We aim to introduce you to the revolutionary use of perovskite as an advanced material for enhancing panel efficiency. Join us as we explore the exciting world and potential of perovskite.
Perovskite is a mineral consisting of calcium, titanium, and oxygen, named after the Russian mineralogist Lev Alexeyevich Perovskite. However, in the context of solar panels and materials for improving their efficiency, the term “perovskite” refers to a broad class of materials with a specific crystal structure similar to the perovskite mineral.
Perovskite is a calcium titanate mineral (CaTiO3). In addition to its semiconductor properties suitable for commercial applications, its structure can be easily modified at room temperatures by adding or removing specific elements from its composition. Instead of calcium and titanium, certain organic molecules, metals, and halogen elements (chlorine, bromine, and iodine) find their place in the crystal lattice. These materials have been intensively studied since the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in them in 1987.
Perovskite is partially transparent, lighter, and more flexible material that can be shaped not only in the form of solid plates. A cheaper and more environmentally friendly processing technology is expected to result in lower-cost products compared to those based on silicon dioxide.
While silicon dioxide converts the red spectrum of sunlight into electrical energy, perovskite utilizes the blue spectrum. By combining these materials in different layers, the tandem approach enables higher efficiency than each material alone. Through the synthesis of so-called tandem cells, efficiency could be further increased, even exceeding 40%.
Perovskites have an exceptional light absorption capability, which is one of the reasons why researchers have focused their efforts on this material, aiming to develop a new generation of solar cells that are more efficient and cheaper than silicon-based ones. A thin film layer of perovskite, approximately 300 nanometers thick, theoretically has the potential to achieve an efficiency of around 33%.
Perovskite materials used in solar technology typically contain halogens such as iodine, bromine, or chlorine instead of calcium, while the rest of the structure remains similar to the perovskite mineral. These materials are used as the active layer in solar cells, where they absorb light and generate electric energy through the photovoltaic effect.
What makes perovskite materials special is their high light absorption, high efficiency in converting light into electrical energy, ease of production, and the potential for low production costs. These characteristics make perovskite materials highly attractive for the development of high-efficiency solar panels with lower costs compared to traditional silicon solar cells.
Advantages of perovskite-based solar panels:
Improved Efficiency: The ability of perovskite to convert a larger portion of sunlight into electrical energy increases panel efficiency, enabling higher energy production and improved return on investment.
Flexibility: Perovskite can be easily synthesized and applied to various substrates, including flexible and lightweight materials. This flexibility opens up new design possibilities for integrating solar panels into various applications.
Cost-effectiveness: The scalability and potentially low production costs associated with perovskite make it an attractive choice for the solar energy industry, offering a sustainable and affordable solution for achieving energy solutions.
Challenges and Future Outlook: While perovskite shows great potential, there are still challenges to overcome. Long-term stability, durability, and scalability are among the questions that require additional research and development efforts. However, rapid advancements in technology indicate a bright future. With continued progress, perovskite-based solar panels are poised to become a key part of the renewable energy ecosystem.
Commercial solar panels currently in use have an efficiency of approximately 22% and are made of crystalline silicon. The theoretical maximum efficiency of these panels is around 29%. The manufacturing technology is expensive, complex, energy-consuming, and environmentally challenging. The weight of the panels, as well as their inflexible structure, limit the mounting possibilities, mainly on building roofs.
Research and development of perovskite as a new material for solar energy is still ongoing, but it promises revolutionary possibilities for improving panel efficiency and accelerating the transition to sustainable energy. By harnessing the potential of perovskite, solar energy companies can unlock new opportunities for enhancing renewable energy generation and transitioning towards a cleaner and greener future.
