Perovskite Solar

Researchers from EPFL and CSEM recently fabricated efficient (>20 %) and stable (T80 ∼ 720 h) planar FAPbI₃-based perovskite (1.54 eV) solar cells via a hybrid evaporation-spin coating process. 

FAPbI₃-based perovskite films were fabricated via a hybrid two-step evaporation-spin coating method in an inverted (p-i-n) configuration, and the effects of optimized parameters on the film growth and devices’ performances were investigated. Transferring these films into tandem devices atop single-side textured silicon heterojunction bottom cells, the team obtained an efficiency of >24 % under AM1.5 G illumination for monofacial devices with an active area of 1.21 cm². Furthermore, the bifacial devices generated >27 mW cm⁻² power output with 15 % rear illumination fraction.

Mellow Energy has announced the launch of what it refers to as "the world’s largest integrated flexible perovskite photovoltaic (PV) module" from its 100MW-scale production line. The module measures 1.2×1.6 square meters and weighs approximately 2.04 kilograms.

According to Mellow Energy, tests conducted by TÜV Rheinland, an internationally renowned testing and certification body, have confirmed that the 1.2×1.6-square-meter double-glass module achieves a full-area efficiency of 17.9% under standard testing conditions.

Monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells present a promising approach for exceeding the efficiency limit of single-junction solar cells. However, the substantial open-circuit voltage loss in the wide-bandgap perovskite subcell hinders further improvements in power-conversion efficiency. Now, researchers from China's Nanjing University, Renshine Solar (Suzhou) and Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have developed wide-bandgap perovskite films with improved crystal orientation that suppress non-radiative recombination. 

The team showed that using two-dimensional perovskite as an intermediate phase on the film surface promotes heterogeneous nucleation along the three-dimensional perovskite facets during crystallization. Preferred orientations can be realized by augmenting the quantity of two-dimensional phases through surface composition engineering, without the need for excessive two-dimensional ligands that otherwise impede carrier transport. 

Increasing module efficiency and expanding manufacturing capacity play complementary roles in reducing costs of metal halide perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules, according to researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Each cost lever can play a similar role depending on a manufacturer’s ability to scale up and improve module performance.

They explain that tandem PV technology, created by pairing silicon with metal halide perovskites (MHPs) for example, can help create a solar module that can convert more sunlight to electricity than using silicon alone. This tandem technology is still in the early stages, and there are multiple options being pursued to integrate MHPs and silicon, with a lot of unknowns in terms of cost and performance. To address this gap, the researchers built a manufacturing cost model that combines laboratory processes with existing equipment and supply chains to compare different possible approaches at scale.

Researchers from Northwestern University, Arizona State University, University of Toronto and National University of Singapore have addressed the issue of ion migration, which deteriorates the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The team has developed a new method to improve the stability and efficiency of PSCs through surface functionalization, which uses a chemical compound called 5-ammonium valeric acid iodide (5-AVAI) to enable the uniform growth of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) through atomic layer deposition. This process creates a robust barrier that suppresses halide migration by more than an order of magnitude.

Using this method, the researchers tested solar cells, and found that they retained 90% of their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 1,000 hours of continuous operation at 55 degrees Celsius under full sunlight, compared to less than 200 hours without the barrier layer. 

Researchers from Pakistan's University of Engineering & Technology (UET) and National University of Technology have reported the use of manual screen printing to fabricate semi-transparent, scalable perovskite solar modules without the requirement for numerous laser-scribing steps. 

A carbon-based, hole-transport-layer-free perovskite solar module with a power conversion efficiency of 11.83% was manufactured, with an active area of 900 cm². Accelerated testing was done in settings with elevated humidity, high sun irradiation, and harsh temperatures to determine whether these modules are ready for the market. 

A new Swansea University-led project has been awarded £3 million to develop and manufacture sustainable perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in Africa, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable energy.

REACH-PSM (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing) aims to establish the continent’s first full-scale demonstration of next-generation solar manufacturing. Funded by the UKRI Ayrton Challenge Programme, REACH-PSM is a collaboration with universities, businesses, and local communities in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa.

The TESTARE project is a 3-year Eu-funded project that commenced 1st January 2023 and running until 31 December 2025. TESTARE is a collaborative project of the Horizon Europe program under the category of Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) which target to improve cooperation among EU and associated countries to strengthen the European Research Area including, for example, standardization, dissemination, awareness-raising, communication and networking activities, policy dialogues, mutual learning or studies. The project aims to address major challenges in hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite-based photovoltaics (PV).

The project consortium comprises 4 organizations from 4 different countries: Cyprus, Belgium, Germany, and Israel. The project coordinator is University of Cyprus (UCY - Cyprus), while the project partners are Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum (IMEC - Belgium), Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. (Fraunhofer – Germany) and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU - Israel). The project title is «Twinning for excellence in TEsting new generation PV: Long-term STAbility and field REliability».

When it comes to innovation in advanced materials, Solaveni GmbH stands out as a company with a bold mission. Founded in 2021 as a subsidiary of Saule Technologies, Solaveni was created with a vision to revolutionize the world of perovskite-based materials by focusing on sustainable chemistry and environmental responsibility. Today, the company is carving out a space in fields like printed electronics, energy harvesting, storage, and solid-state lighting, all while ensuring its processes remain green and future-ready.

At the heart of Solaveni’s journey is its CEO, Dr. Senol Öz, whose expertise and passion for perovskite technology have been key to the company’s progress. Senol’s career spans over a decade of research and hands-on experience in solution-processing and chemical engineering of perovskite solar cells. From his doctoral work in Germany, to his postdoctoral research in Japan, and eventually joining Saule Technologies, his path has been defined by a deep commitment to advancing perovskite materials.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Senol for an insightful Q&A, where he shared his thoughts on Solaveni’s vision, the challenges of perovskite technology, and the future of sustainable material production. Let’s dive into the conversation!

Solaveni was established in 2021 as a subsidiary of Saule Technologies, one of the pioneers in the perovskite solar industry. Why did Saule decide to establish a materials subsidiary?

Saule Technologies, a trailblazer in the perovskite solar industry, founded Solaveni in 2021 to address the burgeoning demand for high-quality, innovative materials critical to advancing solar technology. The establishment of Solaveni reflects Saule’s strategic vision to enhance and diversify its capabilities within the renewable energy sector. By creating a specialized subsidiary, Saule aims to streamline the development and production of materials relevant for the perovskite ecosystem, ensuring consistent quality and fostering innovation.

Researchers from China's Fujian Metrology Institute, National Photovoltaic Industry Measurement and Testing Center and Fujian Key Laboratory of Energy Measurement have developed a metrological traceability system for both silicon and perovskite solar cells. 

The metrological traceability system of solar cells. Image from: Measurement: Sensors

The calibration system consists of a monochromatic light system, a bias light system, a 3D-motion measurement platform with temperature control, and an electrical measurement system.