High Efficiency Perovskite Tandems for Solar Electric Vehicles
Swift Solar Inc.
Recipient
San Carlos, CA
Recipient Location
13th
Senate District
21st
Assembly District
$2,877,157
Amount Spent
Active
Project Status
Project Update
This project kicked off in early 2022. Since then, the project team has accomplished major milestones including operationalizing and qualifying all equipment for a pilot prototype line, achieving greater than 26% silicon tandem solar cells made with small silicon sub-cells, and developing and testing the first curved modules.
In 2023, the project made progress in scaling of the tandem cell technology from 1cm2 to >200cm2 (commercial size), with impressive efficiencies (approaching that of the small cells) and cell throughput. Initial stability tests were performed on tandem mini-modules (~200cm2). A first curved tandem module prototype was prepared, loss analysis performed, and improvements for the second generation of module were identified.
In 2024, the team improved perovskite-silicon tandem performances on commercial size cells and made mini-module prototypes using these. The team made learnings regarding different cell interconnection technologies, the impact of cutting cells, and the impact of lamination parameters on module durability. Modules are undergoing both accelerated indoor testing and outdoor field testing.
The Issue
Current silicon single junction technology will reach its practical commercial efficiency ceiling of ~25% within the next 5-10 years. This limited efficiency leads to larger footprints for PV applications, or alternatively, lower power output. In addition, current silicon PV is heavy and rigid, making it difficult to apply PV to many consumer applications. This restricts common applications to large solar fields and rooftops, and leaves emerging applications such as electric mobility and consumer electronics lacking integrated solar power options. There is a need for more efficient and affordable PV that can be more practically integrated into a wide range of products.
Project Innovation
This project will develop highly efficient perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that raise the theoretical photovoltaic efficiency limit from 33 to 45%. The cells will be used to build modules that will enable higher efficiencies, easy integration, and superior return on investment for utility scale solar project developers. These benefits impact the California grid with significant energy and cost savings at high levels of penetration. The high efficiency and low cost of perovskite tandem PV technology will also enable system-level cost reductions for rooftop and commercial solar, facilitating wider adoption of distributed solar resources.
Project Goals
Increasing the power conversion efficiency to over 28%
Making them suitable for integration into modules with excellent reliability and superior financials.
Verifying real-world reliability and energy production.
Develop prototype perovskite tandem modules and obtain performance and quality certification.
Model the lifetime financial, energy, and carbon emissions benefits to the customer and the California grid.
Project Benefits
SB 32 and SB 350: Shade-tolerant PV modules can substantially increase California's ability to deploy solar PV, thereby further reducing GHG emissions from multiple sectors.
AB 758: To be applied in existing buildings, any PV technology must adapt to the building design and use suitable materials. Swift Solar will develop thin, flexible module designs adaptable to any car roof or hood, using field-tested polymers including a weather-resistant fluoropolymer front sheet.
SB 100: Swift's core technology and the proposed shade-tolerant module designs can drive down solar LCOE and enable new applications, ultimately facilitating CA's transition to a 100% clean energy future.
Zero Net Energy: Swift's tandem PV technology can help meet both the electricity generation and energy conservation requirements of ZNE.
Affordability
Affordability
The improved power conversion efficiency of tandem modules will reduce total system costs, resulting in a ~10-20% saving on levelized cost of electricity paid by the ratepayer in CA.
Match Partners
Swift Solar Inc.
