Sheer Chaos As Paint-On Perovskite Solar Cells Take Over

Sheer Chaos As Paint-On Perovskite Solar Cells Take Over

CleanTechnica | Tina Casey | Aug 9, 2024

Fossil energy stakeholders have been ginning up opposition to large-scale solar farms, but they should have been watching their backs. The latest development in photovoltaic technology involves low-cost perovskite solar cells created in the form of a solution which can be applied to a thin film or coated onto almost any surface. The opposition will need to figure out a new angle of attack when the world is suddenly plastered with perovskites.

The Promise Of Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite research has been a regular feature on the pages of CleanTechnica for a number of years, so the idea of paint-able solar cells is not particularly new or shocking. The promise of a low-cost, high-performing perovskite solar ink that can turn any surface into a power plant has been a long time coming, though.

One key challenge to overcome is durability. Unlike conventional silicon solar material, perovskites are lab-grown crystals that require tailoring to withstand exposure to air.

Another challenge is energy efficiency. The naturally occurring mineral perovskite was discovered in the 19th century, but growing perovskite-type crystals and applying them to solar cells is a 21st-century invention. Initial experiments back in 2009 yielded a solar conversion efficiency of just around 3%, far below the goalpost for commercial solar cells. However, the superior optoelectronic properties of perovskites sparked a torrent of follow-on research, and solar conversion efficiencies topping 20% are common today (see more perovskite background here).

More Than 27% Solar Conversion Efficiency For New Perovskite Solar Cells...more
https://cleantechnica.com/2024/08/09/sheer-chaos-as-paint-on-perovskite-solar-cells-take-over/