Positive early results from first test of perovskite tandem solar cells in space

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Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has developed perovskite-silicon and thin-film tandem solar cells that were tested on an OOV-Cube satellite to assess their resilience to high radiation levels and the potential of self-healing after radiation exposure. Perovskite tandem solar cells are emerging as the next-generation technology in solar energy, with the capability to significantly increase module efficiency to levels as high as 45%. Recent tests have shown that perovskite-silicon tandem panels degrade in a similar manner to traditional silicon modules, addressing concerns about their long-term durability.

A team led by Dr. Felix Lang from the University of Potsdam, in collaboration with Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the Technical University of Berlin, launched the first satellite mission to evaluate the performance of perovskite tandem solar cells in space, including perovskite-silicon and perovskite-CIGS configurations. The satellite, placed in orbit by the European Space Agency, has already indicated positive results despite the solar panels not being perfectly aligned with the sun. The research aims to advance the development of perovskite-based solar cells, also known as 'soft semiconductors,' with potential self-healing properties that could surpass traditional solar technologies in the long run.