Sustainable materials and manufacturing processes for the development of high efficiency, flexible, all-Perovskite Tandem photovoltaic modules with low CO2 footprint

Project Information

SuPerTandem

Grant agreement ID: 101075605

DOI

10.3030/101075605

Project closed

EC signature date 22 August 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2025

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 4 931 446,25

EU contribution

€ 4 930 196,25

Coordinated by

NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SuPerTandem (Sustainable materials and manufacturing processes for the development of high efficiency, flexible, all-Perovskite Tandem photovoltaic modules with low CO2 footprint)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2024-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

SuPerTandem unites leading labs, industrial equipment makers, and PV module companies to develop 2-terminal tandem cells and monolithically connected modules on flexible foils using low-cost perovskite absorber layers. The project aims for low production costs, minimal use of critical materials, and lightweight, flexible modules suitable for integration into buildings, vehicles, and agrivoltaics to achieve net zero emissions targets. SuPerTandem seeks to accelerate Europe’s clean energy transition by developing innovative PV manufacturing technologies for 2-terminal tandem cells and modules on flexible foils at TRL5.
Key aspects include minimizing scarce and critical materials by using sustainable, earth-abundant materials and implementing encapsulation and recycling strategies to ensure circularity. Scalable manufacturing processes on film substrates will lower production costs and electricity prices compared to current silicon PV technology.
Two-terminal (2T) tandem solar cells consist of two sub-cells, vertically stacked and electrically connected in series. Sunlight passes through both sub-cells, each converting a specific region of the solar spectrum. The top cell absorbs visible light, and the bottom cell absorbs near-infrared light. In SuPerTandem, synthetic perovskite materials are used for absorber layers. By altering their chemical composition, we can tune their optical and electrical properties. The optical properties are designed so both sub-cells generate nearly the same current density under sunlight. The top cell uses wide band gap (WBG) perovskite for visible light, and the bottom cell uses narrow band gap (NBG) perovskite for near-infrared light, connected by a recombination layer.
Dual use of land/surfaces will leverage the advantages of lightweight, flexible PV modules for integration into buildings, vehicles, and agrivoltaics, supporting net zero emission goals with cost-effective systems. The sustainability of the module technology will be validated through life-cycle and techno-economic assessments, highlighting its potential for low resource consumption and reduced CO2 footprint.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

At the start of the project, specifications and recommendations were prepared as guidelines to develop this technology sustainably. After a detailed literature study and life-cycle analysis, key eco-design recommendations were established to guide technological choices, with particular attention to recycling.

The recommendations focus on the transparent conductive electrode, metal contact, contact layers in the subcells, and encapsulation materials' thickness. Following these guidelines, novel WBG and NBG perovskite materials were developed, achieving efficiencies around 20% in single-junction solar cells. Recombination layers based on transparent conductive electrode materials were also developed, showing negligible electrical losses through advanced characterization and simulations.

Advanced deposition methods (temporal and spatial Atomic Layer Deposition - ALD) were used for recombination layers, resulting in compact, solvent-impermeable metal-oxide layers. By combining WBG and NBG materials with these recombination layers, efficient all-perovskite 2T tandem cells were demonstrated on both rigid (glass) and flexible substrates (PET and PEN). Scalable deposition methods and laser patterning processes enabled the creation of monolithic series interconnected modules.

The stability of the tandem sub-cells was tested under laboratory conditions, exposing samples to 1000 hours of illumination and high temperatures (85°C). Promising results were obtained for select materials. To protect against outdoor conditions, packaging materials and procedures were compared, selecting the best solutions for encapsulation of WBG and NBG single-junction devices. These packaged devices were subjected to accelerated stress tests and outdoor testing in Germany and Spain to determine energy yields.

A recycling process for future all-perovskite tandem devices is being developed to ensure compatibility with recycling processes. A novel recycling approach is under development, allowing materials to be reused in the manufacturing process. The consortium is creating a detailed blueprint for sustainable production of perovskite tandem devices, combining data from manufacturing, use, and recycling phases to provide new insights for life cycle assessment, including cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-cradle scenarios.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The SuPerTandem project collaborates with research institutes, industrial suppliers, and solar module manufacturers to develop 2-terminal all-perovskite tandem cells and modules on flexible foils. It aims to create low-cost, lightweight, and flexible modules using minimal critical materials for integration into buildings, vehicles, and agrivoltaics.
All-perovskite tandems offer sustainable manufacturing with less toxic waste. Despite advancements, market penetration is limited by scientific and engineering challenges. SuPerTandem addresses these by developing scalable methods for eco-friendly products with over 30% efficiency.
Over three years, SuPerTandem will demonstrate manufacturing technologies for 2-terminal tandem cells and modules on flexible substrates with over 30% efficiency, comparable stability to c-Si technologies, low costs (< €20/m²), and excellent sustainability.
SuPerTandem technology is ideal for building-integrated PV, vehicle rooftops, and agrivoltaics due to its performance, lightweight, and flexibility. Perovskite PV panels are up to 90% lighter than silicon panels, suitable for façades, weak structures, and moving objects. Some panels can be semi-transparent, making them attractive for windows and agrivoltaics.
Emerging applications include self-powered devices in the growing Internet of Things (IoT) sector. Lightweight all-perovskite minimodules can power smart devices, offering a cheaper, longer-lasting alternative to batteries. Smart household and retail appliances, like sensors, are expected to grow, representing substantial opportunities for perovskite PV.