Korean Energy Institute Achieves 23.64% Efficiency in Flexible Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells, Lead-Free Technology Advances

August 9, 2026

AZoCleantech South Korea

Overview

AZoCleantech reports on cutting-edge research in flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PeSCs), highlighting a Korean Energy Research Institute’s achievement of 23.64% power conversion efficiency (PCE) in flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem cells. Separately, flexible perovskite/silicon tandem cells recorded a certified efficiency of 33.6%, with notable progress in lead-free perovskite technology. These breakthroughs accelerate the commercialization of lightweight, flexible next-generation solar cells, opening doors for diverse applications.

In Depth

Key Findings

According to the latest research trends reported by AZoCleantech, groundbreaking achievements have been made in the development of flexible perovskite solar cells (f-PeSCs). Notably, researchers at the Korean Energy Research Institute have achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.64% in flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem cells. In another significant development, flexible perovskite/silicon tandem cells recorded a high certified efficiency of 33.6%.

Technical / Clinical Details

Flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem cells, due to their lightweight and flexibility, are highly anticipated for various applications such as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), wearable devices, and IoT sensors. The 23.64% PCE demonstrates that combining CIGS technology with perovskites can achieve high efficiency on flexible substrates.
The certified efficiency of 33.6% achieved by flexible perovskite/silicon tandem cells approaches the efficiency records of single-junction solar cells at the laboratory level, which is particularly remarkable for a flexible device. This is a result of maximizing the complementary spectral absorption characteristics of perovskite and silicon.
Furthermore, advancements in lead-free perovskite development are progressing, marking a crucial step towards environmental sustainability and addressing toxicity concerns. Companies like Oxford PV are actively pursuing commercialization, further accelerating the practical deployment of this technology.

Background & Context

Conventional silicon solar cells are rigid and heavy, limiting their installation locations. However, f-PeSCs, with their lightweight and flexible properties, can be installed on curved or non-structural surfaces, potentially opening new markets for solar power generation. Achieving both high efficiency and flexibility in tandem structures is a major research focus in this field, and the latest achievements significantly enhance their commercial viability. The transition to environmentally friendly, lead-free materials is also an indispensable component for realizing a sustainable energy society.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

These advancements in flexible perovskite tandem solar cells will serve as a significant driving force to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. Specifically, the high efficiencies of 23.64% and 33.6% suggest that f-PeSCs could enable breakthroughs not only in large-scale solar power generation but also in areas previously untouched by PV, such as mobile power, aerospace, and smart textiles. Combined with progress in lead-free technology and commercialization efforts, more flexible perovskite products are expected to enter the market within the next few years, thereby accelerating a paradigm shift in energy generation and making solar energy ubiquitous.

Source: https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2187

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