Hanwha Solution's Q CELLS division (Hanwha Q CELLS) announced on the 24th that it will participate in a research and development (R&D) project to mass-produce next-generation solar cells that the European Union (EU) supports 15 million euros (about 20 billion won).
In this project, the company will build a test production line for Perovskite-crystalline silicon tandem cell at Hanwha Q Cells Global R&D Center in Talheim, Germany.
Tandem solar cells is manufactured by placing a layer of perovskite on top of a silicon layer, which is attracting attention as a new solar material. Tandem solar cells have high potential power generation efficiency as they can absorb additional light from an area that cannot be absorbed by a silicon single cell, which currently accounts for more than 90% of the global solar market.
Academics estimate that the theoretical limit efficiency of tandem cells is 44%, which is about 1.5 times the theoretical limit efficiency of a single silicon cell, which is 29%. The project aims to mass-produce high-efficiency Tandem solar cells for four years from this month to 2026 and to develop equipment, processes, and materials to manufacture tandem cell-based modules.
It will develop a process technology to minimize efficiency loss when manufacturing Tandem solar cells into modules by establishing a tandem cell production line using sub-cells using Hanwha Q Cells' unique Q.ANTUM cell production technology.
A total of 17 solar-related companies and research institutes in Europe, including Hanwha Q CELLS, will participate in the consortium. Hanwha Q CELLS plans to mass-produce tandem cells based on the results of this project after June 2026.
Reporter Ahn Ho-hyeon vicahh@infostock.co.kr