Oxford PV sets world record for most efficient solar panel

Oxford PV, a subsidiary of the University of Oxford, claims to have set a world record for creating the most energy-efficient solar panel.

In collaboration with the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, the company developed a panel with a conversion efficiency of 25%—meaning that 25% of the solar energy hitting the panel is converted into electricity. This is a significant improvement compared to the typical 16-24% range found in commercial solar panels.

Oxford PV utilized tandem solar elements based on perovskite and silicon, theoretically capable of achieving efficiency levels exceeding 43%, surpassing the theoretical limit of traditional silicon solar elements, which is less than 30%.

During testing, the panel generated 421 W per 1.68 square meters. The record efficiency reached 28.6%, and the company aims to further increase it to 30% and beyond.

Standard equipment and a multispectral solar simulator were used for testing. Chris Case, the company's Technical Director, announced plans to expand production and build a factory for the large-scale production of tandem solar elements by 2024.

Earlier it was reported that scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in the US surveyed almost 2,500 solar power plants and found that, despite concerns, most photovoltaic systems have suffered minimal damage from extreme weather conditions over the years. and as a result suffered some degradation, which is in line with expectations.