A review on tandem solar cells based on Perovskite/Si: 2-T versus 4-T configurations

Abstract

Perovskite- based solar cells (PVSK-SCs) are a prospective photovoltaic (PV) technology that has the potential to provide a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) at less expense than the current market standard. The Shockley-Quiesser (S-Q) limit restricts the PCE of single junction cells. Thanks to their ability to surmount this limit through innovative design, tandem solar cells (TSCs) are broadly regarded as the industry’s next evolution in PVs. In order to absorb light across a broader spectrum of wavelengths, these architectures combine multiple types of light absorbers with considerably varying band gaps that complement each other’s absorption characteristics. The development of halide perovskite (PVSK) absorber material has made it feasible to create TSCs that are more efficient. Perovskites have been applied as a companion in diverse types of TSCs, involving those based on Si and other thin film cells, including CIGS and other perovskite candidates. This review outlines the primary scientific and main engineering issues related to TSC based on PVSK as top sub-cells. The characteristics of TSC technology are discussed, including the potential configurations and device topologies. The advancements in PVSK/Si tandem technologies are reviewed with a specific focus on the mechanically stacked four-terminal (4-T) and the monolithic two-terminal (2-T) multi-junction designs. Lastly, the limitations and challenges that are still limiting the efficiency and commercialization of these PVSK/Si TSC devices are highlighted, along with a roadmap of strategies and future research directions to further increase their PCE.