Qcells boasts a large-area tandem perovskite cell efficiency of up to 28.6%, certified by Fraunhofer ISE
This tandem cell structure is based on the perovskite top-cell technology combined with proprietary Q.ANTUM bottom-cell technology
This R&D-level fabrication was based on commercial processes and scalable tools for mass manufacturing rather than a laboratory-scale proof of concept
Qcells, a South Korea-based solar cell and module maker, recently achieved a breakthrough in tandem cell efficiency after starting the development of an R&D-level large-area tandem cell in 2023. Starting modestly in 2016 with the development of commercially viable small-area tandem solar cells using perovskite top-cell technology combined with proprietary Q.ANTUM bottom-cell technology, the company expanded its R&D presence to Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany, and Pangyo, Korea, in 2019.
Technology
This M10-sized solar cell, utilizing a tandem stacked structure with perovskite technology for the top cell and proprietary Q.ANTUM technology for the bottom cell, achieves an impressive efficiency of up to 28.6%. According to the company, this enhanced performance is due to the top cell's ability to efficiently capture high-energy light while the bottom cell focuses on transmitting and capturing low-energy light. Certified by Fraunhofer ISE CalLab, this champion tandem cell was developed on Qcells’ R&D pilot line in Germany, emphasizing commercial processes and scalable tools for mass manufacturing rather than a laboratory-scale proof of concept.
Funding of R&D
The Germany R&D Center receives support from the German government, the state of Saxony-Anhalt, the EU Commission – including the flagship project PEPPERONI – as well as the Dutch and Swiss governments. According to Qcells, the research contributing to the record-breaking efficiency of the tandem cell was partially funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the state of Saxony-Anhalt, and the EU Commission. Additionally, the Pangyo R&D Center benefits from ongoing support from the Korean government to advance commercially viable tandem cell technology.
“Qcells is excited to announce this new world-record in tandem cell efficiency based on our in-house developed perovskite technology as a top cell, and cost-efficient Q.ANTUM silicon technology as a bottom cell. The champion cell is a typical cell from our R&D pilot line in Germany and has been fabricated by exclusively using processes that are feasible for mass production. This result is laying the groundwork for future commercialization of this exciting technology,” said Robert Bauer, Head of Qcells R&D in Germany.
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