Short answer
Prioritize the evaluation and potential adoption of perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules in new utility-scale solar power plant designs due to their projected cost advantages and performance.
- Field
- Commercial Production
- Source
- Materials Futures (2026)
- Method
- Cost-performance analysis and projection
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules are projected to reach cost parity with traditional silicon solar modules in power plant construction by 2027, driven by high efficiency and reduced balance-of-system costs. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2026 study published in Materials Futures. Using Cost-performance analysis and projection, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the evaluation and potential adoption of perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules in new utility-scale solar power plant designs due to their projected cost advantages and performance.
Tandem Solar Modules to Achieve Cost Parity with Silicon by 2027
Perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules are projected to reach cost parity with traditional silicon solar modules in power plant construction by 2027, driven by high efficiency and reduced balance-of-system costs.
Materials Futures · 2026
Key Findings
- 01GW-level production could reduce PSM manufacturing costs to 0.657 CNY/W at 20% efficiency.
- 02Parallel-connected TSMs are projected to achieve cost parity with c-Si systems by 2027.
- 03TSMs are expected to offer a 0.09 CNY/W advantage by 2030 due to reduced balance-of-system costs.
- 04Levelized cost of energy for tandem systems is expected to fall below 0.150 CNY/kWh by 2027.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize the evaluation and potential adoption of perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules in new utility-scale solar power plant designs due to their projected cost advantages and performance.
How to apply
When designing or specifying components for large-scale solar installations, conduct a comparative cost-benefit analysis including projected costs for tandem solar modules alongside traditional silicon modules.
Project actions
- 01When researching new materials or technologies for a design project, look for studies that project future cost-effectiveness.
- 02Consider how advancements in one component (like solar cells) can impact the cost of the entire system (like a power plant).
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive cost-performance analysis.
- +Projection against a established benchmark (c-Si).
- +Consideration of GW-level production scaling.
Limitations
The projections rely on assumptions about future manufacturing scale and efficiency gains, which might not be fully realized.
Reliability & validity
The study's reliability is supported by its detailed cost modeling and projections based on established benchmarks. Validity is enhanced by considering multiple cost factors (manufacturing, construction, BOS) and projecting over a specific timeframe.
Think critically
What are the potential risks and uncertainties associated with relying on projected cost reductions for a new technology in a large-scale design project?
Design Principles
"Embrace emerging high-efficiency photovoltaic technologies to drive down overall system costs and accelerate renewable energy deployment."
This research highlights a significant shift in the economics of solar energy generation. Designers and engineers developing renewable energy systems should consider the increasing viability of tandem solar technologies, as they offer a pathway to lower energy costs and faster adoption of solar power.
What This Means for Your Design
New types of solar panels, called tandem solar panels, are expected to be just as cheap to install as the current ones by 2027, and then become even cheaper, making solar power more affordable.
How to use in your project
- 1.Cite this study when discussing the economic feasibility of alternative energy solutions in your design project.
- 2.Use the projected cost parity dates as a benchmark for the potential market entry of new renewable energy technologies.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research indicates that perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules are poised to achieve cost parity with traditional silicon modules in utility-scale power plants by 2027, with projected advantages in levelized cost of energy due to high efficiency and reduced balance-of-system costs, suggesting a significant shift in the economic landscape of solar energy.
Source
Materials Futures
Cost-performance analysis of terrestrial perovskite and perovskite/silicon tandem photovoltaics
journal · 2026
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about tandem solar modules to achieve cost parity with silicon by 2027?
- Prioritize the evaluation and potential adoption of perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules in new utility-scale solar power plant designs due to their projected cost advantages and performance. Evidence: Materials Futures (2026).
- Why does "Tandem Solar Modules to Achieve Cost Parity with Silicon by 2027" matter for design?
- This research highlights a significant shift in the economics of solar energy generation. Designers and engineers developing renewable energy systems should consider the increasing viability of tandem solar technologies, as they offer a pathway to lower energy costs and faster adoption of solar power.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize the evaluation and potential adoption of perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules in new utility-scale solar power plant designs due to their projected cost advantages and performance.
- What were the main findings?
- GW-level production could reduce PSM manufacturing costs to 0.657 CNY/W at 20% efficiency.. Parallel-connected TSMs are projected to achieve cost parity with c-Si systems by 2027.. TSMs are expected to offer a 0.09 CNY/W advantage by 2030 due to reduced balance-of-system costs.. Levelized cost of energy for tandem systems is expected to fall below 0.150 CNY/kWh by 2027.
- What research method was used?
- Cost-performance analysis and projection.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2026 journal from Materials Futures.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing or specifying components for large-scale solar installations, conduct a comparative cost-benefit analysis including projected costs for tandem solar modules alongside traditional silicon modules.
- What are the limitations?
- Projections are based on anticipated manufacturing scaling and cost reductions, which may be subject to technological advancements or market fluctuations.