A roadmap for tandem photovoltaics

Kirstin Alberi; Joseph J. Berry; Jacob Cordell; Daniel J. Friedman; John F. Geisz; Ahmad R. Kirmani; Bryon W. Larson; William E. McMahon; Lorelle M. Mansfield; Paul F. Ndione; Michael Owen‐Bellini; Axel F. Palmstrom; Matthew O. Reese; Samantha Reese; Myles A. Steiner; Adele C. Tamboli; San Theingi; Emily L. Warren · 2024 · Joule

Paper

Abstract

Combining two or more junctions into a tandem solar cell promises to deliver a leap in power conversion efficiency that will help to sustain continued growth in installed photovoltaic (PV) capacity. Although tandems are now on the roadmaps of many PV manufacturers, much work remains before they are ready for mass deployment. Accelerating their development requires advances on many fronts. In this article, we outline the fundamentals and status of tandem PV, considering multiple PV technology pairings and architectures. We then present the challenges that must be overcome and a general timeline of activities that are required to translate tandems to commercial products. Our intent is to spur researchers and manufacturers to work together to address important aspects of tandem design, reliability, and scaling to enable more rapid progress toward mass production.

Analysis

Paper intelligence

Summary

This paper outlines the fundamentals, status, challenges, and a general timeline for the commercialization of tandem solar cells, which promise a significant leap in power conversion efficiency.

Key findings

Tandem solar cells offer a path to increased power conversion efficiency.
Commercial deployment of tandems requires advances in multiple areas.
Collaboration between researchers and manufacturers is crucial for rapid progress.

Methods

Review of tandem PV fundamentals and status.
Consideration of multiple PV technology pairings and architectures.
Presentation of challenges and a timeline for commercialization.

Limitations

The paper does not detail specific material compositions or interface engineering.
Specific performance metrics for current tandem devices are not elaborated upon.
The timeline presented is general and requires further refinement.

Applications

Mass deployment of high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) capacity.
Sustaining continued growth in the solar energy sector.

Confidence100%

Discovery

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Source record

Publication metadata

Authors: Kirstin Alberi; Joseph J. Berry; Jacob Cordell; Daniel J. Friedman; John F. Geisz; Ahmad R. Kirmani; Bryon W. Larson; William E. McMahon; Lorelle M. Mansfield; Paul F. Ndione; Michael Owen‐Bellini; Axel F. Palmstrom; Matthew O. Reese; Samantha Reese; Myles A. Steiner; Adele C. Tamboli; San Theingi; Emily L. Warren
Published: Feb 21, 2024
Journal or venue: Joule
DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2024.01.017
Paper type: journal article
Source: Openalex

DOI OpenAlex