UNSW Achieves 23.5% Efficiency Record for Perovskite Solar Submodule

On October 7, 2026, researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, in collaboration with Chinese manufacturer UtmoLight, achieved a groundbreaking power conversion efficiency of 23.5% for a large perovskite solar submodule. This milestone surpasses the previous efficiency benchmark by 0.6 percentage points, highlighting the potential of perovskite technology for large-scale applications. The 30 cm × 30 cm submodule, with an aperture area of 676 cm², sets a new standard for efficiency in perovskite solar technology, indicating its suitability for commercial production and widespread use in photovoltaic systems. The achievement is particularly noteworthy as it underscores the potential for perovskite solar technology to maintain high performance over larger areas, bridging the gap with traditional silicon solar cells.

Scientia Professor Xiaojing Hao, who led the team at UNSW, emphasized that this record is not merely about numbers but reflects a commitment to developing materials and device concepts that perform effectively under industrial conditions. This focus on scalability addresses one of the key challenges in transitioning from laboratory research to mass production. The research team innovatively eliminated the conventional nickel oxide layer, typically used in perovskite cells to prevent electrical short circuits. This change not only improved stability but also simplified the manufacturing process. By allowing for a direct formation of a hole-selective contact during fabrication, they enhanced the overall efficiency of the module while avoiding complications associated with traditional methods.

This breakthrough highlights the significance of material innovation and process optimization in advancing solar technology. Following this achievement, the UNSW team plans to scale up their work by producing and testing a full-size module representative of commercial dimensions. Their goal is to achieve an efficiency of approximately 18% to 19% for a module with an area of 2.8 m². While they recognize that further advancements are necessary for long-term stability and reproducibility, the collaboration with UtmoLight is expected to facilitate the industrialization of perovskite PV technologies. This partnership enables early-stage assessment of scalability, ensuring that innovations can be effectively integrated into large-scale production.

Looking forward, the work conducted at UNSW represents a significant step towards the widespread adoption of perovskite solar technology. As the team continues to refine their techniques and explore new materials, the potential for improved efficiency and performance remains promising. The ability to effectively scale up perovskite technology will be critical in addressing the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. This achievement not only positions UNSW at the forefront of solar research but also contributes to the global effort in advancing clean energy technologies.