SIRF202 – Understanding PV Research Challenges

SIRF 202: Introduction to Hybrid Tandem Perovskite/Silicon, Multijunction Solar Cells, and Silicon Heterostructure (HIT)

This session offers fellows a strategic and technical overview of the most advanced solar cell technologies shaping the future of photovoltaic manufacturing. It will cover the main device families based on crystalline silicon, perovskites, III–V materials, and other emerging concepts, with a clear comparison of their performance, maturity, and industrial relevance.

Fellows will explore the latest cell and module efficiency records, identify which technologies currently lead the global market, and understand the innovation pathways that are driving higher efficiency, better stability, and lower production costs. The session will also examine the key manufacturing steps for each technology, highlighting differences in process complexity, scalability, investment requirements, and compatibility with future industrial upgrades.

A dedicated focus will be placed on tandem perovskite/silicon solar cells as one of the most promising next-generation technologies. Fellows will gain insight into their disruptive potential, current industrial readiness, major R&D bottlenecks, and what it would take to move from laboratory success to large-scale manufacturing. This session is designed to help participants assess which technologies may offer the strongest opportunity for Africa in terms of competitiveness, localization, and long-term value creation.

Key learning areas

• Overview of current and emerging solar cell technologies: silicon, HIT/HJT, tandem perovskite/silicon, multijunction, and III–V
• Latest world records in cell and module efficiency and their industrial significance
• Global market leaders and the technologies currently dominating commercial deployment
• Advanced R&D directions to improve efficiency, durability, and cost competitiveness
• Comparison of manufacturing routes, production complexity, and scalability
• Upgrade pathways from today’s silicon manufacturing lines toward next-generation technologies
• Industrial status and future prospects of tandem perovskite solar cells