Perovskitesilicon

Perovskitesilicon, often referred to as perovskite/silicon tandem technology, describes photovoltaic devices that combine a perovskite solar cell with a crystalline silicon solar cell to achieve higher power conversion efficiency than either material alone.

In a two-terminal tandem, a semi-transparent perovskite top cell sits above a silicon bottom cell, forming a monolithic stack whose performance is governed by current matching between subcells. In a four-terminal configuration, the subcells are optically connected but independently wired, allowing each to operate at its own maximum power point.

Materials used in these tandems are typically lead halide perovskites with the general formula ABX3, where A is an organic cation (such as formamidinium or cesium), B is lead, and X is iodine and/or bromine. Mixed-cation and mixed-halide compositions are common to tune the bandgap, improve efficient light absorption, and enhance stability. The perovskite layer is designed to harvest higher-energy photons while transmitting lower-energy photons to the silicon bottom cell.

Potential advantages include complementary absorption, high absorption coefficients, tunable bandgaps, and the possibility of lower manufacturing costs through low-temperature processing. Challenges include long-term stability under moisture, heat, and light; lead toxicity concerns; interface and lattice-mismatch losses; and manufacturing scalability and encapsulation for field deployment.

Laboratory two-terminal tandems have demonstrated efficiencies beyond 33% in certified tests, and progress continues toward commercial viability. Ongoing work focuses on stability, reproducibility across large-area modules, and integration with existing silicon manufacturing lines. Perovskite/silicon tandems are widely viewed as a near-term path to higher-efficiency solar power.