Are 'tandem' photovoltaics a good idea?

Babics, M. et al. Cell Rep. Phys. Sci. 4, 101280 (2023). Wan, J. et al. Solar Energy 226, 85–91 (2021). Jean, J., Woodhouse, M. & Bulović, V. Joule 3, 2824–2841 (2023). Firms commercializing perovskite–silicon ‘tandem’ photovoltaics say that the panels will be more efficient and could lead to cheaper electricity.

Could floating solar photovoltaic panels supply all the electricity needs?

June 4, 2024 — Floating solar photovoltaic panels could supply all the electricity needs of some countries, new research has shown. The researchers calculated the daily electrical output for floating photovoltaics

Can femtosecond lasers make solar panels easier to recycle?

Solar energy offers one solution, with May 2, 2024 — The use of femtosecond lasers to form glass-to-glass welds for solar modules would make the panels easier to recycle, according to a proof-of-concept Apr. 29, 2024 — Some materials are transparent to light of a certain frequency.

Can a physicist improve the efficiency of thin-film photovoltaic (PV)?

July 2, 2024 — Physicists have made a significant breakthrough in solar cell technology by developing a new analytical model that improves the understanding and efficiency of thin-film photovoltaic (PV)

Will high-efficiency tandem PV modules define the future?

In a release on its Evolar acquisition, First Solar CEO Mark Widmar said the company believes “high-efficiency tandem PV modules will define the future.” Just a few days later, Korea-based Hanwha Q Cells, another top manufacturer, said it was investing $100 million to set up a perovskite tandem pilot line.

Could perovskite-silicon 'tandem' photovoltaics boost power density?

Firms commercializing perovskite–silicon ‘tandem’ photovoltaics say that the panels will be more efficient and could lead to cheaper electricity. Rooftop solar panels in China. Tandem cells could boost power density in crowded urban areas. Credit: VCG/Getty