Oxford PV Sets New Record with Perovskite-Silicon Solar Panel

Oxford PV, a University of Oxford spin-out, has achieved a new efficiency record for solar panels based on perovskite-on-silicon tandem photovoltaic cells. The company claims that the panel achieved a record 25% conversion efficiency, surpassing the more typical 24% efficiency of commercial modules.

The panel was produced in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. It was made using equipment and expertise at Fraunhofer ISE's 'Module-TEC' manufacturing facility and tested at Fraunhofer's 'CalLab PV Modules' test facility using a multi-spectral solar simulator.

"In order to make precise and reproducible statements about the tandem module's power, both the perovskite and the silicon cell layers were illuminated by different LED light sources under conditions that are as close as possible to those in which they produce electricity under natural sunlight," said Oxford PV.

The 1.68m2 panel delivered an impressive 421W of power. However, it is important to note that panel efficiency should not be confused with cell efficiency, as the measures needed to build a weatherproof long-life panel from cells reflect away or absorb some incident energy.

Tandem solar cells consist of two layers, each converting a different part of the light spectrum. Oxford PV explains that "perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells have a theoretical maximum efficiency of over 43%, compared to less than 30% for silicon solar cells." The company has already achieved 28.6% efficiency for commercial-sized perovskite-on-silicon cells and has a roadmap to go beyond 30%.

Oxford PV's CEO, David Ward, sees this achievement as a significant step towards the future. "It is the first step in what will be a transformative 2024," he said. "As we begin to deliver panels from our factory in Germany, and continue our global search for a high volume manufacturing site which will enable us to bring our technology into the mainstream."