Cheaper and more efficient. The US has found a way to improve solar power plants

Researchers from the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory have made a significant breakthrough in the field of solar energy.

They have developed a new model that shows how increasing the efficiency and increasing the scale of production of tandem solar modules can significantly reduce their cost.

Tandem solar modules are an innovative technology that combines silicon and promising material — metal halide perovskites. This combination allows for more efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity compared to traditional silicon panels.

Scientists conducted a detailed analysis of various factors that affect the cost of producing tandem modules, such as materials, equipment, plant location, and module efficiency. The study found that the key factors in reducing costs are improving module efficiency and increasing production scale.

«One of the key findings is that an absolute increase in module efficiency of 2.5% provides the same cost reduction per rated power as doubling the size of your plant», — said Jacob Cordell, lead author of the study.

The researchers created a model that allows them to estimate how various changes in the manufacturing process will affect the cost of modules. This model will be useful for companies and researchers developing tandem solar technologies.