The latest research results for developers of perovskite photovoltaic cells have excited renewable energy experts. The cells contain perovskite compounds layered on electrodes, and 2021 could be the year that sees them enter commercial uses due to their high efficiency and flexibility of application.
Higher Light Conversion Than Silicon
Silicon has been at the heart of photovoltaics for years. Silicon solar cells have thus far achieved a 26.7 percent rate of light to energy conversion. Tests of the upcoming perovskite cells made by Oxford PV showed that they produced a 29.52 percent conversion rate. Oxford PV plans to install commercial modules this year that will perform with at least 27 percent efficiency.
Another research group has made perovskite cells that enhance electron injection with cesium-titanium nanotubes. The cesium improves the transport of electrons, which increases power conversion. The researchers said that the cesium application process was a relatively low-cost method for achieving superior cell performance.
Thin Structure Enables More Applications
The layers in a perovskite cell can be as thin as 10 to 50 nanometers. The cells make electricity by harvesting electrons between the layers. The electron transport is very efficient and results in minimal loss.
The ultra-thin structure opens the door to adding solar energy collection capabilities to more objects and buildings. Producing the perovskite cells will cost less than the manufacture of silicon cells. They can be printed onto a flexible plastic base. In the near future, perovskite solar cells could cover the top of vehicles, walls, and bridges.
What role do you think solar power will play in controlling future energy costs for manufacturing plants?
ABOUT Oxford UV
Oxford PVTM™ – The Perovskite Company™ is the pioneer and technology leader in the field of perovskite solar cells.
The company was established in 2010, as a spin-out from the University of Oxford. Today, we have the largest team globally, exclusively focused on developing and commercializing a perovskite-based solar technology. We have a research and development site in Oxford, UK and an industrial site near Berlin, Germany. We are building the world’s first volume manufacturing line for perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells.
Solar panels built with Oxford PV’s perovskite solar cell technology will generate more power, critical for delivering more affordable clean energy, accelerating the adoption rate of solar and addressing climate change.
Article Sources
https://www.power-technology.com/features/staff-picks-potential-energy-game…
https://phys.org/news/2021-02-efficiency-perovskite-solar-cells.html
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/03/01/perovskite-solar-cell-with-cesium-ti…
