Bulky molecule makes more stable perovskite solar cells

Perovskite is quickly emerging as a frontrunner for more efficient solar cells, but it has one major problem – it’s a bit too fragile. Now, a team of engineers led by Purdue University has found that adding one bulky molecule can stabilize the material… Continue reading Bulky molecule makes more stable perovskite solar cells

Semi-transparent solar cells could rival rooftop solar for efficiency

Windows capable of harvesting energy from the sun have been on the horizon for a number of years, but they’re yet to help cut down a building’s energy costs. A new development from Australian researchers may change that.Continue ReadingCategory: Energy… Continue reading Semi-transparent solar cells could rival rooftop solar for efficiency

Two new solar cells break records, including highest efficiency ever

Solar cells are constantly improving on the road to maximum efficiency. Now, three records have been broken by two different devices, including one that pushes the highest overall solar conversion efficiency towards the 50-percent mark.Continue Reading… Continue reading Two new solar cells break records, including highest efficiency ever

2D additives make perovskite solar cells more durable in the Sun

The Sun is a great source of energy, but of course those rays can be damaging as well. Engineers in Korea have now developed a new way to make perovskite solar cells to protect them from the elements without reducing their efficiency.Continue ReadingCa… Continue reading 2D additives make perovskite solar cells more durable in the Sun

New tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell breaks efficiency record

The use of solar photovoltaic cells as a renewable energy source is booming, as the technology becomes more efficient and less expensive. Stacking perovskite solar cells on top of silicon ones is one way to increase the amount of sunlight harnessed, an… Continue reading New tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell breaks efficiency record

Perovskite Solar: Coming Soon?

Making solar cells out of silicon is difficult. There’s plenty of manufacturing steps, many of them at very high temperatures, and you need a high vacuum and a clean room. However, perovskite solar cells–cells made with hybrid organic-inorganic materials in a perovskite crystal structure–are relatively easy to make using wet chemistry involving solvents or vapor deposition.

In theory, silicon solar cells could be 30% efficient, but in reality, 25% seems to be a practical limit with commercial cells typically topping out at 20%. Perovskite cells are nearly that high now, and could be higher by stacking thin layers, each sensitive …read more

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