French Start-Up Investing In 6th Generation Of PV Cells

• CARBON has evinced interest in tandem cells—the 6th generation of solar cell technology 
• It is collaborating with R&D partners CEA-INES and ISC Konstanz to explore silicon-perovskite cells 
• The company also plans to investigate alternative tandem technologies to cover multiple technological options by 2030 

Even before it can start the previously announced TOPCon 5 GW solar cell and 3.5 GW module manufacturing fab, French PV technology start-up CARBON is already exploring industrial development of the '6th' generation solar cell technology, namely tandem.

Supported by its R&D partners, Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) at the Institut national de l'énergie solaire (INES) and ISC Konstanz, CARBON is exploring 2-terminal cells using silicon and perovskite materials for the tandem structure, aiming for over 30% efficiency. 

It is currently examining the tandem technology with a focus on stabilization of perovskites. Additionally, the manufacturer says it is exploring alternative tandem technologies to cover multiple technological options by 2030. 

"With CARBON we have identified the right partner to set up the first vertical integrated GW PV production in EU. In addition, the experience of ISC Konstanz on the state-of-art crystalline silicon cell technology will help paving the way for tandem technologies in future," said Co-Founder and Member of the Executive Committee at ISC-Konstanz, Dr. Radovan Kopecek.  

As per its current plans, it is the 5th generation of solar cell technology TOPCon that CARBON is betting on for a major solar manufacturing offensive announced earlier this year. Starting with the TOPCon fab in France's Fos-sur-Mer, by 2030, it aims to set up various gigafactories in Europe to produce 30 GW wafers, 20 GW cells and 15 GW of PV modules (see France To Host Integrated Solar Gigafactory). 

The management confirms that it plans to devote a minimum of 3% of its future turnover 'expected to be several tens of millions of euros per year' to R&D to develop a European solar PV innovation ecosystem.