Every now and again a brand new technology comes along that has the potential to revolutionize an entire industry.
This is certainly the case with perovskite solar cells, which hold great promise in the quest for more efficient and affordable solar energy.
However, as with any new technology there are also challenges that need to be overcome before perovskite solar cells can reach their full potential. In this article we will take a look at both the promises and challenges of perovskite solar cells.
What is a Perovskite Solar Cell?
A Perovskite Solar Cell is a type of solar cell that uses a perovskite-structured compound as the light-harvesting active layer.
The term “perovskite” refers to the mineral structure of the material, which is similar to that of calcium titanate.
Perovskites are a different material than traditional solar panels; they have a distinct crystallographic structure that allows them to efficiently convert sunlight into electricity.
Where the more popular silicon-based solar cells have an efficiency of around 20-25%, perovskite solar cells boast much higher efficiencies of up to 30% (nrel.gov).
Perovskite solar cell structure
A perovskite solar cell has an electron transporting layer (ETL) and a hole transporting layer (HTL), where free electrons and holes are injected.
The anode and cathode in the perovskite solar cell structure, on the other hand, are made of Fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass and Al doped ZnO (AZO), respectively. The perovskite layer is sandwiched between the ETL and HTL.
The Emergence Of Perovskite Solar Cells
The promise of perovskite solar cells
One of the most promising aspects of perovskite solar cells is their low cost. The raw materials used to make perovskites are very inexpensive, and the manufacturing process is relatively simple.
This means that perovskite solar cells have the potential to be much cheaper than traditional silicon-based solar cells.
Perovskite solar cells also have the potential to be more efficient than silicon-based solar cells. As we mentioned earlier, perovskite solar cells boast efficiencies of up to 30%. This is a significant improvement over the 20-25% efficiency of silicon-based solar cells.
In addition, perovskite solar cells can be made using a variety of materials. This means that they can be tailored to specific applications and conditions. For example, perovskite solar cells could be designed to work well in low-light conditions or to be more durable than traditional solar cells.
The Challenges In Perovskite Solar Cells
While there are many promising aspects of perovskite solar cells, there are also some challenges that need to be overcome before they can reach their full potential.
Material toxicity, device hysteresis, and perovskite material stability are some of the challenges that need to be addressed.
Material toxicity
Material toxicity is a concern because some of the materials used in perovskite solar cells are toxic.
This means that there is a potential for these materials to leach into the environment if the solar cells are not disposed of properly.
Device hysteresis
Device hysteresis is another challenge that needs to be addressed. This refers to the fact that perovskite solar cells tend to lose efficiency over time.
Material stability
Finally, perovskite solar cells are not as stable as traditional silicon-based solar cells.
They degrade when exposed to light and heat, which means they have a shorter lifespan than traditional solar cells.
Perovskite Solar Cell Vs Silicon
Perovskites are a new kind of solar panel that generates electricity from the sun’s light and is therefore far more efficient than today’s polysilicon-based systems.
They have an unusual crystallographic structure, making them highly effective at converting photons of light into usable energy.
This is due to the fact that perovskites have a higher absorption coefficient than silicon. In addition, perovskite solar cells can be made much thinner than traditional silicon solar cells, which makes them more flexible and less expensive to produce.
Since Perovskites solar cells are not available on the commercial market, it is very hard to compare their efficiency to traditional silicon solar cells.
Perovskite solar cells have the potential to be much more efficient than silicon solar cells. However, they are still in the development stage and there is a lot of research that needs to be done before they can be commercialized.
Overcoming The Challenges In Perovskite Solar Cells
While there are challenges that need to be addressed, there is also a lot of research being done to overcome these challenges.
For example, new materials are being developed that are less toxic and more stable. In addition, new manufacturing techniques are being explored that could improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.
Perovskite Solar Cell Stability
The poor stability of perovskite solar cells is a stumbling block to market approval.
The perovskite layer’s instability when in touch with water is the major problem, but it’s also important to study the other layers and interfaces within the device for stability issues.
Encapsulating the perovskite layer, for example with an inorganic caping layer, is one way to improve stability.
Other methods to enhance stability include changing the composition of the perovskite absorber and/or buffer layer.
Perovskite Solar Cell Efficiency
The power conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic device is the ratio of the electrical output of the device to the incident light power.
The efficiency of a perovskite solar cell can be improved by using materials with a higher absorption coefficient, creating a thicker absorber layer, and/or introducing defects into the lattice structure.
Perovskite Solar Cell Applications
Perovskite can act as a light harvester and hole or electron transporter in solar cells.
Transparent perovskite solar cells can be used in windows, displays, and other optoelectronic devices.
They have the potential to be used in a variety of different applications, such as:
- Windows.
- Displays.
- Electronic devices.
- Vehicle roofs.
When Will Perovskite Solar Panels Be Available?
It’s going to be at least a few years before businesses can bring these goods to market, but progress is being made in the meantime.
Perovskite Solar Cell Lifespan
Perovskite solar cells have the potential to endure much longer than standard solar cells. The maximum anticipated lifetime for perovskites is 10,000 hours (about 1 year), however their PCE is only 12%. If we use a degradation threshold of 20%, the best light-soaking stability is only 1000 hours6,14.
This means at the moment perovskite solar cells have a shorter lifespan than traditional silicon solar cells.
In Summary
Even though perovskite solar cells aren’t yet available, they show a lot of promise.
They have the potential to be more efficient than silicon solar cells and can be made much thinner, which makes them more flexible.
However, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed before they can be commercialized, such as stability and efficiency.
Even though there are challenges, there is also a lot of research being done to overcome these challenges.
New materials are being developed that are less toxic and more stable. In addition, new manufacturing techniques are being explored that could improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.
0 comments