Imagine stacking two different types of solar filters on top of each other to catch more sunlight than a single layer ever could. One layer catches the high-energy light and the other catches the rest, working together like a team. This setup creates more electricity from the same amount of space without needing extra complex wiring.
Current single-junction solar panels are hitting a physical efficiency ceiling, making it expensive to generate more power from the same land area. This increases the total cost of energy production.
A 2-terminal tandem solar cell prototype combining Silicon Heterojunction and CIGS technologies, achieving a target efficiency of >30%.
If you are a module producer dealing with the efficiency limits of single-junction cells — this project developed a 2-terminal tandem concept that can increase efficiency by a factor of 1.5. This allows you to produce panels with efficiencies potentially exceeding 30%.
If you are a developer dealing with high land and installation costs — this project developed a high-efficiency inorganic tandem cell that can reduce area-related system costs by up to 25% per installed power. This directly lowers the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
If you are a coating company dealing with the need for transparent, high-performance layers — this project developed a sulfide-based solar cell with a world-record active area efficiency of 16.1%. This provides a blueprint for industry-compatible transparent top cells.
The technology aims to reduce area-related system costs by up to 25% per installed power, which in turn reduces the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).
The project achieved a record efficiency using an industry-compatible process, though the primary output is a prototype device with efficiency >30%.
Based on available project data, the project developed specific architectures (Circuitry 2T and Bonded 2T) and optimized absorber compositions for CIGS top cells that may be subject to licensing.
The 2-terminal approach is designed to function without additional cables or power electronics, allowing for simple integration into existing photovoltaic systems.
The project period runs from September 2022 to August 2025, with the final goal being a prototype with efficiency >30%.
The consortium is well-balanced for technology transfer, consisting of 14 partners across 9 countries. With a 21% industry ratio (3 industrial partners, including 2 SMEs), the project bridges the gap between academic research (5 universities, 6 research institutes) and commercial application, ensuring that the developed high-bandgap CIGS cells are compatible with industrial processes.
Contact Uppsala Universitet regarding the SITA project outcomes
Request detailed technical specs on the 30% efficiency prototype
