Scalable ways to break the efficiency limit of single-junction solar cells

Abstract

In this special topic, researchers focus on nascent techniques and materials that offer the possibility to exceed the single-junction efficiency limit in a scalable way in the future. The resulting solar cells discussed in this special topic collection can be categorized into two main categories, such as, tandem solar cells and solar cells that make use of up- or downconversion. Researchers present reports on scalable ways to overcome the limitations of single-junction solar cells using these approaches. A tandem solar cell consists of two individual sub-cells, each having its own bandgap and its own junction to aid electron-hole separation. An important commercial consideration is that perovskite/Si tandem modules offer a higher efficiency than traditional Si-only modules, which allows the producer to charge a premium in applications where space is limited such as in rooftop systems.