Perovskite Solar - Page 8

Earlier this week, the equipment moving ceremony for the perovskite photovoltaic cell pilot line of Hefei BOE Solar Technology was held in Hefei Xinzhan High-tech Zone. This follows BOE's recent decision to invest in a new pilot line for the production of perovskite solar cells.

It was reported that Hefei BOE Solar Technology was established in March 2024. The perovskite photovoltaic experimental line (including laboratory) and pilot line projects it invested in and constructed are committed to forming a technical echelon through continuous verification and optimization of material systems, structural design, process routes, etc., to achieve the expected efficiency and life levels, and thus promote perovskite photovoltaic technology from the laboratory to industrialization.

Researchers from Korea's Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have addressed critical challenges in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), significantly enhancing both their efficiency and stability. The team achieved precise control over ion arrangement and reduced structural irregularities by incorporating a bidirectional coordinator between the perovskite photoactive layer and the electron transport layer.

Image credit: UNIST

The research team introduced trifluoroacetate (TFA-) ions between the perovskite layer and the tin oxide substrate, which serves as the electron transport layer (ETL), to mitigate defects.

Australian start-up Halocell will reportedly begin producing flexible 7 centimeter-long photovoltaic strips that are said to generate enough power to replace the pair of disposable batteries in a TV remote, or the charger cable for a set of headphones. This represents the first large-scale manufacturing in Australia of perovskite PV technology.

The 5-volt Halocell perovskite strip. Image credit: Halocell

The Halocell modules will each cost less than a dollar to make and the Company has ambitious plans to produce millions per year, its CEO Paul Moonie said.

Researchers from Ming Chi University of Technology, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology and Chang Gung University have explored the effect of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), readily deposited via spin-coating, on defect passivation in sol–gel NiOx for perovskite solar cells (PSCs).

The team explained that while mixed-halide PSCs are highly attractive for indoor light-harvesting applications (thanks to their tunable bandgap and low-cost fabrication), achieving efficient carrier transport and defect passivation at the critical nickel oxide (NiOx)/perovskite interface, particularly under low light conditions, remains a challenge. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) offer a promising solution by introducing a tailored interface that promotes perovskite growth, suppresses non-radiative recombination, and facilitates efficient carrier transport. 

Researchers at the Nova University of Lisbon, University of Aveiro and University of York have created an ultra-thin perovskite solar cell with a checkerboard tile pattern that shields the perovskite layer from UV degradation. The design includes a luminescent down-shifting encapsulant, which enhances UV photon conversion and boosts overall efficiency.

The team provided background for this work, stating that advanced light management techniques can enhance the sunlight absorption of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). When located at the front, they may act as a UV barrier, which is paramount for protecting the perovskite layer against UV-enabled degradation. Although it was recently shown that photonic structures such as Escher-like patterns could approach the theoretical Lambertian-limit of light trapping, it remains challenging to also implement UV protection properties for these diffractive structures while maintaining broadband absorption gains. 

Reports suggest that the Japanese government is planning a trial use of perovskite solar cells in solar panels to be installed in Fukushima Prefecture by next March.

Perovskite cells are lighter and more flexible than silicon-based types, making them suitable for use on building walls. The technology is also attracting attention in Japan because the cells are made with iodine compounds, which are domestically available. Sources say perovskite solar panels will be set up at three locations in Fukushima, including the national sports training center. They may also be used along highways.

Sekisui Chemical is reportedly considering acquiring part of Sharp Corp.'s plant in Osaka Prefecture, in order to use the facility to produce perovskite solar cells. The Company plans to commercialize these solar cells in 2025.

It was also said that Japan's industry ministry is likely to subsidize the project as it is expected to contribute to decarbonization.

Oxford PV has announced that it has started the commercialization of tandem solar technology with the first shipment to a U.S.-based customer.

The 72-cell panels, comprised of Oxford PV’s proprietary perovskite-on-silicon solar cells, can reportedly produce up to 20% more energy than a standard silicon panel. They will be used in a utility-scale installation, reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and contributing to more efficient land use by generating more electricity from the same area.

Reports suggest that a solar power project in China, which utilizes translucent perovskite panels, has recently been connected to the grid in Gansu Province. This project was developed through a collaboration between the Electric Power Science Research Institute of the China State Grid Gansu Electric Power Company and a renewable energy subsidiary of China Datang Corp.

It was stated that the perovskite solar cells were processed to be translucent by the application of special graphical structures, including grind lines and dots, on the perovskite film. The specific structures are the result of precise control of parameters, including exposure time and depth. The graphical structures allow for the optimization of the light propagation path within the cell, thereby enhancing light absorption efficiency and improving the cell’s photoelectric conversion performance.

Oxford PV recently posted a cryptic message on its LinkedIn page, stating that: "Solar is about to enter a new era. Ready to see what’s next? We have some exciting news to share very soon....". Here's the video that followed this message: 

We'll have to wait and see what Oxford PV's big news is, hopefully it'll have something to do with imminent commercialization of the Company's PSC technology. In June, Oxford PV announced a record-setting 26.9% efficiency for its double-glass, 60-cell “residential sized” perovskite tandem module at the Intersolar Europe 2024 event. The module reportedly has a surface area of a little over 1.6 m square meters (1m x 1.7m) and weighs a little under 25 kg. In January, a research team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE reported a PV module using perovskite silicon tandem solar cells from Oxford PV with an efficiency of 25% and an out-put of 421 watts on an area of 1.68 square meters, stating it is a record efficiency for a silicon perovskite tandem solar module in industrial format.