jinko Solar&#8217;s module shipments for the third quarter of 2022 <a href="https://mercomindia.com/increased-n-type-module-shipments-push-jinko-revenue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">surged</a> by 160% sequentially to approximately 3 GW.</p>
<p>In another collaborative research performed last month, scientists from China, Australia, and Singapore <a href="https://mercomindia.com/topcon-solar-achieve-22-8-with-aided-atomic-deposition/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">achieved</a> a maximum power conversion efficiency of 22.8% in a 613-Watt TOPCon module with 60 cells. The teams achieved the results using a tube-type industrial plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (PEALD) technique.</p>


Jinko Solar Achieves Record Conversion Efficiency of 26.1% in N-type TOPCon Module


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					</table><p>Scientists from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (<a href="https://www.nrel.gov/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NREL</a>) developed a new tin-lead perovskite tandem cell merging different layers of two chemical compounds achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.5%.</p>
<p>The study published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/nenergy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nature Energy</a> derived observations from a 2019 experiment that used guanidium thiocyanate (GuaSCN) cation and achieved an efficiency of 23.1% in a tin-lead tandem perovskite cell. The GuaSCN cation improved the structural and optoelectronic properties of tin-lead (Sn-Pb) mixed perovskite films with a low bandgap of approximately 1.25 electron volt.</p>
<p>However, in the new research, the NREL team introduced phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) as the second compound with GuaSCN leading to an improved tin-lead perovskite.</p>
<p>Researchers Kai Zhu and Jinhui Tong from NREL authored the research study along with scientists from the <a href="https://www.colorado.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Colorado–Boulder</a> and the <a href="https://www.utoledo.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">University of Toledo</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36982" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Tandem-Solar-Cells.png" alt="Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells" width="524" height="363" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Tandem-Solar-Cells.png 524w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Tandem-Solar-Cells-300x208.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Source: Nature</h6>
<p>The addition of the two compounds revealed that while the best-certified tandem device recorded a voltage of 2.049 volts, NREL&#8217;s 2-dimensional tandem cell achieved an improved voltage generation of 2.1142 volts, while the carrier lifetime of the cells increased by around 9 microseconds using the mechanics of dimensional engineering.</p>
<p>The NREL researchers pre-conditioned their PSCs by continuous illumination under 1 Sun (AM 1.5G, 100 mW/cm2) for 10 seconds. Electron movements are triggered in solar cells when exposed to sunlight, and a long carrier lifetime associated with this movement enhances cell efficiency.</p>
<p>The combination of the two additives reduced the defect density associated with tin oxidation to an unprecedented level for tin-lead perovskites.</p>
<p>The team then studied the PSC device&#8217;s external quantum efficiency (EQE) and implemented EQE curves to improve performance.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36984" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Tandem-Solar-Cells-Boost-Efficiency.png" alt="Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells Boost Efficiency" width="524" height="363" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Tandem-Solar-Cells-Boost-Efficiency.png 524w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Tandem-Solar-Cells-Boost-Efficiency-300x208.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Source: Nature</h6>
<p>As a result, the integrated Jsc curve from EQE matched the Jsc determined from the J-V measurement, channeling the performance with stable solar cell efficiency.</p>
<p>NREL&#8217;s senior scientist and research author, Kai Zhu, said, &#8220;Our experiment represents an accelerated aging test in the lab. At this tandem efficiency level, the best-reported stability in literature is normally several hundred hours.&#8221; However, the new perovskite cell retained 80% of its maximum efficiency after the continued operation of 1,500 hours under the sun or more than 62 days.</p>
<p>In a recent experiment, materials scientists <a href="https://mercomindia.com/researchers-use-spacer-cations-for-perovskite-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">penetrated</a> the mixed cation of GuaBr (guanidinium bromide) and OABr (n-octylammonium bromide) into the perovskite bulk. They passivated the interface between perovskite absorber and charge transport layers. The dual-cation passivation layer yielded increased efficiency of 23.13%, which was earlier 21.37% with a single spacer cation.</p>
<p>Another group of scientists from the University of Rome Tor Vergata <a href="https://mercomindia.com/laser-ablation-achieve-efficiency-perovskite-panel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduced</a> the cell-to-module losses in perovskite solar modules and fabricated a 20*20 cm mini panel using the laser ablation method to nullify electrical losses by limiting the current flow in PSCs. The scientists achieved a PCE of 11.9%.</p>


