Develops 6-inch Solar Tandem Cell
Hanwha Solutions has come one step closer to becoming the world’s first company to mass-produce solar cells using perovskite. Perovskite cells are called a game changer in the photovoltaic market as they are superior to silicon photovoltaic cells in terms of efficiency, prices, production cost and forms.
Hanwha Q CELLS, the solar power business division of Hanwha Solutions, recently succeeded in developing a 6-inch (M6) solar tandem cell. While ordinary solar cells are made of silicon, tandem cells have thin cells made of perovskite stacked on top of silicon cells. These perovskite cells absorb light of different wavelengths, dramatically boosting luminous efficiency.
Hanwha Solutions has overcome the disadvantages of small area cells, which were a constraint on mass production of perovskite batteries, paving the way for mass production of next-generation solar cells. The company is currently working on performance improvement of the solar tandem cell, with the goal of beginning mass production of perovskite batteries in 2025.
Perovskite solar cells are lighter and more flexible than silicon solar cells. The manufacturing process of these cells is relatively simple, which can slash production costs. Their manufacturing cost is also about a quarter of that of silicon solar cells. Although perovskite solar cells are vulnerable to moisture and high temperature, they can be used as a sole material for solar cells in the future if this problem is addressed through technology development. Perovskite batteries can be used in various places, such as building windows and car sunroofs.
Under these circumstances, Hanwha Q CELLS is preparing for mass production of tandem cells, which can be regarded as an intermediate stage before moving to 100 percent perovskite cells. The theoretical efficiency limit of silicon solar cells is 29.1 percent, but tandem solar cells can elevate this efficiency to 44 percent.
Most of the tandem cells being developed by major companies and organizations around the world have a small surface area (one square meter). For mass production, it is necessary to increase the area of this cell. Hanwha Q CELLS succeeded in expanding the cell area to six inches (15.24 square meters). If Hanwha Q CELLS excels its rivals in perovskite technology, it will be able to lead the next-generation solar power market.
Perovskite technology will help Hanwha Q CELLS break away from a silicon-centered structure. Silicon is produced only in some countries such as China, so Hanwha Q CELLS will be freed from supply chain problems and enjoy the effect of improving its financial structure thanks to a drop in production cost.