Perowskit tandem solar cells
In the field of solar energy, researchers at Helmholtz Energy are working on the development of perovskite tandem solar cells, which are considered to be the future of the photovoltaic industry. The aim of this research project is to develop highly efficient and stable solar cells in order to reduce the cost of electricity generation. The following profile shows the work of the Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells department at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.
Visualization of the layer stack of a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell
Research topic
Perowskite:
- Semiconductor material with excellent optoelectronic properties for photovoltaic applications
- Adjustability of material properties such as band gap
Multi-junction solar cells:
- Multiple solar cells made of different materials are stacked.
- Utilization of different spectral ranges for more efficient conversion of sunlight
Cross-section of a perovskite/perovskite tandem solar cell under a scanning electron microscope
Methods
- Manufacture of perovskite single and stacked solar cells using state-of-the-art processes:
- Wet chemistry: centrifugal and slot die coating for process development and scaling to large areas
- Co-evaporation of perovskites as a scalable process for the deposition of perovskites in a vacuum
- Integration in tandem and triple solar cells, e.g. perovskite/silicon, perovskite/perovskite
Analysis of the developed layers and components with specialized, partly self-developed and worldwide unique measuring methods, e.g. at the synchrotron BESSY II
View into a glove box for the production of perovskite solar cells
Research goals
- Improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite-based multi-junction solar cells
- Understanding of optical and electrical loss processes
- In recent years, we have achieved several world record efficiencies for perovskite/silicon and perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells
- Development of new perovskite and contact materials with improved electronic properties and increased stability
- Collaboration with industrial partners in device and process development projects
Characterization of a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell
Social benefit
- Contribution to sustainable development and reduction of CO2 emissions
- Increased European energy independence by eliminating energy imports
- Potential for very short energy amortization times (time required for a solar module to compensate for the energy used in its production) and low net costs of electricity generation
- Thin-film solar cells made of perovskite require little material, thus conserving resources and enabling cost-effective production