A new stage for perovskite/silicon
Trina Solar has raised the bar for perovskite-silicon tandem modules this year. Following a series of laboratory successes, it unveiled a prototype with an output of 841 W in an industrial format of approximately 3.1 m² and an efficiency of 31% for the same size. This suggests that “tandems” are closer to real-world deployment than expected.
What exactly did Trina Solar announce?
- 841 W solar panel built on 210 mm cells; the prototype was presented at the SNEC trade fair in Shanghai.
- During the year, the company also announced 30.6% efficiency.
- It subsequently announced a further shift to 841 W / 31% efficiency on an area of around 3.1 m².
- Importantly, these are no longer test samples from the laboratory, but sizes for normal commercial use.
So what will greater efficiency be used for?
New solar panels with an output of over 800 W in standard industrial sizes can “squeeze” more energy out of the same area, so fewer panels are needed on roofs or fields. This simplifies construction, reduces cabling and labor, and lowers the overall cost of the entire installation. At the same time, perovskite panels are nearing commercial production, so we can expect the first commercial deployment in the coming years. The main direction of development is towards so-called tandem cells combining perovskite and silicon – these make better use of the solar spectrum and overcome the limitations of today’s cutting-edge pure silicon solutions.
Are there any disadvantages?
Perovskite panels now need to prove that they can withstand years of real-world operation—i.e., humidity, UV radiation, and large temperature fluctuations. Only long-term data collection and uniform testing will prove the usability of this technology. At the same time, it is necessary to master large-scale production: maintain high yield and uniformity of layers over larger areas, harmonize perovskite cells with standard 210 mm cells, and fine-tune the encapsulation so that higher efficiency does not compromise durability. Finally, it is also necessary to comply with demanding certification and safety regulations in order to sell to end customers.
When will we buy perovskite/silicon panels?
The year 2025 is mainly about overcoming efficiency and prototype issues. Real pilot installations (test deployments) can be expected sooner in the coming years. The first commercial deliveries of perovskite/silicon panels took place between 2024 and 2025, involving Oxford PV panels, which were not as efficient as Trina Solar panels. Trina Solar expects to launch its production line in 2026 and, once the legislative requirements have been met, to start manufacturing these panels.
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