Large-Area Perovskite Solar Cell Sets New Efficiency Record

23.5% Efficiency Achieved on a Large-Area Cell

Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, working with UtmoLight, have achieved a 23.5% power conversion efficiency in a perovskite solar cell measuring 30 × 30 cm, with an aperture area of 676 cm².

The result sets a new world record for large-area perovskite solar cells, exceeding the previous benchmark by 0.6 percentage points. It demonstrates that perovskite technology can maintain high efficiency beyond the small cells typically used in laboratory research.

Simplified Design Supports Industrial Potential

The research team eliminated the nickel oxide layer commonly used in conventional perovskite cells to prevent short circuits. This change simplified the device structure, avoided potentially harmful material interactions and improved efficiency.

Perovskite technology is attracting interest for its potential for low-cost manufacturing and its ability to complement silicon cells in tandem solar devices, allowing more sunlight to be converted into electricity.

Scaling Up Remains the Next Challenge

Despite the progress, long-term stability remains a major hurdle. Perovskite materials can degrade when exposed to moisture, heat and prolonged sunlight, while larger devices require precise control over material uniformity, defects and electrical connections.

The team plans to develop a full-size 2.8 m² module, comparable to a commercial solar panel, in the coming months. The next stage will test whether the technology can maintain consistent efficiency and durability at a commercially relevant scale.