Researchers at UNSW Sydney, working with the company UtmoLight, announced on 7 October 2026 a certified 23.5% efficiency for a 30 x 30 cm perovskite solar submodule, a world record for a panel of that size.
Key facts
The submodule has an aperture area of 676 cm², far larger than the tiny cells used in many laboratory records.
The result beats the previous benchmark of 22.9% by 0.6 percentage points.
The team removed a conventional nickel oxide layer, letting a key contact form directly during manufacturing.
Next, the team plans a full-size 2.8 m² module, aiming for around 18 to 19% efficiency.
Why it matters
Perovskites could make solar power cheaper and more versatile, but they have struggled to keep their efficiency as panels get bigger. This result shows progress at a size that matters for factories.
Worth noting
The researchers say more work is needed on reproducibility and long-term stability, since perovskites can degrade with moisture, heat and prolonged sunlight. The work is supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.