Oxford PV, a spin-off from the University of Oxford, says it’s achieved a new world record for solar panel efficiency.
The 60-cell residential-size solar panel has achieved a conversion efficiency – the percentage of solar energy shining on a panel converted into electricity – of 26.9%, surpassing the current best silicon panels of around 25% with a similar designated panel area. 320W Photovoltaic Module
The efficiency was independently measured and certified by Germany’s Fraunhofer CalLab.
Oxford PV’s secret sauce is perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells, which could theoretically hit over 43% efficiency, leaving traditional silicon solar cells with a theoretical limit of less than 30% in the dust.
The Yarnton, England-based solar technology developer produces its proprietary high-efficiency tandem solar cells at its Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany factory.
The company says it has a clear roadmap to take its solar panel technology beyond 30% efficiency. It plans to scale up its manufacturing of tandem solar cells to gigawatt volumes within the next few years.
These solar pv announcements, like solid state batteries announcements, are encouraging but how long before large scale availability is the question that never gets a clear answer.
David Ward, CEO of Oxford PV, said, “Oxford PV’s record-setting module represents a significant advancement for solar power generation. Homeowners along with commercial and utility customers will all benefit from upwards of 20% more power with the same footprint. Not only does this save installation costs, it also speeds up the decarbonization journey and can contribute to the global energy transition in a meaningful way.”
Read more: Germany set a new renewable power generation record in Q1
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Michelle Lewis is a writer and editor on Electrek and an editor on DroneDJ, 9to5Mac, and 9to5Google. She lives in White River Junction, Vermont. She has previously worked for Fast Company, the Guardian, News Deeply, Time, and others. Message Michelle on Twitter or at michelle@9to5mac.com. Check out her personal blog.
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