2D Cations in Tin-Lead Perovskite Solar Cells Increase Conversion Efficiency to 25.5%


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					</table><p>In a new study focused on increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), materials scientists examined the non-radiative recombination sites in PSCs, which is one of the primary reasons for loss of voltage leading to the deterioration of cell efficiency.</p>
<p>The experiment was focused on passivating the interfaces between perovskite absorber and charge transport layers (CTL) by penetrating the mixed cation of GuaBr (guanidinium bromide) and OABr (n-octylammonium bromide) into the perovskite bulk.</p>
<p>The research is published in the scientific journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/16146840" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Advanced Energy Materials</a>.</p>
<p>The scientists concluded that surface-treated perovskite solar cells with the mix of OABr and GuaBr outperformed their single spacer cation counterparts in short-circuit current density (Jsc), power conversion efficiency, and stability.</p>
<p>The team found that large alkylammonium cations (spacer cations) have an improved hydrophobic nature resulting in effective passivation in conjunction with enhanced PSC stability.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36791" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Cells.png" alt="Perovskite Cells" width="524" height="430" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Cells.png 524w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Cells-300x246.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;">Schematic illustration showing a) device structure and b) the surface incorporation of GuaBr, OABr, and their mixture Source: Wiley</h6>
<p>The experiment targeted voltage loss due to recombination, which occurs in PSCs through the perovskite bulk, the perovskite/ ETL or HTL interfaces, and between the ETL and HTL through shunt pathways. The scientists used the mechanics of dimensional engineering to incorporate bulky organic cations in PSCs that form low-dimensional columnar (1D) or layered (2D) crystal structures.</p>
<p>The scientists studied a mix of 1D and 2D or 2D and 3D perovskite structures, which would improve the stability and efficiency of the PSC device. They discovered that interfacial passivation with a 1D/ 2D capping layer could be obtained by depositing a 3D perovskite photoactive layer and an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or chloroform solution of 1D/ 3D spacer cations.</p>
<p>The team observed a few recent experiments where scientists used a single spacer cation (OABr), resulting in conversion efficiency of 23.38% but with poor device stability. The study revealed that incorporating GuaBr cations as the surface passivation layer between the perovskite and HTL improved the stability of the PSC device.</p>
<p>Guanidinium cations are smaller and provide bulk passivation, making it easier for the Gua ions to penetrate the perovskite bulk. The compound localizes at the grain boundaries where it forms hydrogen bonds with undercoordinated iodine species resulting in the suppression of charge recombination— ultimately preventing the current loss in the PSC device.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36794" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Cells-Efficiency-1.png" alt="Perovskite Cells Efficiency" width="572" height="385" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Cells-Efficiency-1.png 572w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Perovskite-Cells-Efficiency-1-300x202.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;">a) ssPL spectra and b) TRPL of control and passivated perovskite films, alongside PL images of c) control, d) G, e) O, and f) 1G-1O-passivated perovskite films. Source: Wiley</h6>
<p>The scientists then fabricated the PSCs under four conditions, including control samples with no passivation on the HTL/ perovskite interface and various conditions of passivation layers on the HTL side comprising GuaBr and OABr individually and a mixture of both.</p>
<p>The ratio between GuaBr and OABr components was optimized with three varying volume ratios: 1:1 (1G-1O); 1:2, (1G-2O); and 2:1, named 2G-1O.</p>
<p>Another research from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/researchers-claim-higher-conversion-efficiencies-perovskite-solar-glass/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">achieved</a> PCEs of 15.5% and 4.1% in solar glass, with varying prototype semiconductor solar cells made of perovskite materials. The solar glass had a visible transmittance percentage of 20.7% and 52.4%, respectively, which could be used in the windows of tall buildings.</p>
<p>Materials scientists at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and researchers from five other varsities recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/scientists-develop-new-method/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">demonstrated</a> a simple surface adjustment in the manufacturing of perovskite solar cells to overcome the degradation of cells due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.</p>


