Perovskite provides Low Cost, higher efficiency Solar Cells

Perovskite, a Calcium titanium oxide mineral, has properties capable of making solar cells with efficiency of up to 25%. Though there is not great difference in the efficiency levels with what is on the market already, but the fact that the efficiency can be attained at a lower cost is what is creating the entire buzz.
In recent years, researchers have been in the search for materials which have good solar absorption and conversion properties so as to improve the efficiency of solar panels.
 
The Perovskite, the Calcium titanium oxide mineral, was discovered in Ural Mountains and has quickly gaining popularity from solar researchers and from Solar cell manufacturing companies.
perovskite image mindat
Many researchers have pointed out that unlike Silicon, Perovskite absorbs some spectrum of light which Silicon cannot and thus the possibilities of using this in making solar cells cannot be ignored. Designs which have both Silicon as well as Perovskite may be a good start as this combination may unlock a hidden potential as both have properties which if combined may result in higher efficiency.
The Perovskite being cost effective makes its favorable since it will lower the cost of production of solar power, one of the major hurdles in tapping the huge power reservoir of the sun.
The Perovskite based materials can be also be sprayed or printed on the glass to make solar cells. This makes it even cheaper to produce the solar panels easily compared to the conventional methods of making thin solar cells.
Challenges posed by use of Perovskite
Though research is still ongoing to find ways in which the efficiency can be increased. Some of the challenges include

  • Its acceptance and introduction into the market may however pose a threat to existing technologies. Especially now that many companies and researchers are looking for other alternatives such as the Iron pyrite also known as Fools Gold, which is also undergoing research.
  • The hurdle facing the mass production of the Perovskite solar cells will have to be the question of the safety as well as toxicity of the mineral. The Perovskite – lead compound that is currently being tested has high toxicity levels and may hinder their use in solar cells. Researchers have pointed out that the lead is responsible for the toxicity and until that is taken into consideration, it may take a longer time before this mineral is used for commercial applications.
  • Another issue that has come into the limelight is the life cycle of the mineral. Compared to silicon based solar cells, they have a shorter life cycle which may translate into higher costs in the long run, due to the frequent replacements of the solar panels.
  • Also something that is also not quite well researched is how the Perovskite based solar cells are affected by environmental conditions such as moisture. It has previously been pointed out that constant exposure to moisture lowers the efficiency of conversion, hence working to the disadvantage of the mineral.

Though researchers are trying to find out ways to overcome these obstacles, it may take about three to five years before this precious rock is used in commercial solar panels.