Hanwha Qcells achieves key tandem solar module stability milestone
Achievement marks another step toward tandem module commercialization, aiming to make solar power more affordable, accessible, and sustainable
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Hanwha Solutions Qcells Division (Hanwha Qcells), a global leader in complete clean energy solutions, has reached a major milestone on the path to commercializing its perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules. The company achieved successful stress test validation for the tandem modules in accordance with both International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification standards. These tests also complied with tandem-specific requirements for power measurements, making them a key first in the industry. The standard-compliant execution of the stress tests and measurements has been independently confirmed by TÜV Rheinland.
After announcing world-record efficiency for a commercially scalable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell in December 2024, Hanwha Qcells has now achieved a major milestone in durability, reinforcing the company’s leadership in advancing tandem technology toward real-world, commercial deployment.
“To Hanwha Qcells’ knowledge, this is the first report of tandem modules passing these stress tests, considering tandem-specific restrictions on power measurement, so this is truly a pivotal moment for tandem solar technology,” said Danielle Merfeld, Global Chief Technology Officer at Hanwha Qcells. “Hanwha Qcells’ breakthrough marks a critical step towards commercial readiness.”
Tandem technology, which is the pairing of perovskite cells with standard silicon cells, has long shown promise in laboratory settings for improving overall efficiency. It has demonstrated the potential to further reduce the cost of solar energy, and the land footprint required for solar projects, thus helping accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy. However, long-term stability and standardized measurement posed challenges for commercialization. By successfully passing the most critical stress tests for solar cell reliability — especially considering tandem-specific restrictions on power measurement — Hanwha Qcells has demonstrated that tandem technology can now meet the performance benchmarks that lay the groundwork for commercial acceptance.
Hanwha Qcells’ tandem cell technology features a 2-terminal device architecture, which is composed of a perovskite technology top layer and silicon bottom layer featuring Hanwha Qcells’ proprietary Q.ANTUM technology. The core of this latest achievement by Hanwha Qcells involves successfully passing the most critical stress tests for solar cell reliability according to International Standards IEC 61215-2:2021 and UL 61215-2:2021, including tests1 for ultraviolet preconditioning, thermal cycling, humidity-freeze, and damp heat. These stress tests have been successfully passed by fulfilling the tandem-specific requirements for power measurements as specified in International Standard IEC TS 60904-1-1 for multi-junction modules. The tested modules were fabricated using Hanwha Qcells’ tandem R&D pilot line in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany, by incorporating tandem solar cells on full-area M10 substrates and applying exclusive mass-production processes for cell and module fabrication.
“Hanwha Qcells is pleased to announce this outstanding stability achievement based on our in-house developed perovskite technology as a top cell, and cost-efficient Q.ANTUM silicon technology as a bottom cell,” said Fabian Fertig, Head of Tandem R&D at Hanwha Qcells Germany. “The tested cells and modules are typical devices from our R&D pilot line in Germany and have been fabricated by exclusively using processes that are feasible for mass production. This result is laying the groundwork for future commercialization of this exciting technology.”
1 Stress tests were conducted as follows: UV preconditioning test for 15kWh/m2 (MQT10; UV15), thermal cycling test for 200 cycles (MQT11; TC200), humidity-freeze test for 10 cycles (MQT12; HF10), and damp heat test for 1000h (MQT13; DH1000).
Hanwha Solutions
Hanwha Solutions aims to deliver sustainable solutions for the planet through smart energy solutions and customer-focused materials. The company operates its business through three divisions: Qcells, Chemical, and Insight. The Qcells Division offers total energy solutions from photovoltaic module manufacturing, power plant operation to electricity retailing service. Long recognized as a prominent leader in the chemicals industry, the Chemical Division is growing into a global green energy materials company with its cutting-edge solutions for eco-friendly materials. The Insight Division is providing differentiated solutions through comprehensive development and fnancing for projects such as cities, smart green industrial complexes, renewable energy, premium real estate and premium content. With its innovative technologies for sustainable growth, Hanwha Solutions strives to become a global leader in bringing a better future for humanity.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhasolutions.com/en/
Hanwha Qcells
Hanwha Qcells (Hanwha Solutions Qcells division) is one of the world’s leading clean energy companies, recognized for its established reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, high-quality solar cells, and modules, a portfolio of intelligent storage systems, and a growing international pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects. Hanwha Qcells also provides renewable electricity retail services and packages to end customers the world over. The company is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ) with its diverse international manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Malaysia, and South Korea. Hanwha Qcells strives to offer Completely Clean Energy through the full spectrum of photovoltaic products, storage solutions, renewable electricity contracting, and large-scale solar power plants. Through its growing global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East, Hanwha Qcells provides excellent services and long-term partnerships to its customers in the utility, commercial, governmental, and residential markets.
For more information, visit: www.qcells.com/us/
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