Researchers at South Korea’s Chonnam National University have reported perovskite-organic hybrid tandem solar cells with 23.07% efficiency processed entirely in open air, bringing the technology a step closer to economic viability.

Schematic illustration of the synthesis of all-inorganic perovskite thin films by dynamic hot-air-assisted method. Image from Energy & Environmental Science 

Researchers have largely relied on meticulously engineering the perovskite crystal structure itself for greater resilience. But these delicate handling steps add cost and complexity not suitable for mass production. The team explained that the focus has recently shifted toward all-solution processed solar cells due to their low energy consumption fabrication processes. The team’s innovation, a dynamic hot air deposition technique, simplified the production process by eliminating the need for humidity-controlled environments.

Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE have estimated that the practical power conversion efficiency potential of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells may reach up to 39.5%. In a recent study, the Fraunhofer ISE scientists set out to provide guidelines for future research on perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells by identifying the most significant loss mechanisms at the perovskite/ETL interface, in the series resistance, and in light management.

The team explained that the calculated practical efficiency potential of 39.5% for a perovskite silicon tandem device under standard measurement conditions (STC) can serve as an input for future studies which are required for a better understanding of the full system before the commercialization of tandem solar cell technology can take place.