20% more powerful tandem solar panels enter commercial use for the first time
Oxford PV, in next-generation solar, has started the commercialisation of its record-breaking tandem solar technology with the first shipment to a U.S.-based customer.
The 72-cell panels, comprised of Oxford PV’s proprietary perovskite-on-silicon solar cells, can produce up to 20% more energy than a standard silicon panel. They will be used in a utility-scale installation, reducing the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and contributing to more efficient land use by generating more electricity from the same area.
This development marks the first commercial deployment of a perovskite tandem solar panel worldwide. Oxford PV has been developing and working to commercialise this technology since 2014, with a recent module efficiency record of 26.9%.
The first Oxford PV panels available on the market have a 24.5% module efficiency, offering performance significantly above traditional silicon technology. The panels are powered by perovskite-on-silicon cells produced at Oxford PV’s megawatt-scale pilot line in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany.
David Ward, CEO of Oxford PV, remarked: “The commercialisation of this technology is a breakthrough for the energy industry. High-efficiency technologies are the future of the solar industry, and that future is starting now.
“Solar innovation will allow us to faster electrify and decarbonise our transportation, homes, and industries. With more electricity generation from the same area, perovskite technology is now helping utilities speed up this transition by offering more energy at a lower cost.”
John Bromley, Managing Director – Climate & Clean Energy Investments at Legal & General, a longstanding partner of Oxford PV, added: “At an early stage, we identified the huge potential of perovskites in high efficiency solar power generation and we have supported Oxford PV to become a global leader, not only through multiple record-breaking efficiency achievements in the laboratory, but also on their path to commercialisation of the technology.
“Companies with high growth potential like Oxford PV are delivering new technologies, solutions and infrastructures that will play a crucial role in the climate transition.”
In the coming years, Oxford PV plans to allocate production from their facility in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany towards additional utility customers, specialty products and pilot residential applications, while scaling production to gigawatt scale at a future high-volume manufacturing site.
