HZB reaches 32.5% perovskite/silicon tandem cell efficiency, reclaiming world record

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The tandem cell (pictured) is just over 1cm squared. Image: Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has claimed a silicon/perovskite tandem cell efficiency of 32.5%, returning the record of the cell efficiency to the German research centre.

The rate was certified by the European Solar Test Installation in Italy, as well as being included in the National Renewable Energy Lab chart of solar cell technologies, maintained in the US.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The cell, consisting of a silicon bottom cell and a perovskite top cell, includes an interface modification to reduce charge carrier recombination losses. While the top cell can utilise blue light components, the bottom cell converts the red and near-infrared components of the light spectrum. HZB confirmed that the size of the test cell was 1.014cm².

HZB professor Steve Albrecht said: “This is a really big leap forward that we didn’t foresee a few months ago. All the teams involved at HZB, especially the PV Competence Center (PVComB) and the HySPRINT Innovation lab teams have worked together successfully and with passion.”

HZB’s scientific director, professor Bernd Rech, said: “At 32.5%, the solar cell efficiency of the HZB tandems is now in ranges previously only achieved by expensive III/V semiconductors.”

European research into perovskite cell technology has been on the rise this year. HZB announced plans last month for a four-year research programme in partnership with manufacturer QCells, the PEPPERONI consortium. Last week solar manufacturer Meyer Burger unveiled plans to develop its own perovskite tandem cell technology, also in partnership with HZB.

Perovskites, whilst posting rising efficiencies in lab conditions, are known to suffer from significant cell degradation when exposed to the elements and the technology is yet to be produced at an industrial scale.

Albrecht said of the new record: “We are very excited about the new value as it shows that the perovskite/silicon tandem technology is highly promising for contributing to a sustainable energy supply.”

2 December 2025
Málaga, Spain
Understanding PV module supply to the European market in 2026. PV ModuleTech Europe 2025 is a two-day conference that tackles these challenges directly, with an agenda that addresses all aspects of module supplier selection; product availability, technology offerings, traceability of supply-chain, factory auditing, module testing and reliability, and company bankability.
10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

October 8, 2025
University of Sydney scientists have created the largest and most efficient triple-junction perovskite-perovskite-silicon solar cell on record.
October 7, 2025
Econergy will acquire 100% stake in the 155MW Ratesti solar project in Romania, further expanding its European renewable energy portfolio.
October 7, 2025
Solar PV will account for almost 80% of the 4.6TW of new renewable power expected to be added by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
October 6, 2025
German solar inverter manufacturer SMA Solar will cut 350 jobs in 2026 as it adapts to the “weak” residential PV market.
October 6, 2025
An expert panel has identified a series of grid failures that led to April's unprecedented power outage in Spain and Portugal, ruling out renewables as the leading cause.
October 2, 2025
Spanish waste management company Trabede and energy firm Greening Group will build a solar module recycling plant in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
October 21, 2025
New York, USA
Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK