Triangular System
Hanwha Solutions will establish a research and development (R&D) hub in the United States. The hub will connect Korea and Germany. The expansion of Hanwha’s R&D center from two tracks to three tracks in the United States is expected to accelerate the company’s efforts to lead the next-generation solar market, including perovskite-crystalline silicon tandem cells.
According to industry sources on May 17, Hanwha Solutions will establish a global R&D network with the United States as a link. The United States will combine global research capabilities by connecting its R&D centers in Jincheon, South Korea, and Thalheim, Germany.
By establishing the U.S. R&D center, Hanwha aims to take technology leadership in the development of next-generation modules, among others, ahead of the launch of Solar Hub, North America’s largest solar power equipment production complex in 2024.
Hanwha has set tandem cells called a “dream solar power cell” as a future growth driver. Tandem cells are made by stacking layers of perovskite on layers of silicon. Perovskite is a newly emerging solar power material. It boasts efficiency 1.5 times higher than the marginal efficiency of other silicon cells. It is recognized as a game changer in the future solar power market.
Hanwha Q CELLS announced on May 16 that it will build the world’s largest advanced tandem cell and module production pilot facility in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, Korea by investing 13.65 billion won (US$10.22 million). The company plans to mass-produce tandem cells beginning in the second half of 2026 and will collaborate with an R&D center in Thalheim, Germany. The R&D center is running a small-scale pilot production line.