LONGi claims 35.5% efficiency for new crystalline silicon-perovskite solar cell

New Efficiency Record for Solar Cells

LONGi, a Chinese solar company, has announced a new solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 35.5%. This figure has been verified by the European Solar Test Installation, an authoritative laboratory in the field of photovoltaic technology. This new efficiency is significantly higher than the 25% efficiency typical for commercially available solar cells.

Technology Behind the Efficiency

The solar cell utilizes crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem technology, a developing sector in photovoltaic systems. Although there are cells capable of achieving higher efficiencies, like 50%, they are primarily designed for niche applications, such as solar panels for satellites. LONGi aims to explore the commercial viability of its high-efficiency cells in the general market.

LONGi's Incremental Progress

LONGi previously achieved efficiencies of 33.9% in November 2023 and 34.6% in June 2024. Their recent claim of 35.5% efficiency demonstrates consistent advancement in their technology. Each incremental improvement reflects the company's ongoing research efforts and its goal to lead in the solar technology market.

Comparative Records in Solar Efficiency

While LONGi claims the record for this specific technology, the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory reported a solar cell with an efficiency of 39.5% in 2022. However, the significance of efficiency records varies, as the focus should be on mass production capabilities to effectively address global energy challenges.