The adoption of photovoltaic technologies will happen much faster if the cost can be reduced. One strategy for reducing cost is to increase efficiency because this can reduce installation costs, land use, etc. High-efficiency solar cells require careful control of both the material quality and the device design. The highest efficiencies are achieved when multiple materials are used, the crystal quality is nearly perfect and the surfaces are well passivated. Implementation of high-efficiency cells into complete systems also requires materials with high performance and durability. The talk will give an overview of these challenges and how many of these challenges have been overcome to reach efficiencies of ~ 40% under concentrated sunlight.

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