Oxford PV has set a new record for efficiency for a commercial-sized perovskite tandem solar cell as it starts initial production.
The two terminal 258.15 cm2 M2 solar cell converted 28.6% of the sun’s energy into electricity, as independently certified by Fraunhofer ISE.
The cell was made by depositing a thin film of the material perovskite onto a conventional silicon solar cell, higher than mainstream silicon-only solar cells, which average 22–24%. This follows 26.8% efficiency certified in May 2022 by Fraunhofer Institute of Solar Energy （ISE）。 In December 2020, Oxford PV achieved a world record conversion efficiency of 29.5% on a research-sized cell.
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The solar cell was produced at Oxford PV’s integrated production line in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany. The factory has started initial production the tandem solar cells for integration by solar module manufacturing partners and is ramping up to higher volumes.
The site is the world’s first volume manufacturing line for perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells and employs more than 70 staff.
“Our latest efficiency achievement of 28.6% is more than 1.5% above our record set last year and exceeds our own roadmap plan of 1% annual increases. These record-setting solar cells are made on the same production line as our 27% efficient commercial solar cells, which already meet strict performance and reliability targets,” said Chris Case, Chief Technology Officer at Oxford PV.
“Solar is already one of the least expensive and cleanest forms of energy available, and our technology will make it even more affordable. Solar panels integrated with Oxford PV’s solar cells produce more electricity from the same area, making them highly attractive for residential and commercial rooftops. For utility-scale solar farms, our technology will also help them reduce land usage and maintain biodiversity.”
“This world record on a large-area cell is our second in two years and marks another milestone for our technology. The achievement also showcases our strong intellectual property and is a testament to the talent and commitment of our team,” said David Ward, Chief Executive Officer at Oxford PV. He took over from founding CEO Frank Averdung in since the spinout from the University of Oxford.
“While we continue to innovate on our perovskite-on-silicon technology on small research-sized solar cells, much of our focus has been on improving our commercial-sized cells for the market, ramping up production, and working with our solar module partners to prepare them for assembly into solar panels. Our team has made excellent progress during 2023 and our innovative solar cells are close to being in the hands of our module-manufacturing customers,” said Ward.
The company has also recently registered a US subsidiary.
