Amorphous silicon-silicon tandem solar cell achieves 12.3% efficiency via new honeycomb-shaped micro-structures

Researchers at TU Delft have developed a novel hexagonal microtextured glass that enhances light scattering by up to 50%, improving optical performance in thin-film silicon solar cells. The technology shows promise for multijunction, flexible, and low-power solar applications, with high light scattering even at near-infrared wavelengths. The use of hexagonal texturized glass resulted in a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 9.3% in a single junction nc-Si:H solar cell and 12.3% in an amorphous silicon/nanocrystalline silicon tandem solar cell. The researchers foresee the technology being used in solar cells for consumer electronics, solar-powered sensors, and off-grid low-power applications, offering a potential solution for increasing solar energy efficiency in various settings.

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/23/amorphous-silicon-silicon-tandem-solar-cell-achieves-12-3-efficiency-via-new-honeycomb-shaped-micro-structures/