Solar energy on the verge of change: what new panels can do
A new generation of tandem solar panels based on perovskite and silicon can increase electricity generation by 25% compared to traditional modules. The technology is approaching commercial distribution, but its prospects depend on production costs and lifespan. China's LONGi achieved a certified efficiency of 35.5% in July 2026. British-German Oxford PV made its first commercial delivery in 2024. The main limitations are the durability of perovskite materials and high production costs.
A new generation of tandem solar panels based on perovskite and silicon can increase electricity generation by 25% compared to traditional silicon modules. The technology uses two light-absorbing layers: an upper perovskite layer absorbs parts of the spectrum that silicon uses less efficiently, while a lower silicon layer captures passing light. In July 2026, China's LONGi reported a certified efficiency of 35.5% for such an element, while the best traditional silicon elements achieve about 27%. The technology is already moving beyond laboratories: in 2024, British-German Oxford PV made its first commercial delivery to a customer in the US, and in 2026, American Qcells certified its own tandem technology. Higher efficiency allows for reduced panel area and lower costs for mounting structures and cable infrastructure. The main obstacles to mass adoption are the durability of perovskite materials, which have not yet been proven to last 25–30 years, and production costs. About 85% of global solar supply chain production capacity is in China.