Reliable Perovskite/Silicon tandem photovoltaic cells and modules

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (HOP) have emerged as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies of the last decade, paving the way for the development of highly efficient and cost-effective solar panels. By combining a HOP cell with a silicon (Si) cell, a tandem cell can be formed to optimize light absorption. This technology has achieved a record efficiency of 35.5% , making it a highly promising candidate beyond the current generations of silicon-based photovoltaics, which have reached their optimization limits. The primary challenge for the full deployment of Si/HOP tandem panels is ensuring stability and reliability during operation.
A joint research proposal between Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and CEA for two PhD positions (1 PhD in Julich, 1 PhD in CEA) aims to accelerate towards a stable and reliable PV technology as required for market-relevant implementation. Both centers bring long-standing expertise across photovoltaic materials development and characterization as well as cell and module optimization to the consortium. FZJ is currently expanding a dedicated effort focused on the early stages of tandem innovation, including novel materials and emerging device architectures . CEA contributes its strong track record in realizing photovoltaic cells / modules and translating performance into robust, reliability-oriented device and module concepts. Together, the partners will establish a tightly coupled pathway that links rapid innovation with rigorous validation, in order to shorten development cycles and accelerate technology transfer into scalable tandem products.
Both PhD candidates will collaborate closely on selecting material and process conditions for single junction perovskite and then silicon–perovskite tandem photovoltaics using automated/AI protocols, materials characterization, and full device fabrication/characterization. In CEA, the PhD candidate will focus on device fabrication/characterization selected on the basis of automated/AI protocols (done in Julich by the other PhD), stability/lifetime testing using different stress factors (light and temperature particularly) and outdoor conditions after encapsulating the cells. A specific method will be developed to predict cells’ lifetime from short tests, in order to accelerate the development workflow. Data from aging experiments in CEA will provide quantitative feedback to Jülich on both performance and operational durability, as well as insights into degradation modes. Secondments are planned, with each PhD candidate spending at least three months at the other institute to be trained in the techniques employed in the twin study.