Chinese researchers have made a major breakthrough in flexible solar technology, significantly improving solar cell efficiency. The achievement was reported by China Science Daily and published in Nature last Thursday.
The research, led by a team at Soochow University, focused on silicon-based flexible tandem solar cells. These devices combine crystalline silicon with perovskite materials. Previously, their solar cell efficiency lagged behind traditional fixed solar panels, and the interfaces often degraded under repeated bending.
To address these challenges, the researchers developed a dual-layer buffer with a “loose-tight” structure. This design helps dissipate mechanical stress while keeping charge transport efficient at the nanoscale. Such innovation improves both stability and performance.
The team also created hydrogen-doped indium-cerium oxide films using reactive plasma deposition. This method reduces interfacial sputtering damage and aligns energy levels better, further enhancing the solar cell efficiency of the devices.
With these improvements, the researchers achieved a certified conversion efficiency of 33.6 percent on a thin 60-micrometer silicon substrate. This sets a new record for flexible tandem solar cells. For larger devices, a 261-square-centimeter cell reached 29.8 percent efficiency, matching standard wafer sizes.
Mechanical durability was also exceptional. The flexible tandem cells retained 97 percent of their initial efficiency after 43,000 extreme bending cycles, demonstrating reliability for practical applications.
This advancement marks a significant step toward the commercialization of flexible solar cells. By improving both solar cell efficiency and mechanical stability, the work opens new opportunities for large-scale production and integration into various surfaces.
The breakthrough provides a strong scientific and technical foundation for the silicon-based solar industry. It could enable lightweight, flexible, and high-efficiency solar panels in buildings, vehicles, and portable energy devices, expanding the scope of renewable energy adoption.
As global demand for clean energy rises, these innovations in flexible photovoltaics could play a crucial role in achieving sustainable energy goals while reducing dependence on traditional, rigid solar panels.
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