Science News
【Achievement】Breakthrough in Next-Gen Solar Tech: Academia Sinica Achieves Over 31% Efficiency in Domestically Developed Solar Cells
Academia Sinica has announced a major milestone in renewable energy, with its research team successfully developing next-generation solar cells boasting a power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 31%. This achievement represents a leap of over 30% compared to the latest commercial products, and nearly 50% improvement over earlier solar installations.
Innovative Collaboration to Tackle Land Constraints
Led by President James C. Liao, the multidisciplinary team integrates expertise from Academia Sinica, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), National Tsing Hua University (NTHU), and Ming Chi University of Technology (MCUT).
"In just two years, our team has developed Perovskite/Silicon tandem solar cells with efficiencies surpassing 31%," President Liao stated. "This not only proves that Taiwan’s solar technology is on par with international standards but also offers a solution to increase power generation without expanding land usage—a critical factor for Taiwan’s path toward Net-Zero Emissions."
Surpassing the Theoretical Limits of Silicon
Current commercial silicon-based solar cells peak at approximately 22–24% efficiency, with a theoretical limit that makes reaching 30% nearly impossible. To break this ceiling, the team focused on "tandem" structures. The tandem cell features a top layer of perovskite to absorb specific light wavelengths that silicon cannot, while the bottom silicon layer captures the remaining photons. Researchers at the Research Center for Critical Issues (RCCI) overcame key challenges in interface connection layers, reducing energy loss and achieving a peak efficiency of 31.5% for two-terminal (2T) devices, Professor Chih-Wei Chu highlighted.
Professor Tzu-Chien Wei (NTHU/RCCI) emphasized that perovskite is the "next-gen superstar" due to its abundant raw materials, low equipment costs, and recyclability. While current results are on small-area devices, Research Fellow Tzung-Fang Guo noted that the process demonstrates high potential for commercial scaling. The team will now focus on optimizing stability, enlarging device areas, and developing mass-production methods in collaboration with industry partners.
The "Five Arrows" of Net-Zero Carbon
This breakthrough is part of Academia Sinica’s broader "Five Arrows" strategy for net-zero technology, including Methane Pyrolysis to Power, Solar, Marine energy, Biomass, Geothermal.
Dr. Chau-Hwang Lee, Director of RCCI, highlighted that the center’s facility at the South Campus (Tainan) is fully equipped for perovskite/silicon tandem fabrication and measurement. These world-class facilities are now open for applications from academia and industry nationwide to bolster Taiwan's global competitiveness in green energy.