Solar's Next Generation Arrives

Solar manufacturing is on the cusp of a technology revolution. In the next couple of years, next-generation tandem and perovskite solar modules will be commercialized. By generating energy from different wavelengths of light (see left) tandem solar cells, combine silicon and perovskite or thin-film layers to reach both higher efficiencies and higher lifetime power output than conventional solar cells can achieve. Recent testing shows that tandems can provide over 50% greater lifetime power output and are more lightweight than conventional solar cells. President Trump and the 119th Congress have an opportunity to build on progress in U.S. advanced energy manufacturing to open U.S.-owned next-generation solar facilities that will leapfrog China’s technology.