Researchers use Spacer Cations for Higher Conversion Efficiency in Perovskite Cells

<p>Researchers from the Fraunhofer ISE’s <a href="https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/rd-infrastructure/center/center-for-high-efficiency-solar-cells.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Center for High-Efficiency Solar Cells</a> claimed to have achieved a power conversion efficiency of 47.6% in a multijunction solar cell (III-V) using an anti-reflection coating at a concentration of 665 suns (heat concentration levels equalling 665 suns).</p>
<p>The results presented at the second <a href="https://tandempv.conexio-pse.de/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">International TandemPV Workshop</a>, Germany, are the outcome of Fraunhofer ISE’s two-year-long research titled ’50 Percent’. The ISE scientists optimized each layer of the complex solar cell with multiple junctions, achieving improved process technology incorporated for metal contacts and anti-reflection layers.</p>
<p>The work started in 2016 when ISE experts first introduced the layer structure of a new solar cell in collaboration with the French company <a href="https://www.soitec.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Soitec Inc</a>., which designs and develops innovative semiconductor materials used in renewable equipment. The current ISE research improved the solar cell structure developed previously, establishing a much more stable contact layer by applying a four-layer anti-reflection coat to the tandem cell structure.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.bmwk.de/Navigation/EN/Home/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action BMWK</a> funded the research to develop the new solar cell with an efficiency of 50%, a global milestone.</p>
<p>In 2016, it was observed that the upper tandem solar cell in Fraunhofer’s experiment is made of gallium indium phosphide (GaInP) and aluminum gallium arsenide (AIGaAS). The experts at Soitec Inc. bonded GaInP and AIGaAS onto a lower tandem solar cell made of gallium indium arsenide phosphide (GaInAsP) and gallium indium arsenide (GaInAs).</p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36410" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Fraunhofer-Solar-Cell-Efficiency.png" alt="Fraunhofer Solar Cell Efficiency" width="609" height="430" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Fraunhofer-Solar-Cell-Efficiency.png 609w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Fraunhofer-Solar-Cell-Efficiency-300x212.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Fraunhofer-Solar-Cell-Efficiency-600x424.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 609px) 100vw, 609px" />Source: Fraunhofer ISE</h6>
<p>The current silicon solar cells have a sunlight absorption wavelength of 1,200 nm. The new research reduced the resistance and reflection losses on the front side of the cell using the anti-reflection coating. The researchers discovered that their multijunction solar cell (III-V) is spectrally sensitive and has a broad sunlight absorption wavelength of 300 nm and 1,780 nm.</p>
<p>Multi-junction solar cells function potentially when lenses concentrate the incoming sunlight onto smaller solar cell devices measuring just a few square millimeters in size. Tandem photovoltaics help overcome the limitations of single-junction solar cells and would further lower the cost of solar power, according to Stefan Glunz, the division director of Photovoltaics Research at Fraunhofer ISE.</p>
<p>Scientists worldwide have been working to improve solar cell power conversion efficiency. A team of researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory also used gallium arsenide with quantum wells and <a href="https://mercomindia.com/solar-cell-with-39-5-percent-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invented</a> a multijunction solar cell. The solar cell in the NREL experiment achieved a record power conversion efficiency of 39.5% under 1-sun global illumination.</p>
<p>In another research project by Fraunhofer ISE, scientists <a href="https://mercomindia.com/new-laser-technique-to-reduce-amount-of-silver-in-solar-modules/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">developed</a> a new laser techniqueFoilMet to reduce the amount of silver used in the production of solar panels. The technique interconnects the neighboring solar cells in a module using a thin strip of aluminum foil. It was observed that the process hardly took less than a tenth per wafer per second.</p>


