Lightweight Perovskite Changing Up the Scene of Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic technologies are gaining momentum as a result of solar power being one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources across the world. In 2021, solar installations were seen to overtake wind generation, and in 2023, approximately 450GW of new solar capacity was recorded. IDTechEx's report, "Perovskite Photovoltaic Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Players & Trends", explores the rise of perovskite integration into the photovoltaic market alongside key players and forecasts within the sector.

 

 

Solar cells are used to convert light into electricity. The active layer absorbs light and, as a result, causes the generation of free electrons, which can move about the material, in turn creating a positive hole. When the electrons and holes collect at opposite electrodes, an electrical circuit is produced, which can then power an external load.

 

Silicon has long been used as an active semiconductor material within solar cells. Silicon solar technologies make up the majority of solar power installations, with decarbonization regulations and governmental support in many economies worldwide helping to drive its uptake.

 

 

Silicon solar will reach its efficiency limit however, according to IDTechEx, and has a centralized supply chain from China. With ongoing economic uncertainties globally and countries wanting to reduce reliance on other countries where possible, alternative options for solar power technologies are being explored as a result, including perovskite photovoltaics.

 

Perovskite may be used to enhance the efficiency of solar cells and fill in for applications that silicon may not be best suited to. Perovskite solar cells are known for their light weight and flexibility, in contrast to silicon solar, which is more rigid. They are a type of thin-film solar device whereby the perovskite active layer is deposited onto a substrate, such as glass or plastic, between electron and hole transport layers and electrodes. They also have lower production costs than other alternatives, making them a favorable option for photovoltaics manufacturers.

 

 

Solution-based processing, used to manufacture perovskites, is both scalable and has opportunities to become automated, helping to lower manufacturing costs in the long run. Production costs can also be saved as perovskite solar cells are made with relatively abundant and low-cost materials, pointing to the growing feasibility of their uptake.

 

All-perovskite tandem solar cells describe two layers of perovskite PV stacked on top of one another. The materials can be tailored to alter their optical properties in order to convert different wavelengths of light. Perovskite solar could also be integrated with silicon to increase the maximum power conversion efficiency of the device up to 43%.

 

 

Government incentives and large investments alongside global decarbonization goals have been largely responsible for the increasing popularity of solar power, which will hopefully continue to be successful as recent new developments pave the way. Perovskite, as a relatively new material for photovoltaics, will enable a novel approach to this technology as a lighter and more adaptable material, with the option to combine its benefits with those of incumbent silicon solar cells for increased performance.

 

For more information about IDTechEx's report on the topic, "Perovskite Photovoltaic Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Players & Trends", please visit www.IDTechEx.com/perovskite. Downloadable sample pages are available for this report.

 

For the full portfolio of energy and decarbonization market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/Energy.

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.