Recent Advances in Perovskite–Silicon Tandem Solar Cells: Progress, Challenges, and Pathways to Commercialisation

Abstract

Perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells are emerging as a credible route beyond the limits of single junction silicon. Pairing a wide bandgap perovskite top cell with a silicon bottom cell broadens spectral harvesting while reducing thermal and transmission losses. This review explains the rationale for tandems and synthesises progress in perovskite materials, interface and passivation strategies, and scalable fabrication on flat and textured silicon, including ambient processing. We examine stability under moisture, oxygen, heat and light, advances in encapsulation and ISOS protocols, and implications for reliability. Techno-economic factors are analysed, including LCOE drivers, yield and throughput constraints, and bankability needs. Although certified efficiencies now exceed 29%, deployment still hinges on durable materials, robust tunnel junctions, uniform large-area coatings and credible end-of-life plans. We conclude with priorities for research and industry that could close the gap between laboratory prototypes and market-ready modules within the next five years.