Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TEXTA (Textured Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells)
Reporting period: 2021-04-01 to 2023-03-31
Silicon solar cells are approaching their theoretical efficiency limits, yet we need to produce more solar energy in the next decades, ideally with less material usage but even higher efficiency, to ensure energy security with minimal ecological impact.
To this end tandem solar cells based on halide perovskites are an attractive option, but need to further improve efficiency and stability. Ideally, the solar cells furthermore feature texturization for optimal light harvesting.
Ths is the core objective of TEXTA, creating novel perovskite-based tandem solar cells with texturization. Their development is pivotal in transitioning to a net-zero society. Furthermore, simple and low-cost technologies such as the one presented provide the opportunity to rapidly develop new production capacities in Europe without worries about supply chains outside of Europe.
To this end tandem solar cells based on halide perovskites are an attractive option, but need to further improve efficiency and stability. Ideally, the solar cells furthermore feature texturization for optimal light harvesting.
Ths is the core objective of TEXTA, creating novel perovskite-based tandem solar cells with texturization. Their development is pivotal in transitioning to a net-zero society. Furthermore, simple and low-cost technologies such as the one presented provide the opportunity to rapidly develop new production capacities in Europe without worries about supply chains outside of Europe.
Overall, there were three main lines of work:
1. Optimizing the perovskite crystallization and adapting passivation methods to ensure peak performance of perovskite single junction solar cells, ideally atop of random light-trapping textures.
2. Implementation of the newly developed methods in perovskite-based tandem solar cells
3. Identifying means to upscale these cells
In all three objectives, significant progress was made, where the project progressed in the outlined order: improving the perovskite subcells via crystallization control and passivation => implementing them into tandem devices => upscaling the processes.
The results were disseminated in journal articles, conference presentations, public outreach activities and (social) media content.
1. Optimizing the perovskite crystallization and adapting passivation methods to ensure peak performance of perovskite single junction solar cells, ideally atop of random light-trapping textures.
2. Implementation of the newly developed methods in perovskite-based tandem solar cells
3. Identifying means to upscale these cells
In all three objectives, significant progress was made, where the project progressed in the outlined order: improving the perovskite subcells via crystallization control and passivation => implementing them into tandem devices => upscaling the processes.
The results were disseminated in journal articles, conference presentations, public outreach activities and (social) media content.
The research resulted in a dual world record for perovskite-Si tandem solar cells in mid-2022, being the first to exceed 30% (https://actu.epfl.ch/news/new-world-records-perovskite-on-silicon-tandem-sol/(opens in new window)) which provoked widespread scientific and non-scientific interest and communication (social media, TV, radio, newspapers). Several follow-up projects emerged based in part on these results, e.g. PEPPERONI (https://pepperoni-project.eu/(opens in new window)) where our long-standing research partner (CSEM) is contributing to the development of a first perovskite-based tandem production pilot line, hence paving the way for a renaissance of a strong PV industry In Europe. Consequently, the results of TEXTA and the follow-up projects raised widespread interest among European company stakeholders and policymakers (several visits to the lab).