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Revolution in Stuttgart: How perovskite solar cells are shaping the energy future!
In Stuttgart, international talent is researching innovative perovskite solar cells for sustainable energy use.
Revolution in Stuttgart: How perovskite solar cells are shaping the energy future!
Dr. Afshan Jamshaid, a postdoctoral researcher from Pakistan, and Asfaw Assegde, a researcher from Ethiopia, work at the Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv) at the University of Stuttgart. This institute is known for its leading role in the development of photovoltaic technology. Assegde specializes in perovskite solar cell stability improvement and compositional engineering and aims to develop inorganic transparent solar cells that will serve as windows in households in the future. He grew up in an area without electricity and knows how valuable solar energy can be, especially in regions with little access to electricity.
Assegde also emphasizes the importance of Germany offering a high quality of scientific instruments and facilities. He plans to return to Ethiopia in the next decade to build a renewable energy research center. He also wants to found a start-up to put his research results into practice. Stuttgart, known for its combination of city and nature life, offers him the inspiration he needs, not least thanks to its proximity to the Black Forest and the availability of halal food.
The key technology: perovskite solar cells
Perovskite solar cells are considered a key technology for the energy transition. Since 2009, they have increased their efficiency from just 3% to over 31%, underscoring their potential as a sustainable solution for solar energy. Their uniqueness lies in the crystal structure, which combines organic and inorganic components. This technology enables high flexibility and a versatile material composition, which offers decisive advantages over traditional solar cells.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supports research and development projects to increase the efficiency and lifespan of metal halide perovskite solar cells. The goal is to accelerate the commercialization of this technology and significantly reduce production costs. Perovskites represent the main absorption material or “active layer” in these solar cells, meaning they absorb light and thereby excite charged particles that produce electrical energy.
Comparison with traditional solar cells
- Wirkungsgrad: Perowskit bis zu 25%, traditionelle etwa 15-20%
- Produktionskosten: Perowskit deutlich günstiger
- Flexibilität: Perowskit sehr hoch, traditionelle begrenzt
The advantages of perovskite solar cells cannot be overlooked: they offer higher efficiency and performance, significantly lower production costs and a wide range of applications, from wearable devices to architectural solutions. Nevertheless, they face challenges such as long-term stability and sensitivity to humid environments. There are also concerns about the toxicity of certain materials.
Recent developments show that companies such as Oxford PV, CubicPV and Saule Technologies are working on advances in the technology. Pilot projects already demonstrate the potential for commercial applications. Solar Online predicts that the perovskite solar cell market size could increase from $301.3 million in 2023 to over $15 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 64.61%.
Research into perovskite technology could not only revolutionize solar energy, but also make a decisive contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions. Consumers can look forward to greater cost efficiency and improved energy yield. The U.S. Department of Energy is optimistic about the integration of this technology into existing systems, which could permanently change the global energy mix.