Longi's Series-Connected Perovskite Solar Cell Sets a New World Record with an Efficiency of 34.6%
On June 14th, 2024, at SNEC exhibition in Shanghai, Longi announced that its silicon-calcium-titanium perovskite solar cell had achieved a world record efficiency of 34.6%. The announcement was officially confirmed by the European Solar Test Installation (ESTI), representing a significant milestone in the quest for high-efficiency solar cells.
Perovskite solar cells have shown immense potential in recent years due to their high efficiency, low cost, and flexibility. However, several challenges exist in improving their performance, including stability and the need for better device architectures. Longi's success in achieving such a high-efficiency perovskite solar cell came from the optimization of electron transport layer (ETL) film deposition, the development and use of high-efficiency defect passivation materials, and the design and development of high-quality interface passivation structures.
The first key element of Longi's success was the optimization of the ETL. The ETL is responsible for transporting electrons from the active layer of the cell to the contact electrode, thus contributing to the overall efficiency of the cell. Longi's team used a unique film deposition process that allowed them to achieve a high quality, uniform film layer with improved electron transport.
The second key element of Longi's success was the use of high-efficiency defect passivation materials. Perovskite materials are known to have defects that result from the presence of impurities or crystallographic variations. These defects lead to the generation of unwanted charge carriers that hinder the overall efficiency of the cell. Longi's team used a specific chemical treatment process that allowed them to passivate these defects and improve the charge carrier recombination rates, leading to higher overall efficiency.
Finally, Longi's design and development of high-quality interface passivation structures were also crucial in improving the cell efficiency. The interface between the perovskite material and the adjacent layers in the device stack is critical for ensuring efficient charge and heat transfer, as well as electron-hole separation. Longi's team used advanced modeling techniques to optimize the interface passivation design, resulting in reduced interface recombination losses and improved cell performance.
Longi's world-record-breaking perovskite solar cell demonstrates the company's commitment to developing high-performance renewable energy solutions. With this achievement, Longi is poised to lead the industry in the development of advanced solar technologies that will play a critical role in transitioning to a sustainable future. As the world looks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, investments in cutting-edge solar technologies like Longi's are critical to achieving a more sustainable and resilient energy system.