On the outskirts of Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, there is a factory packed with undisclosed innovations in solar energy. Here, British company Oxford PV diligently manufactures commercial solar cells using perovskites, abundant and affordable photovoltaic materials that many consider the future of sustainable energy. It's about a new type of solar cell which uses perovskite.
In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know about the new type of solar cell and its importance.
Solar technologies factory
Surrounded by wild grass and a large parking lot, this factory serves as a humble cradle for a potentially revolutionary technology. However, the company's chief technology officer, Chris Case, is undeniably in love with this establishment. «This place is the realization of my deepest aspirations», he proclaims with unwavering enthusiasm.
There are numerous companies, including the company in question, that are betting on perovskites as a catalyst to accelerate the global change towards renewable energies. While some specialized perovskite-based photovoltaic (PV) products have already entered the market, recent announcements suggest that many more will soon follow suit. For example, according to Case, consumers can expect to have access to solar panels incorporating photovoltaic cells from Oxford by the middle of next year. Furthermore, in a noteworthy development, Hanwha Qcells, a leading silicon photovoltaic manufacturer based in Seoul, revealed its intention to invest 100 million dollars in a pilot production line which could be operational at the end of 2024.
The dominant substance found in 95% of solar panels is silicon, which is now being used in a new way by Oxford PV, Qcells and other companies. Instead of replacing silicon, these companies are incorporating perovskite into silicon to form what are known as tandem cells. By combining these two materials, tandems can harness energy from a broader range of wavelengths of sunlight, resulting in increased potential of at least 20% in energy production compared to a silicon cell alone. In fact, some experts even anticipate greater improvements in efficiency.
A new type of solar cell with perovskite technology
Proponents of perovskite technology argue that the surplus electricity generated by tandem cells has the potential to offset the additional expenses associated with its implementation, especially in densely populated urban regions or industrial complexes where land availability is limited. “Utilities are currently showing the most interest in our technology as they face a shortage of easily accessible land,” explains Case.
With the imminent arrival on the market of perovskite-silicon tandems, the initial enthusiasm has now transformed into bold headlines proclaiming the arrival of a revolutionary and miraculous material that will undoubtedly revolutionize the world. However, it is important to recognize that the industry still faces two major challenges in its quest to revolutionize the solar market.
The decrease in the performance of perovskites, compared to those of silicon, is significantly faster when exposed to humidity, heat and light, as indicated by published research. However, Oxford PV claims to have addressed this issue through its own private investigation. However, Fabian Fertig, director of cell and wafer R&D at Qcells, responsible for the development of perovskite-silicon tandems, emphasizes that stability remains the main challenge for commercial manufacturing.
Impact of the new type of perovskite solar cell
Additionally, there are analysts who maintain that perovskites may not have a significant impact on the advancement of solar energy, at least in the near future. The rapid expansion of manufacturing capacity in China, coupled with the remarkable cost-effectiveness and efficiency of silicon modules, has made them the dominant player in the market. In 2022, Solar energy accounted for approximately 1,2 terawatts (TW) of global generation capacity, contributing around 5% of the total electricity generation. However, to meet climate goals, energy strategists estimate that the world will need a staggering 75 TW by 2050.
This means installations must exceed 3 TW per year by the mid-2030s. Fortunately, the silicon PV industry is expected to meet this demand, positioning it as one of the few green technology sectors on track for success.
According to Jenny Chase, a solar analyst at consultancy BloombergNEF in Zurich, Switzerland, the current technology we have is more than capable of producing enough solar electricity to meet global demand.
Perovskites are about to face their most important challenge yet: navigating the unforgiving economic landscape of the fiercely competitive photovoltaic market.
Records that have been shattered
Significant improvements in the capabilities of perovskites have fueled fervor around their potential, achieved through modifications to the composition of both the crystals themselves and the solar cells derived from them. Perovskite, a term that denotes the crystalline structure of a natural mineral, is replicated in synthetic crystals used in solar cells, which can be made from a variety of materials.
In 2009, a basic perovskite known as methylammonium lead iodide was able to convert just 3,8% of solar energy into electricity. Fast forward to today, perovskite cells have made significant progress, achieving a record efficiency of 26,1% when using only perovskite materials. This is just a fraction below the leading silicon cell. Additionally, perovskite cells have the advantage of requiring thin light-absorbing layers and using widely available and cost-effective materials. Proponents argue that if perovskite cells were manufactured on the same scale as silicon cells, they would leave a smaller energy and material footprint.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the new type of perovskite solar cell and its characteristics.