Precious Anga
Lagos — China has reclaimed the global lead in solar technology after solar manufacturer Trina Solar achieved a record-breaking 29.2 per cent conversion efficiency and 907-watt power output using advanced perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.
The milestone surpasses the previous world record of 28.6 per cent set by South Korea’s Qcells in 2025 and marks another significant step in the race to develop more powerful and cost-effective solar technologies.
Unlike conventional solar panels, which typically convert between 21 and 23 per cent of sunlight into electricity, tandem solar cells combine a perovskite layer with traditional silicon to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, significantly boosting energy generation from the same surface area.
Trina Solar achieved the breakthrough using industry-standard 210mm wafers, demonstrating that the technology can be produced at commercial scale rather than remaining confined to laboratory research. The company’s new module generated 907 watts of power, a substantial improvement from its previous record of 808 watts and well above the output of most conventional solar panels currently in use.
The achievement further strengthens China’s position in the global clean energy sector at a time when countries are accelerating investments in renewable energy technologies to meet growing electricity demand and reduce carbon emissions.
Industry analysts say perovskite-silicon tandem technology could transform the solar market by delivering higher power output while reducing land requirements and installation costs for large-scale solar projects.
Perovskites, a class of crystalline materials capable of absorbing a wider range of sunlight than conventional silicon, have attracted growing attention because they can be manufactured at lower temperatures and potentially lower costs. The technology can also be applied to flexible surfaces, windows and building materials, creating new opportunities beyond traditional solar farms.
Despite the rapid progress, durability remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges. Pure perovskite cells tend to degrade when exposed to moisture, heat and ultraviolet radiation, raising concerns about their long-term performance in real-world conditions.
However, several companies are making significant advances in commercialisation. UK-based Oxford PV has already begun supplying perovskite-based modules to utility-scale projects, while California-based Caelux is developing technologies that allow manufacturers to integrate perovskite layers into existing solar production lines without major modifications.
The latest breakthrough comes as global competition intensifies in the renewable energy sector, with China, South Korea, Europe and the United States investing heavily in next-generation solar technologies.
As conventional silicon panels approach their theoretical efficiency limits, industry experts believe perovskite-silicon tandem cells could become the next major growth driver for the global solar industry, provided manufacturers can successfully scale production and demonstrate long-term reliability.
