Source 1:
https://www.altadevices.com/alta-devices-breaks-solar-energy-efficiency-record/Quote (Source 1)
Alta Devices has today announced that its most recent single junction solar cell has been certified by NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) as being 28.9% efficient. This certification confirms that Alta has set a new record and continues to hold the world record efficiency for this type of solar cell. This breakthrough, combined with the unique thinness and flexibility of Alta’s cells, redefines how solar technology can be used to empower autonomy in many applications
Source 2:
https://physicsworld.com/a/organic-solar-cells-break-new-efficiency-record/Quote (Source 2)
A team of researchers led by Yongsheng Chen of Nankai University in Tianjin has now developed a semi-empirical model to predict which materials work best together in tandem cells. “We screened for the most efficient photoactive materials and then found the optimal match for both the front and rear subcells in these devices,” explains Chen. “Our analyses are based on previous theoretical works and state-of-the-art experimental results.
“Thanks to our calculations, we were able to make solution-processed two-terminal monolithic tandem OPV cells with a remarkable new record PCE of 17.3%.”
“According to our analyses, the OPV of 17.3% could be increased further to 25% and these materials could be as good as other solar technologies,” Chen tells Physics World. “OPVs thus show great potential for commercial applications.”
Normal solar cells are somewhere between 10-15% efficient, the new organic cells have shown to be upwards of 17% efficient and have potential to climb up towards 25% perhaps even higher.