Solar energy continues to capture the world’s attention with impressive technological advances. In 2025, Korea stands out for a remarkable innovation in tandem solar cells. These new cells promise to dramatically increase energy efficiency, paving the way for cleaner, more sustainable energy production.
This breakthrough could well transform the global energy landscape, offering a viable alternative to traditional energy sources. Discover how this revolutionary technology could redefine our approach to solar energy and contribute to a greener, more responsible future.
Innovative Lift-Off Process and Cell Structure
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have developed an innovative “lift-off” process for perovskite-CIGS tandem solar cells, achieving a record efficiency of 23.64%. The process involves applying a layer of polyimide to a glass substrate, then fabricating the solar cell on it before separating the glass.
The cell structure comprises a perovskite top layer and a CIGS (copper, indium, gallium, diselenide) base. This approach improves cell performance and durability, while avoiding defects associated with potassium diffusion, which is crucial for applications requiring ultralight solar modules.
Advantages and Performance of Tandem Cells
By combining several layers of different materials, tandem solar cells optimize the capture of sunlight. Each layer absorbs a different part of the solar spectrum, enabling light to be converted into electricity more efficiently than with conventional single-layer cells.
The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) recently announced a record efficiency of 23.64% for its new perovskite-CIGS tandem cell, which retains 97.7% of its original efficiency after 100,000 bending cycles. What’s more, the cell’s power-to-weight ratio is around ten times greater than that of perovskite/silicon tandem cells, making it ideal for applications requiring ultralight solar modules.
Comparison with Traditional Methods and Other Cells
The innovative method using a rigid glass substrate differs from traditional approaches based on a flexible polyimide film. This technique reduces defects associated with potassium diffusion, a common problem in flexible cells.
Compared with recent tandem cells, such as those from KAUST with an efficiency of 33.2% and JinkoSolar at 33.85%, the KIER cell has a lower efficiency of 23.64%. However, it stands out for its innovative construction and exceptional durability. Although less efficient, this technology offers considerable potential for applications requiring lightweight, flexible solar modules.
