KAUST unveils blueprint for affordable solar cells

Summary

KAUST researchers published a roadmap in Science for commercializing perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, combining efficient light absorption with long-term stability. The roadmap addresses key challenges like real-world condition variability via geographical testing, accelerated stability testing, and high material costs. The researchers propose paradigms for both monolithic and mechanically stacked tandem production lines to identify cost-reduction opportunities. Why it matters: This work paves the way for affordable, accessible clean energy in Saudi Arabia and the world, with the market for perovskite/silicon tandems expected to exceed $10 billion within a decade.