Perovskite solar cells: The green revolution of the energy transition is imminent!

Perovskite solar cells: The green revolution of the energy transition is imminent!

Michael Saliba, head of the Institute for Photovoltaics at the University of Stuttgart, points out the immense importance of perovskite solar cells for a sustainable energy transition. The materials, whose structure is reminiscent of crystals, offer a promising basis for the development of solar cells and semiconductors because they can efficiently absorb sunlight and convert it into electrical current. The production methods are similar to printing techniques that are already known from newspaper production. This makes manufacturing potentially more cost-effective than traditional silicon solar cells, which require extremely pure materials. Perovskites, on the other hand, are tolerant to impurities, which makes their application much easier, such as uni-stuttgart.de reported.

Research on perovskites also focuses on stabilizing these materials because they are vulnerable to water, oxygen and light. The first modules have already been produced and installed on the institute's roof, but the widespread market launch will take time. Over the next 20 years, a total of 10,000 to 20,000 satellites are planned for low Earth orbit, which the ATLAS special research project in Stuttgart is conducting research on. The first perovskites are expected to be sent into space next year or the year after.

Technological advances and efficiencies

Perovskite solar cells are characterized by high efficiencies and flexible application options. Prototypes with efficiencies of up to 26.95 percent were developed in the laboratory. The combination of perovskites with silicon in tandem cells has even achieved efficiencies of over 30 percent, in individual cases up to 34.6 percent. This technology uses different areas of light more efficiently and could represent the most promising innovation for photovoltaics and the energy transition, like that Science Media Center summarizes.

A long-term test in Berlin shows that perovskite performance remains stable in summer, while there is a decline of about 30 percent in winter, which is due to seasonal fluctuations. Despite these challenges, long-term testing confirmed that summer efficiency losses are minimal and reversible efficiency changes can occur in the day-night cycle.

Market maturity and challenges

The first perovskite solar cells have already entered the market, but they continue to be investigated due to their long-term stability and the need to prove their durability in the field. There are economic benefits from low manufacturing costs and low energy consumption, but research is still needed to make the materials more environmentally friendly and durable. The use of lead in the manufacturing process is a significant environmental issue that needs to be addressed to ensure sustainable use.

In addition, research aims to develop lead-free alternatives that could further enhance the potential of perovskites. The challenges, such as efficiency losses in the early stages and the sensitivity of materials to moisture, also need to be addressed to realize the widespread application of perovskite solutions, as stated in a document by the Forum Publishing is examined in more detail.

In summary, despite existing challenges, perovskite solar cells represent a key factor for the next generation of photovoltaics due to their high efficiency, cost-effectiveness and flexible material properties. Improvements in stability and understanding of seasonal dynamics are crucial to realize the full potential of this technology and make a significant contribution to the energy transition.