All perovskite tandem solar cells

All-perovskite tandem solar cells have gained increasing attention due to their inherent material compatibility, lightweight nature, and potential for low-cost, scalable fabrication. Unlike perovskite/silicon tandems, which involve integrating two fundamentally different materials (a crystalline silicon bottom cell and a perovskite top cell), all-perovskite tandems use two perovskite layers with tunable bandgaps. This simplifies the fabrication process and makes them a more cost-efficient option. Additionally, all-perovskite tandems can be deposited using low-temperature processes, enabling the production of flexible and lightweight modules—something not feasible with rigid silicon-based tandems.

From the perspective of space applications, particularly in low Earth orbit (LEO), weight, power-to-weight ratio, and radiation tolerance are critical performance metrics for solar technologies. All-perovskite tandem solar cells offer a significantly higher specific power (W/kg) compared to traditional silicon-based or even perovskite/silicon tandem cells due to their lightweight construction. Their tunable bandgaps can be optimized for the solar spectrum in space, enhancing energy yield per unit area. Moreover, recent studies have shown that certain perovskite compositions demonstrate inherent radiation hardness, making them more resilient in the harsh space environment. Their flexibility also allows integration onto deployable and curved surfaces, offering design versatility for small satellites and CubeSats. Collectively, these features make all-perovskite tandems especially appealing for next-generation space photovoltaics in LEO missions.