Korea-based Qcells has set a new world record for tandem solar cell efficiency, achieving 28.6% on a full-area M10-sized cell (~330.56 cm²) that can be scaled for mass manufacturing. The milestone was independently verified by CalLab at Fraunhofer ISE. Qcells credits this breakthrough to their perovskite top-cell and Q.ANTUM silicon bottom-cell technology. The company began tandem cell R&D in 2016, intensifying efforts in 2023. The tandem design captures both high and low-energy light, boosting power output while reducing module quantity. This innovation could lower costs and land use for solar projects. The cell was produced in Germany using standard industrial silicon wafers and mass-manufacturing processes. Research was funded by the German government, Saxony-Anhalt, the EU, and Korea. Facilities in Germany and Korea collaborated on the project.
Record-breaking 28.6% tandem solar cell efficiency achieved by Qcells
Qcells’ 28.6% tandem cell efficiency uses a perovskite top-cell and a silicon bottom-cell to maximize light capture and power output. (Image Source: Qcells)
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