Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells With 31.6% Efficiency

Fraunhofer’s new perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell achieves 31.6% efficiency leading towards more sustainable solar technology.

A perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell has been developed by scientists in the Fraunhofer-Institut für Silicatforschung (ISC) “MaNiTU” project which marks a significant step towards enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of photovoltaic technology, making it highly relevant to industries focusing on clean energy and renewable solutions.

Over five years, six Fraunhofer institutes collaborated on the “MaNiTU” flagship project to explore scalable and sustainable manufacturing processes for tandem solar cells. The team achieved impressive efficiencies using lead-based perovskite materials. However, they also worked on developing recycling concepts to mitigate environmental concerns associated with lead usage. The advancements could attract interest from solar manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers aiming to advance energy transition efforts.

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The research team focused on perovskite crystal structures, comparing them with existing materials to maximise cell efficiency. Their work led to the fabrication of a highly efficient perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, exceeding 100cm², featuring screen-printed metallisation and mini modules for both single and interconnected cells. This development is likely to benefit companies in the renewable energy sector, including solar panel manufacturers and firms looking to adopt more efficient, scalable solar solutions.

A key achievement was the development of a hybrid production method, combining vapor and wet-chemical deposition, which allowed the team to produce high-quality perovskite thin films. This made the creation of a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with 31.6% efficiency, achieved on a small scale of 1cm².

While researchers explored lead-free alternatives, they faced challenges in producing efficient solar cells from non-toxic materials. Despite extensive trials, no lead-free perovskite compound reached the required efficiency for practical applications.

To further reduce environmental impact, the team incorporated life cycle analysis, focusing on recycling and sustainable production methods. According to Peter Dold, professor “By using advanced recycling processes, it is possible to create a circular economy for photovoltaic systems with lead perovskites, ensuring long-term energy efficiency.”

The research also extended to developing novel system components and contact materials for high-performance solar cells. The next step involves transferring these findings to industrial applications, marking a critical milestone in advancing solar energy technology.

This discovery in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells not only promises enhanced efficiency but also aims for long-term sustainability in the global photovoltaic sector.