imec shows long term stability of outdoor perovskite solar modules
imec in Belgium has demonstrated long-term outdoor stability of perovskite solar modules and an AI model as a key step for commercialisation of the technology.
Mini-modules measuring 4 cm2 developed at imec/EnergyVille were evaluated over two years in real-world conditions by the University of Cyprus and showed a power efficiency retention of 78 percent after one year, which current perovskite solar modules only retain for weeks.
The research also generated data for AI modelling of the perovskite modules, and they will also be evaluated in the rainy climate of Brussels, the arid desert of New Mexico, and the moderate climates of Madrid and Freiburg.
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Over the last decade, metal halide perovskites have emerged as a promising material for next-generation photovoltaic (PV) cells and have shown a rapid improvement in the power conversion efficiency (PCE). However stability remains a challenge to widespread adoption, as they degrade due to moisture, light and heat.
Standard indoor testing in a controlled environment, which continuously mimics sun irradiation, only serves as a proxy for real-world performance says imec, as environmental conditions, such as varying light, temperature and weather, impact cell performance.
Research groups investigating outdoor performance of perovskite PV have also focused on small cells rather than modules.
The study in Cyprus used modules developed at imo-imomec Hasselt University and imec/EnergyVille in Belgium using a p-i-n device architecture with a glass/ITO/hole transport layer (HTL)/perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL)/ITO and the FA0.8Cs0.2Pb(I0.94Br0.06)3 lead halide perovskite.
The outdoor testing at the University of Cyprus showed a consistent pattern of performance degradation during the day, but overnight recovery was also discovered. The testing also generated data that allowed exploration with a machine learning model, which showed a strong correlation with the actual power output, highlighting its potential for future performance predictions.
“This research represents a major advancement in understanding the degradation of perovskite solar modules in real-world conditions. With further improvements of the efficiency of our mini-modules, which are designed with upscaling in mind, these findings can accelerate the path
towards commercialization of this promising technology,” said Tom Aernouts, R&D Manager at imec/UHasselt/EnergyVille.
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