Fraunhofer Researchers Claim Record Efficiency of 47.6% for a Four-Junction Solar Cell

<p>The Public Health Engineering Department (<a href="http://phe.assam.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">PHED</a>) of Assam has floated a tender for the “conversion of diesel-driven water pipelines to solar power operated piped water supply system” in eight different packages across the state.</p>
<p>The program comes under the State-owned Priority Development (SOPD) program.</p>
<p>The last day for the submission of bids is February 11, 2020, and the time allowed for the completion of all the project packages is three months.</p>
<p>The project is estimated to cost ₹174.88 million (~$2.45 million). Interested bidders are expected to pay bid security amounting to 2% of the approximate value of works for the general category and 1% for reserved categories, depending on the package(s) chosen. The different packages under the project are:</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Assam-SOPD-Plan-2019-20-Conversion-of-Diesel-Driven-to-Solar-Power-Operated-Piped-Water-Supply-Program.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-17420" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Assam-SOPD-Plan-2019-20-Conversion-of-Diesel-Driven-to-Solar-Power-Operated-Piped-Water-Supply-Program.png" alt="Assam SOPD Plan 2019-20 Conversion of Diesel Driven to Solar Power Operated Piped Water Supply Program" width="940" height="447" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Assam-SOPD-Plan-2019-20-Conversion-of-Diesel-Driven-to-Solar-Power-Operated-Piped-Water-Supply-Program.png 940w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Assam-SOPD-Plan-2019-20-Conversion-of-Diesel-Driven-to-Solar-Power-Operated-Piped-Water-Supply-Program-300x143.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Assam-SOPD-Plan-2019-20-Conversion-of-Diesel-Driven-to-Solar-Power-Operated-Piped-Water-Supply-Program-768x365.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Assam-SOPD-Plan-2019-20-Conversion-of-Diesel-Driven-to-Solar-Power-Operated-Piped-Water-Supply-Program-650x309.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Assam-SOPD-Plan-2019-20-Conversion-of-Diesel-Driven-to-Solar-Power-Operated-Piped-Water-Supply-Program-624x297.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Assam-SOPD-Plan-2019-20-Conversion-of-Diesel-Driven-to-Solar-Power-Operated-Piped-Water-Supply-Program-600x285.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px" /></a></p>
<p>The scope of work involves the supply, delivery, and installation of 8,500 Wp solar photovoltaic carry along with 3 or 4 horsepower (HP) AC surface pumps (designed for use with solar power). They must be of Kirloskar or Texmo approved brands with output not less than 45,000 – 60,000 liters/day at 30-60 meters head. For 5 HP pumps, output must be 50,000 – 60,000 liters/day.</p>
<p>To be eligible to participate in the competitive bidding process, applicants must have had a minimum average annual turnover of 30% of the value of the project in the last three financial years. In the case of joint ventures, a minimum of 60% of the required average annual turnover is to be covered by the lead partner and the rest by other JV partners.</p>
<p>Recently, the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) <a href="https://mercomindia.com/assam-invites-bids-solar-projects-under-cpsu-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">floated</a> a tender to develop 30 MW of grid-connected solar PV power projects. The capacity was tendered under the Central public sector Undertaking (CPSU) Phase II program. The projects of 10 MW each are to be set up in the lower Assam zone, central Assam zone, and in the region of Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi.</p>
<p>Previously, Mercom <a href="https://mercomindia.com/tender-issued-solar-hybrid-street-lighting-assam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a> that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways issued a request for a proposal for providing a solar-hybrid street lighting system on Assam’s Dhola-Sadiya bridge over the Brahmaputra river. The project was is estimated to cost about ₹578.4 million (~$8.2 million) and will cover India’s longest bridge and its approaching roads for a stretch of approximately 28.51 kilometers.</p>
<p>Image credit: Quartl [CC <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BY-SA</a>]</p>


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