16.6%! China Breaks World Record in Next-Gen Thin-Film Solar Technology

Source: Science and Technology Daily

On the 25th, reporters learned from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences that Researcher Meng Qingbo and his team have achieved another major breakthrough in next-generation thin-film solar technology. They raised the certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of copper-zinc-tin-sulfur-selenium (CZTSSe) solar cells to 16.6% and successfully developed high-performance flexible cells and modules. This marks the 10th time the team has set a world record in this field, highlighting China’s global leadership in next-generation thin-film solar technology and signaling that the technology has reached a key milestone toward industrialization.

CZTSSe is a next-generation thin-film solar material considered a promising option for large-scale applications both on Earth and in space. Its multi-element composition, however, makes it prone to complex defects, irregular atomic arrangements, and significant internal energy losses.

To overcome these challenges, Meng Qingbo’s team tackled key technical barriers, including material crystallization, atomic structure control, and defect management. In 2022, they became the first to surpass the 13% PCE threshold for CZTSSe photovoltaics. Over the next three years, they consecutively achieved 14%, 15%, and ultimately 16% efficiency, while also developing high-performance flexible cells and modules.

Industry experts note that reaching a PCE of 15–16% signals readiness for industrialization. With CZTSSe technology now achieving 16.6% PCE, along with its material advantages, this breakthrough represents a significant step toward large-scale commercial application.