High efficiency per unit area is a promising solution for future low-cost PV technology, and the concept of Tandem solar cell is confirmed widely in academic and industrial research laboratories as a means of achieving this. Perovskite/silicon tandem is considered a promising technology as the silicon solar cell technology is well established, and perovskite materials may be deposited by low-cost process technologies. The passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) is presently the standard silicon cell design in manufacturing with a major market share, and tandem designs with PERC like silicon bottom cell is predicted to provide high efficiencies.
IIT Bombay through NCPRE is uniquely positioned among the Indian research groups in the country to exploit the promise of the silicon/perovskite tandem. Through the research activities in the two phases of NCPRE, the centre has developed excellent facilities and know how in the areas of both silicon solar cells and perovskite solar cells. Activities of NCPRE Phase-III would be a window for the industry to evaluate the emerging perovskite/silicon tandem device landscape globally based on a solid domestic technology development. The outcome could be the basis for NCPRE/industry projects with specific objectives for adaptation of the tandem concept to various flavors of bottom cells by the Indian industry. The project would also train the high-quality manpower required by the industry to transition to or adopt the tandem technologies.
Following activities are being planned by the Solar Cells and Materials group of NCPRE Phase-III.