• Tech Tech

Scientists develop game-changing solar panel technology with impressive results: 'Our aim is to ... drive device innovation'

The study's lead author and team have made major strides in this field.

The study's lead author and team have made major strides in this field.

Photo Credit: iStock

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.  

If you were to install home solar panels, which of these factors would be your primary motivation?

Energy independence ⚡

Lower power bills 💰

Helping the planet 🌎

No chance I ever go solar 🚫

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

If you're interested in getting solar panels for your property, you can check out tools like EnergySage. EnergySage can help you find solar installers and get a quote for solar for free. 

If you don't have the means to install your own solar panels, you can look into tapping into community solar power. 

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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