The solar panel industry is relentlessly pushing for higher efficiency. With the same panel surface, new cells are converting more sunlight into electricity, enabling smaller, lighter installations while delivering greater service. A new benchmark in conversion efficiency has emerged, approaching 34 percent in tandem solar cells.
Longi Green Energy Technology Co Ltd, a leading Chinese photovoltaic company, recently announced a world record for silicon-perovskite tandem cells at 33.9 percent efficiency. This achievement highlights the practical potential of combining silicon with perovskite to boost energy yield from the same area.
The performance marks the highest efficiency ever recorded for a perovskite/silicon binary cell and has received validation from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. According to China Daily, the breakthrough reflects ongoing advances in the country’s energy research landscape.
Thus, today’s top tandem solar cells—consisting of a silicon base with a perovskite top layer—can convert around one-third of incoming solar radiation into usable electricity. Previously, the KAUST photovoltaics laboratory in Saudi Arabia had set a record of 33.7 percent in May.
“An important indicator”
The push to raise cell conversion efficiency while driving down electricity costs remains at the heart of photovoltaic innovation. Efficiency is a key metric to gauge the long-term potential of solar technologies, said Li Zhenguo, president of Longi, during a press briefing presenting these results.
Monocrystalline silicon remains the dominant technology, accounting for more than 90 percent of the market. Yet its theoretical efficiency ceiling sits around 29.4 percent. In contrast, tandem cells that combine silicon with perovskite can theoretically reach up to 43 percent. This means more electricity can be produced from the same surface area and light exposure.
New materials are making higher efficiency possible, with ongoing research emphasizing practical scalability and cost competitiveness. Deputy Secretary General Jiang Hua noted that Longi’s record puts the company at the forefront of global R&D in this area, reinforcing China’s role in advancing photovoltaic technology with broad market implications.
Reducing Costs
Cost reduction and efficiency improvement are central objectives for photovoltaics. Rising conversion efficiency directly lowers the overall cost of solar energy production, according to industry observers. When high-efficiency cell technology reaches mass production, electricity costs can decline significantly, supporting growth in both Chinese and global photovoltaic markets.
Longi has committed substantial investment to research and development in recent years, with plans to continue expanding global collaboration and capabilities. The company positions itself on the international stage, aiming to accelerate the adoption of advanced solar technologies across industries and regions. This progress is underscored by ongoing partnerships and technical exchanges that help diverse players operate more effectively within the solar value chain.
Reference: China Daily. The report highlights the significance of the breakthrough in the context of global energy transition and manufacturing leadership in photovoltaics.
Note: This article presents an overview of the latest advancements and their potential impact on efficiency, cost, and market growth within the solar sector.