Why in news?
Indian researchers announced progress in developing tandem solar cells that pair traditional silicon with perovskite materials. The prototype achieved an efficiency of around 29.8 %, with the potential to cross 30 %, opening new possibilities for high‑efficiency solar power.
How tandem cells work
- Conventional silicon solar cells can convert only a portion of the sunlight spectrum, with theoretical efficiency capped around 29 %.
- Perovskite is a synthetic crystal structure that absorbs different wavelengths of light. By stacking a perovskite layer on top of a silicon layer, more of the solar spectrum is captured.
- The tandem architecture boosts overall efficiency because each layer is tuned to absorb complementary parts of the spectrum.
Significance of India’s achievement
- An efficiency of nearly 30 % places India at the forefront of solar research. Future improvements could push efficiencies above 30 %.
- The project supports India’s goal of self‑reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) by reducing dependence on imported photovoltaic technology.
- High‑efficiency modules can lower the cost per unit of electricity when deployed in rooftop systems, utility‑scale parks and electric vehicle charging networks.
Next steps
- Scale up manufacturing while ensuring stability and durability of perovskite layers, which are currently less robust than silicon.
- Develop environmentally friendly and lead‑free perovskite formulations.
- Integrate tandem cells into India’s production‑linked incentive (PLI) schemes to promote domestic manufacturing.
Conclusion
Tandem solar cells promise to significantly increase renewable energy efficiency. Continued research and commercialisation could help India achieve its net‑zero ambitions and lead global solar innovation.