Fraunhofer ISE Leads “Katana” Project to Develop Measurement Methods for Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) is leading a project consortium focused on developing measurement methods for perovskite-based tandem solar cells and modules. The project, named “Katana,” is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate BMWK. The objective is to enable reliable and objective comparisons between different cells and modules, as well as technological advancements in the field.

Accurate calibration of perovskite-silicon PV modules presents a challenge compared to conventional silicon PV modules. To address this, Fraunhofer ISE has collaborated with Wavelabs Solar Metrology Systems GmbH to create a solar simulator specifically designed for characterizing perovskite-based tandem modules. This solar simulator, installed in the CalLab PV Modules of Fraunhofer ISE, covers a wide wavelength range from 320 to 1650 nanometers using 28 spectrally adjustable light channels and 18,400 LEDs.

The simulator allows for the measurement of perovskite-silicon PV cells ranging from 5×5 millimeters to PV modules measuring 2.40×1.30 meters. It provides the necessary conditions to simulate sunlight accurately, enabling reliable efficiency assessments of the entire cell and module. The technology not only facilitates the testing of perovskite-silicon tandem technology but also enables the characterization of multi-junction solar cells and modules made from other materials.

Falko Griehl, project manager for the SINUS-3000 Advanced solar simulator at Wavelabs, highlights that the simulator’s LED illumination ensures homogeneous irradiation across the module surface and adjustable light spectra for realistic activation of all cell layers. The project aims to establish a standardized calibration procedure for perovskite-silicon tandem modules, contributing to the advancement and adoption of this breakthrough technology.

Oxford PV, a pioneer and manufacturer of perovskite solar cells, is also involved in the Katana project as an associate partner. The project’s outcomes will provide high-quality independent measurements of perovskite-on-silicon cells and modules, supporting the broader PV community.

This collaboration between Fraunhofer ISE, Wavelabs, and Oxford PV represents a significant step toward reliable and precise measurement techniques for perovskite-based tandem solar cells and modules. It eliminates the reliance on complex and weather-dependent outdoor tests, facilitating the industrial implementation of highly efficient perovskite-silicon PV modules.