Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Technology Advances Toward Commercial-Scale Solar

The University of Sydney is advancing the development of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells with AU$7.25 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), supporting efforts to move the next-generation photovoltaic technology closer to commercial deployment.

The five-year project, scheduled to commence in 2027, will be led by Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, the University’s John Hooke Chair of Nanoscience, in partnership with Australian solar panel manufacturer Unison Solar Energy. The funding has been awarded through ARENA’s Ultra Low-Cost Solar PV Funding Round.

Perovskite-silicon tandem technology is emerging as a promising pathway for increasing solar cell efficiency beyond the practical limits of conventional silicon. By combining a perovskite top cell with a silicon-based cell, tandem architectures can capture a broader range of the solar spectrum. While silicon has a theoretical efficiency limit of around 30%, perovskite-silicon tandem cells have the potential to approach approximately 40%.

Professor Ho-Baillie’s research team has already demonstrated Australia’s first 30% efficient perovskite-silicon tandem cells across both small and larger device areas, with results independently confirmed by recognized testing centers.

Beyond efficiency, the next phase of development will focus heavily on reliability and durability—two critical requirements for commercial adoption. The team has previously demonstrated tandem cells capable of passing industry-standard testing for thermal extremes and moisture exposure. Upcoming work will assess resistance to ultraviolet radiation and mechanical stresses while examining the cells’ ability to retain conversion efficiency over the expected operating life of solar panels.

The partnership with Unison Solar Energy will also provide an industry pathway for translating laboratory advances into commercially manufacturable solar products designed for demanding Australian operating conditions.

The project reflects a broader shift in tandem PV research from achieving record efficiencies toward solving long-term stability, reliability and manufacturing challenges. Successfully addressing these areas could position perovskite-silicon tandems as an important next-generation technology for higher-efficiency solar modules.