Chinese company GCL Optoelectronics, part of the GCL Group, reported achieving an energy conversion efficiency of 29.51% for a tandem solar module based on perovskite and silicon. The area of ​​the module was 2048 cm² (≈45 × 45 cm). The result was confirmed by the National Institute of Metrology of China.

The previous record for a similar module, set a year ago, was 27.34%. Thus, in a year the figure has increased by more than 2 percentage points.

Technological features

Tandem solar cells combine perovskite and silicon layers, which allows for increased efficiency due to more complete use of the solar spectrum. The theoretical efficiency limit for such structures is estimated at ~43%, which exceeds the capabilities of standard silicon modules.

In April 2024, GCL Optoelectronics reported a record efficiency of 26.36% for a 1.71 m² module.

Production development

In December 2023, GCL began construction of a perovskite module plant in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. The plant’s design capacity is 2 GW per year. Full commissioning is expected by the end of 2024.

The company claims that production is fully localized: Chinese technologies, equipment, and materials are used. The efficiency spread between batches of modules does not exceed 0.75%, indicating process stability.

The situation on the perovskite technology market in China

Chinese companies are actively developing the production of perovskite modules. In addition to GCL, the following are working in this direction:

• UtmoLight — launched a production line in Wuxi, Jiangsu with a declared gigawatt capacity.
• Renshine Solar — is building a plant in Changshu, Jiangsu, scheduled to be commissioned in 2026.
• PEROVS — is building a 3 GW facility.
• Microquanta — commissioned a 1 MW solar power plant on perovskite modules in December 2023.

Technology Prospects

Despite progress in improving efficiency, the key challenges remain:

• Ensuring long-term stability of perovskite modules.
• Scaling up production while maintaining high parameters.

If these challenges are successfully met, tandem perovskite-silicon modules can take a significant share of the solar energy market.