A German clean energy startup has developed an extremely efficient solar panel module that converts sunlight into electricity. This residential-style solar panel, created by Oxford PV, a research team spun off from Oxford University, has achieved an efficiency rate of 26.9%. The panel will be released to the market soon.
Solar panel module broke records! Produces power with 26.9% efficiency
This solar panel uses a miraculous material called perovskite, which consists of calcium titanate mineral, to enhance the efficiency of traditional silicon-based solar panels. Perovskite captures and converts the high-energy blue end of the solar spectrum, producing more electricity. Additionally, perovskite photovoltaic technology offers a wide adjustable band gap, allowing it to capture and convert specific segments of the solar spectrum.
Traditional silicon solar cells integrated with perovskite create tandem cells that surpass the performance limits of traditional silicon photovoltaics. This combination can theoretically achieve an efficiency rate of 43%. Perovskite materials provide low-cost, thin-film solutions using widely available and cheap source materials. The production of these cells, with simple manufacturing processes, becomes an economical option for large-scale solar energy distribution.
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Oxford PV plans to increase the production of next-generation solar cells at its factory in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany. The company claims that incorporating perovskite materials into solar technology improves overall efficiency and promises a sustainable and cost-effective future for the photovoltaic industry.
CTO Chris Case stated, “Over the past decade, the team has consistently demonstrated the potential of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells. Now, we are taking the next steps to bring this high-efficiency solar technology to commercial use.”
Oxford PV’s production process integrates perovskite-on-silicon solar cells with traditional silicon solar cells. These new cells are claimed to provide at least 20% more efficiency. This improvement enables silicon solar panel cells to deliver higher performance in the same area, reducing costs and transforming the economics of silicon-based solar energy.
The new technology is expected to offer more than 20% power advantage with the same area for homeowners, commercial, and utility customers. The company claims that it will reduce installation costs, accelerate carbon reduction, and make a meaningful contribution to the global energy transition by allowing manufacturers to offer a higher-performing and differentiated product.
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