The world of solar energy is on the brink of a significant transformation, driven by innovative research from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). This pioneering work focuses on the development of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs), a third-generation solar technology that promises to address the pressing challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. Recent advancements from a renowned engineering research team at PolyU are set to elevate the energy conversion efficiency of these solar cells from their current ceiling of approximately 34% to an ambitious target of around 40%.
The implications of this research are monumental as global demand for renewable energy sources accelerates in tandem with the urgency to combat climate change. Perovskite/silicon TSC technology offers a beacon of hope with its potential to contribute significantly to the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. Despite their considerable promise, TSCs are grappling with ongoing challenges that need to be surmounted to transition from laboratory innovations to fully fledged commercial viability. The focus of the PolyU team, under the leadership of prominent experts—including Prof. Li Gang, Chair Professor of Energy Conversion Technology, and Prof. Yang Guang, Assistant Professor—revolves around conducting thorough analyses of TSC performance coupled with strategic recommendations aimed at improving the technology’s practicality.
Prof. Li Gang has emphasized that while initial lab-scale devices have showcased remarkable efficiency improvements, ensuring the reliability of these devices remains a paramount challenge. The efficiency loss when scaling from small-area devices to large commercial modules is particularly concerning, signaling the need for extensive research and validation before mass production can become a reality. Reliable manufacturing methods must not only uphold industrial standards but also adapt to the peculiarities of perovskite materials, enabling their integration into widespread use.
A major hurdle faced by researchers lies in the inherent instability of perovskite materials, which are sensitive to environmental conditions such as moisture, oxygen, ultraviolet light, and thermal fluctuations. These challenges pose considerable threats that hinder the performance and lifespan of the solar cells. Moreover, the transition from lab prototypes to commercially feasible solar modules requires an in-depth focus on achieving uniformity and robust defect control during large-area fabrications. The initial rounds of outdoor testing of perovskite/silicon TSCs have been promising but have generated few certified data regarding their long-term reliability, necessitating accelerated stability testing protocols grounded in established international standards.
The PolyU research team has also brought to light another layer of complexity regarding the materials used in current cell designs. Although the raw materials for perovskites are generally low-cost, the inclusion of rare elements and heavy metals, notably lead, resonates with environmental and regulatory concerns. A sustainable approach—including both the development of eco-friendly alternatives and efficient recycling or sequestration strategies—must be a focal point as the researchers work toward realizing commercialisation potential. This multi-faceted outlook aligns with broader environmental goals and regulatory frameworks that aim to minimize ecological footprints while maximizing energy yield.
Furthermore, the technological prowess exhibited by the PolyU research team is paving the way for groundbreaking collaborations between academia and industry. The researchers propose a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that interlinks material science, device engineering, and economic modeling. This synergy is essential to facilitate the advancements necessary for real-world applications, driving down costs while escalating efficiency levels of perovskite/silicon TSCs. Prof. Yang Guang has articulated that effectively addressing the scientific challenges faced is critical to reaching lower levelized electricity costs—an essential factor for broad adoption of renewable technologies across various sectors.
This commitment to collaboration stems from the pressing need to evolve our energy landscape in tandem with ongoing global shifts towards sustainability. The innovations surrounding perovskite/silicon TSCs dovetail excellently with the strategic goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. The vision posited by the PolyU team resonates not only with energy producers but also with high-energy-consuming industries, including artificial intelligence, which increasingly demand clean, efficient power sources.
As prospects for this technology continue to unfold, the research team at PolyU remains resolute in their mission to overcome hurdles and ensure the transition of perovskite/silicon TSC technology from laboratory settings to viable commercial fabrication and deployment. The journey ahead is laden with challenges, yet the progress made thus far serves as a testament to human ingenuity in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. The work of Prof. Li, Prof. Yang, and their colleagues echoes the spirit of innovation that is pivotal for guiding the world towards a low-carbon future, fostering a generation of devices that not only meet but exceed current expectations in terms of power generation efficacy.
In the coming years, as we further explore and refine these technologies, the solar landscape stands to benefit immensely. The collaborative efforts at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University serve as a microcosm of what is achievable through science and innovation, making it clear that while challenges exist, the potential for compelling advancements in solar energy technology is vast. The work done here reflects a broader trend toward integrating advanced technology into renewable energy systems, ensuring that we harness the power of the sun more effectively—from the individual household level to large industrial applications, thus lighting the way towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Subject of Research: Development of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells to enhance efficiency and commercial viability.
Article Title: Towards efficient, scalable and stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells
News Publication Date: 14-Aug-2025
Web References: Nature Photonics
References: DOI link: 10.1038/s41566-025-01732-y
Image Credits: Credit: polyu
Keywords
Solar energy, Perovskites, Silicon, Renewable energy, Artificial intelligence, Electrical engineering.
