Australian scientists find that overlapping crystalline silicon solar cells make other materials

2025-09-06 11:41:48
Australian scientists find that overlapping other materials on crystalline silicon solar cells results in conversion efficiency exceeding 40%

Green speaks


Form other materials on silicon

At the recent EU PVSEC conference, Professor Martin Green from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia presented groundbreaking research on the potential of crystalline silicon solar cells. Known for his pioneering work in photovoltaics, Green previously set a world record with a 25% efficiency rate for silicon-based solar cells. Now, he is pushing the boundaries even further by exploring new ways to enhance performance.

In his talk titled “Silicon Wafer-Based Tandem Cells: The Ultimate Photovoltaic Solution,” Green introduced a novel approach: combining silicon with other materials to create tandem structures. According to his findings, standalone silicon cells have a theoretical maximum efficiency of around 29%. However, by layering other materials on top, the efficiency can jump significantly—reaching 42.5%, and potentially even 47.5% with further optimization.

When it comes to candidate materials, Green highlighted several promising options. These include III-V semiconductors like GaAs, which are commonly used in space applications and concentrated solar systems. He also mentioned CZTS (copper zinc tin sulfide), a thin-film material that doesn’t rely on indium, making it more cost-effective. Additionally, perovskite materials were noted for their growing potential in dye-sensitized solar cells.

While specific details of the experiments remain undisclosed, Green emphasized that each material has its own trade-offs in terms of efficiency and production costs. Industry professionals at the event expressed interest in the direction, with one solar cell manufacturer noting, “As we look beyond the current limits of silicon, we’re definitely exploring these possibilities.”

This development could mark a significant step forward in the quest for high-efficiency, low-cost solar technology, paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions in the future.

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