Hanwha Qcells to Lead South Korean Government Project for Commercial-Scale Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Module Development

July 5, 2026

Perovskite-Info South Korea

Overview

Hanwha Qcells has announced it will lead a government-backed R&D project by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP) to develop commercial-scale perovskite/crystalline silicon tandem modules. This ambitious three-year project targets module efficiencies exceeding 28% and module areas greater than 1.7 m², aiming for commercialization around 2029. Qcells’ strategy is to strengthen its leadership in the solar market by bringing tandem technology to market ahead of competitors. This initiative marks a crucial step towards the mass production of next-generation solar cell technology.

In Depth

Key Findings

Hanwha Qcells, a division of Hanwha Solutions, has been selected to spearhead a major government-led research and development project focused on the development and demonstration of commercial-scale perovskite/crystalline silicon tandem solar cell modules. This ambitious three-year initiative, commencing in April 2026, sets specific targets of achieving over 28% module efficiency and module areas exceeding 1.7 m², laying critical technological groundwork for the mass production of next-generation photovoltaic solutions.

Technical Details

The project, part of the Energy Technology Development Program overseen by the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning (KETEP), involves a consortium of solar cell manufacturers, material suppliers, and research institutions led by Hanwha Qcells. Key areas of focus include developing uniform perovskite film deposition techniques for large-area modules, optimizing interface engineering, and ensuring long-term reliability through advanced encapsulation methods. By pushing beyond the theoretical efficiency limits of conventional single-junction silicon solar cells, the project aims to maximize power generation per unit area, thereby accelerating the deployment of renewable energy technologies.

Background & Context

Tandem solar cells are globally recognized as a promising technology capable of surpassing the Shockley-Queisser theoretical efficiency limit of single-junction silicon cells. By combining perovskite and crystalline silicon, these devices can absorb a broader spectrum of sunlight, leading to higher overall efficiencies. Hanwha Qcells’ leadership in this area is a strategic move to establish technological dominance and secure a competitive edge in the rapidly expanding next-generation solar market. The significant backing from the South Korean government underscores the national commitment to advancing this critical renewable energy technology.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

Through this project, Hanwha Qcells aims to leverage the technological advancements for commercialization around 2029. The successful mass production of commercial-scale tandem modules could significantly transform the existing solar power market. High-efficiency modules are particularly valuable for applications with limited installation space, such as residential and commercial rooftops, and for utility-scale projects requiring maximal power output. This progress is expected to further improve the cost-effectiveness of solar power, accelerating the global transition towards a carbon-neutral society and reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in advanced PV technology.

Source: https://www.perovskite-info.com/hanwha-qcells-lead-korean-government-project-commercial-scale-perovskitesilicon

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