Flexible solar cell with record 26.4% efficiency could advance drones

Scientists at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) have developed a groundbreaking ultra-thin, flexible solar cell achieving a world-record power conversion efficiency of 26.4%. This tandem solar cell combines a perovskite top layer, which efficiently captures visible light, with a newly engineered organic bottom layer containing a custom molecule called P2EH-1V that excels at absorbing near-infrared (NIR) light. This innovative design addresses previous limitations in NIR absorption, significantly boosting overall efficiency and outperforming comparable perovskite-organic and perovskite-CIGS cells. The flexible, lightweight nature of these cells makes them ideal for integration into unconventional surfaces, such as wearable electronics, smart textiles, and drones, where weight and form factor are critical. The technology also holds promise for roll-to-roll manufacturing, enabling scalable, low-cost production. Moving forward, the research team aims to improve the operational stability of these cells in real-world conditions and advance toward pilot