A Chinese research team has achieved a major breakthrough in thin-film photovoltaic technology, raising the certified efficiency of a new solar cell to 16.6 percent, according to the Institute of Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The development marks a significant step toward industrialization of the technology, which is considered important for both terrestrial energy transition and future space-based applications.
Researchers led by Meng Qingbo focused on CZTSSe photovoltaic technology, which uses abundant elements such as copper, zinc, tin, and selenium. The material is considered cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and resistant to space radiation, making it suitable for long-term energy and aerospace applications.
The team addressed key technical challenges related to material crystallization, atomic structure, and defect control by developing an atomic vacancy strategy that improves atomic arrangement and reduces energy loss within the cells.
Based on these advancements, researchers have also developed high-performance flexible solar cells and modules. They noted that the current efficiency level of 16.6 percent lays the groundwork for future industrial production.
The team added that once efficiency levels approach 20 percent for cells and 18 percent for modules, the technology could become commercially competitive and widely used in aerospace systems and other applications, including low-orbit satellite networks and space-based energy projects.