Perovskite/Si tandem solar cells: Fundamentals, advances, challenges, and novel applications

Abstract

The world record device efficiency of single‐junction solar cells based on organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites has reached 25.5%. Further improvement in device power conversion efficiency (PCE) can be achieved by either optimizing perovskite films or designing novel device structures such as perovskite/Si tandem solar cells. With the marriage of perovskite and Si solar cells, a tandem device configuration is able to achieve a PCE exceeding the Shockley–Queisser limit of single‐junction solar cells by enhancing the usage of solar spectrum. After several years of development, the highest PCE of the perovskite/Si tandem cell has reached 29.5%, which is higher than that of perovskite‐ and Si‐based single‐junction cells. Here, in this review, we will (1) first discuss the device structure and fundamental working principle of both two‐terminal (2T) and four‐terminal (4T) perovskite/Si tandem solar cells; (2) second, provide a brief overview of the advances of perovskite/Si tandem solar cells regarding the development of interconnection layer, perovskite active layer, tandem device structure, and light management strategies; (3) third, discuss the challenges and opportunities for further developing perovskite/Si tandem solar cells. This review article, on the one hand, provides a comprehensive understanding to readers on the development of perovskite/Si tandems. On the other hand, it proposes various novel applications that may bring such tandems into the market in a near future.

The Electronic Structure of Cs2AgBiBr6 at Room Temperature

“…[ 2,3 ] Its bandgap of about 2.2 eV makes it a promising starting point for tailormade top‐cell absorber films on silicon in tandem solar cells. [ 4–6 ]…”

Amorphous CdO‐In2O3 Electrode for Perovskite‐Based Bifacial and Tandem Photovoltaic Technologies with High Energy Production

“…Methylammonium iodide (MAI) was bought from GreatCell Solar. [6,6]-Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC 61 BM) was bought from Xi'an Polymer Light Technology Corp.…”

“…Hence, it is also more sensitive to the local climate conditions especially the irradiance spectra, given that the two subcells will be affected differently. [6] Currently, laboratory-scale perovskite/Si tandem devices have already demonstrated promising efficiency, the 2T perovskite/Si tandem cells have reached a certified PCE of 29.5%, [2] while 4T devices yield a record efficiency of 28.2%. [4] For both 2T and 4T configurations, the semitransparent top electrode is an important component.…”

A Novel Multiple‐Ring Aromatic Spacer Based 2D Ruddlesden–Popper CsPbI3Solar Cell with Record Efficiency Beyond 16%

“…This is attributed to the introduction of hydrophobic organic cations at its component level not only improves the moisture resistance of the film and inhibits ion migration, but more importantly, it can also generate steric hindrance to prevent phase transitions and improve the environmental stability. [ 1–6 ] Despite improved stability, the best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the reported 2D ( n = 5) RP CsPbI 3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is only 16.00%, which still lags behind that of 3D CsPbI 3 PSCs (21.00%). [ 7,8 ] Therefore, further optimizing its performance is a problem that needs to be dealt with to meet the market demand of photovoltaic devices.…”