In the lead-up to this autumn's COP26 event in Glasgow, through our 'Oxfordshire gears-up for COP26' series, we will be showcasing the many examples of how Oxfordshire’s immense energy expertise is being applied to exploring the boundaries of future energy and, ultimately, a drive towards a zero-carbon future:
Oxford PV’s perovskite solar technology has set a new world record for the amount of energy that can be converted from the sun into electricity by a single solar cell.
The cell has been independently proven to convert 29.52% of solar energy into electricity. In contrast, standard silicon cells have an average conversion rate of just 15 to 20%.
In 2022, Oxford PV will be the first company to make these next-generation solar cells commercially available.
Commenting on the announcement Frank P. Averdung, Chief Executive Officer at Oxford PV, said: “Achieving another world record is a fantastic milestone for our perovskite based solar cell, as it demonstrates that we are one step closer to the provision of highly powerful and lower cost solar energy.”
Dr Chris Case, Chief Technology Officer at Oxford PV, added: “This perovskite on silicon solar has at 29.52%, certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Golden, Colorado, USA), not only breaking our Company record but breaking the performance record of 29.2% for any solar cell material (GaAs).”
“Our solar cells and modules not only demonstrate record efficiency but have passed externally measured industry standard reliability tests from the International Electrotechnical Commission.
"The considerable progress we have made is thanks to our dedicated and skilled scientists and engineers in the UK and a validation of the entire global perovskite research community who have been contributing to making perovskite successful. Our innovative approach is a breakthrough for solar power efficiency and will be instrumental in paving the way for an all-electric future."
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (or 'COP26') takes place in Glasgow this November. The summit brings parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
In Oxfordshire, the low carbon energy sector generates £1.15bn a year. Over the past half-decade, the county has attracted £2bn in foreign direct investment. Oxfordshire’s Energy Strategy backs a drive towards zero-carbon growth by 2050 will help to spearhead a further £1.35bn annually to our economy, creating at least 11,000 new jobs in the low-carbon sector by 2030.
