Under the project
“NanoSolar”, KIT researchers want to specifically adjust smallest crystals
of
the perovskite mineral and integrate them into solar cells. (Figure: Holger
Röhm)
(July 13, 2015) ”NanoSolar“
Project Studies New Materials and Improves Perovskite Solar Cell Processing /
EUR 530,000 from Baden-Württemberg Foundation
The efficiency of perovskite-based solar cells was improved
significantly in the past years. On the way towards maturity, however, some
challenges remain to be mastered. Researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of
Technology (KIT) seek to advance the development of perovskite solar cells. By
means of special thin-film processes, for example, material consumption and
costs can be reduced. An interdisciplinary team of scientists will study
solutions for the production of the new photovoltaic components under the
“NanoSolar” project in the next three years.
Perovskite-based solar cells experienced an unprecedented
development in the past years. Within only five years, their efficiency was
increased considerably. Meanwhile, they convert more than 20% of solar
irradiation into electric power. Low material costs and small amounts of
material required – thanks to the thin-film technology – make perovskite solar
cells a promising alternative. Costs for the conversion of sunlight into
electric power can be reduced. A major drawback of the technology, however, is
the use of environmentally harmful lead compounds for the production of the
perovskite crystals. “We are looking for a way to apply non-toxic materials ,”
Dr. Alexander Colsmann says. He heads the Organic Photovoltaics Unit of the KIT
Light Technology Institute (LTI). The physicist points out that perovskite
solar cells might not only be suited for large-scale electricity production,
but also for decentralized power supply, if sustainable and environmentally
friendly production processes can be established. “Thin-film solar cells have a
very homogeneous appearance and, hence, can be used as facade cladding, for
instance,” Colsmann says. He emphasizes that development of environmentally
friendly perovskite solar cells is not only required for sustainability
reasons, but also a major prerequisite for their economic success.