Toshiba announces 15.1% power conversion efficiency for perovskite solar module

Japan-based global electronics giant Toshiba recently announced a 15.1% power conversion efficiency for a 703cm² polymer film-based perovskite solar module. The result is referred to by the company as 'the highest efficiency yet reported for any large, polymer film-based perovskite photovoltaic module'.

The device was created using a one-step coating method that uses improved ink, film drying processes, and production equipment to form a uniform perovskite layer. The process is said to reduce the number of steps needed for deposition of the MAPbI₃ perovskite layer. The coating speed is said to reach six meters per minute on a 5×5 cm² module, which the company defined as a rate that meets requirements for mass production.

Toshiba had previously developed a two-step coating process that first applied a layer of lead iodide (PbI₂) ink to a substrate, followed by a layer of methyammonium iodide (MAI) which formed the MAPbI₃ layer. However, it was explained that this multi-step approach had a low coating rate and often left unreacted sections in the perovskite layer, and so the alternative is a one-step process that applies MAPbI₃ ink directly.

Toshiba's printing technology for the production of film-based perovskite solar cell modules involves forming the substrate with a resin film, such as polyethylene terephthalate. It uses a planar inverted structure that can be produced at a temperature below 150 degrees Celsius for the cell structure.

The Company succeeded in forming a uniform thin layer of methylammonium lead iodide by utilizing a meniscus printing technology that it developed by conducting research on organic thin-film solar cells. It was said that this improves the efficiency of panels by lowering the degree to which the cells vary from each other.

The flexible and lightweight panel is indicated by Toshiba as suitable for locations where it is difficult to install conventional crystalline silicon modules, such as low-load-bearing roofs and office windows.

'Toshiba estimates that the new perovskite photovoltaic modules would generate power equivalent to two-thirds of the annual power consumption by homes in Tokyo if installed on a roof area of 164.9 km², roughly equal to the roof surface area of all buildings in Tokyo,' the manufacturer said.

Looking forward, the company said it wants to enlarge the module area to 900cm² and to achieve efficiency close to 20%. It said that achieving these targets will cut the manufacturing cost of perovskite photovoltaic modules to around $0.14/W.