Perovskite/silicon tandems could become the next terawatt-scale photovoltaics technology and contribute to the energy transition, provided they reach service lifetimes of 30 years, which is not attained yet. Commercialisation is further limited by the absence of perovskite-specific reliability standards, unclear energy yield and non-mature mass-manufacturing equipment and materials for key processes.
JALAPENO will address these challenges and demonstrate industrial tandem cells with median total-area efficiencies above 31% in pilot-line production. These will be integrated in commercial-size modules with aperture-area efficiencies above 29%. Through innovations in processes and materials, tandems will be engineered to remain stable under the most demanding reliability tests, surpassing current standards. New test protocols tailored to perovskite/Si tandems will be developed within the project and proposed as the foundation for future standards. In addition, stable outdoor operation will be validated, advancing the technology’s readiness toward market entry.
Equipment and processes for scalable perovskite deposition, including thermal evaporation, low-damage sputtering, and silver free interconnection, will be developed and integrated at a fully operational megawatt-scale pilot line. Lead-scavenging strategies and hydrometallurgical metal recovery processes will further ensure safe and sustainable end-of-life management of tandem modules. JALAPENO builds on Qcells’ EU co-funded megawatt-scale pilot line, which has already demonstrated industrial production of tandem cells with record efficiencies and tandem modules showing promising, though not yet sufficient, reliability. Leading research institutes, specialised material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and accredited testing bodies will work together to overcome the remaining challenges to deliver bankable high-efficiency tandem modules that meet the reliability requirements for industrial deployment.
This project contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 Affordable And Clean Energy, 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and 13 Climate Action.
