Researchers from the University of Potsdam, TU Berlin, HZB, BHT Berlin and Salerno University have reported halide perovskite photovoltaics (PV) fabricated on regolith-based moonglass that could be produced on the Moon, thereby saving 99% of material transport weight. Regolith is a silicate-rich material that covers the Moon’s surface.
Image from: Device
This method reportedly enables effective specific power ratios, over 22–50 W/g, a factor of 20–100 higher compared to traditional space PV solutions, while not compromising radiation shielding, reliability, and mechanical stability as was the case until now.
Using anorthosite high-glass-forming regolith simulant, the team achieves transparent moonglasses that allow depositing high-quality perovskites. The scientists achieved performances on par with references, revealing the potential of perovskite-based Moon photovoltaics, and proposed routes to achieve power conversion efficiencies of 23%.
The moonglass exhibits high tolerance to high-energetic proton irradiation, which, when combined with the radiation tolerance of perovskites, allows highly radiation-tolerant, reliable devices paving the way to future sustainable lunar-energy solutions. The study also reinforces the growing appeal of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), not just in space exploration but in global sustainability strategies. By sourcing structural materials locally and minimizing raw material input, the lunar solar concept echoes circular economy principles now being applied to construction, manufacturing, and energy system design.
