Overview
ABSTRACT
This article concerns multi-junction photovoltaic cells, which combine several semi-conductors to exploit different wavelengths of the solar spectrum, thus overcoming the limitations of single-junction solar cells.
After a brief history of multi-junction architectures, the focus will be on perovskite/silicon tandem architectures and the challenges to overcome, such as interface optimization, industrialization, and long-term reliability. The main objective is to develop a very high-efficiency solar technology that is industrially and sustainably viable.
Finally, thin-film tandem architecture alternatives based on perovskites will be discussed, offering flexibility, lightness, and a low energy footprint.
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Read the articleAUTHORS
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Solenn BERSON : CEA Research Engineer - Grenoble Alpes University, CEA LITEN, INES, Le Bourget du Lac, France
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Helen BRISTOW : CEA Research Engineer - Grenoble Alpes University, CEA LITEN, INES, Le Bourget du Lac, France
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Olivier DUPRE : CEA Research Engineer - Grenoble Alpes University, CEA LITEN, INES, Le Bourget du Lac, France
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Matthieu MANCEAU : CEA Research Engineer - Grenoble Alpes University, CEA LITEN, INES, Le Bourget du Lac, France
INTRODUCTION
Multijunction photovoltaic cells represent a major advancement in solar technology, designed to maximize conversion efficiency by harnessing different regions of the light spectrum. Unlike single-junction cells, which can utilize only a smaller fraction of solar energy, multijunction architectures stack multiple semiconductor materials with complementary bandgaps.
After providing a historical overview of multijunction cells and describing the different types of cells and architectures, we will focus on perovskite/silicon tandem architectures. This technology combines a top cell made of a wide-bandgap material with a standard silicon cell, enabling more efficient utilization of the solar spectrum by limiting losses due to thermalization. This represents one of the most promising approaches for overcoming the limitations of conventional photovoltaics. To date, efficiency records of nearly 35% have been achieved on a laboratory scale. The scientific and technical challenges that remain include interface optimization, scaling up to industrial production, and reliability—a critical factor for the technology’s long-term viability.
In the final section, we will address the question of what alternatives exist to silicon-based tandem architectures. Indeed, thin-film tandem architectures based on perovskite materials represent an innovative strategy for maximizing photovoltaic efficiency while retaining the inherent advantages of thin-film technologies: flexibility, light weight, and low energy impact.
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KEYWORDS
solar cells | photovoltaic | silicon technology | perovskite | tandem
A new era for tandem photovoltaic cells
Background and State of the Art
Bibliography
- (1) - IFPEN - Les véhicules essence et Diesel. - Article consultable en ligne : https://urls.fr/fPdTbD
- (2) - US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY - Solar Photovoltaic System Cost Benchmarks. - Article...
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