Perovskite solar cell researcher Oxford PV, in collaboration with German module manufacturer Sunmaxx, has unveiled a new perovskite-silicon tandem module, with a record conversion efficiency of 26.6%.
Oxford PV said the efficiency has been certified by the photovoltaic calibration laboratory of the Fraunhofer ISE (Fraunhofer CalLab), which provides measurement services for solar cells and modules. The 60-cell double-glazed module, with a designated area of just over 1.6 square meters, weighs less than 25 kilograms and is “an ideal size for residential applications,” according to Oxford PV.
“Oxford PV’s record-breaking module represents a significant advancement in solar energy generation. Homeowners, along with commercial customers and utilities, will all benefit from over 20% more power from the same footprint,” said David Ward, CEO of Oxford PV.
The company produced the tandem solar cells at its production facility in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, and used both in-house and contract services for the module assembly.
Chris Case, CTO of Oxford PV, said: “We are taking the next steps to bring this high-efficiency solar technology to commercial use.”
Oxford PV said the cells broke the record of 25% announced earlier this year. The glass-glass tandem PV module produced by Fraunhofer ISE had an efficiency of 25% – related to the designated illuminated area – and a power of 421 W on an area of 1.68 square meters, making it the world’s most efficient tandem solar panel made of silicon perovskite. in industrial format, according to Fraunhofer ISE.
This article first appeared in Solar Power Portal’s sister publication PV Tech.