Perovskite solar cells have great potential for renewable energy technology, but they can have shortened life spans due to a lack of stability under environmental conditions like humidity.
A new laminated microstructure can solve some of the stability problems and enhance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
The research was published in Nature Synthesis by a research partnership between Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. With important updates to efficiency and stability, like those identified in the study, perovskite solar cells could replace traditional silicon solar cells.
One main advantage of perovskite over silicon is that perovskite is more cost-effective. If the technology can overcome stability challenges, perovskite manufacturing could make solar more widely affordable.
Perovskite solar cells in the inverted structure are more stable than the standard structure, but it can be easier for microstructural defects to form in the manufacturing process.
According to Professor Zhou, the study's lead author, the team's "aim is to understand the formation and mechanisms of these microstructures … at the atomic scale, to drive device innovation."
Renewable energy is a major player in the fight to reduce our planet's rising temperatures.
Solar installations aren't just ways to save money on home energy; they are also important for grid resilience and for reducing our reliance on dirty energy. And the prevalence of solar in the last decade has dropped prices, making it more accessible.
Innovations like those of Zhou's team can help drive down the manufacturing cost of solar and empower this technology. Since solar energy minimizes pollution compared to dirty fuels, relying on solar energy is also much better for human health.
One of the best ways for consumers to power their homes with clean energy innovations is to install solar panels. In some areas, solar panels can severely reduce a home's energy bill and lead to some serious savings.
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The research team's perovskite upgrade has the potential to stabilize perovskite solar cells, enhance grid resilience, and reduce solar cost, all exciting prospects for the future of solar.
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