With solar power leading the charge as the most cost-effective means of adding energy to the U.S. grid, innovation is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Traditional silicon solar cells are facing competition from emerging technologies. Among these, perovskite solar cells are making significant strides toward commercial availability.
The Evolution of Perovskite Solar Cells
In 1954, Bell Labs in New Jersey introduced the first practical silicon solar cell. The 21st century saw a surge in solar power adoption due to decreasing costs and increasing demand, which fueled further reductions in prices. This cycle is expected to continue, further enhancing the competitiveness of solar energy compared to fossil fuels. A key player in this ongoing evolution is the perovskite solar cell, which aims to drive costs down even further.
Perovskites are synthetic crystals with a structure similar to that of the mineral perovskite, first identified in 1839. Their application in solar technology was realized in 2009 when a Japanese research team achieved a solar conversion efficiency of 3.8%. Fast forward to today, and perovskite solar cells are routinely achieving double-digit efficiencies, a testament to rapid advancements in the field (more background on perovskites).
Challenges and Innovations in Perovskite Development
Despite their promise, perovskite solar cells are notoriously delicate, posing challenges for practical applications. Researchers have been working to enhance both their durability and efficiency. A notable solution involves combining perovskites with silicon in a tandem approach. This method not only enhances efficiency but also reduces costs and results in lighter, more adaptable solar cells.
Swift Solar, a U.S.-based startup, is at the forefront of this innovation. Since its inception in 2019, the company has focused on stacking various types of perovskites to capture different segments of the solar spectrum, aiming for an efficiency exceeding 30% in their tandem cells. Recently, Swift Solar has moved towards manufacturing, claiming that their technology offers up to 30% more power than standard solar panels (Swift Solar).
Real-World Applications and Military Interest
In August, Swift Solar’s U.S.-manufactured perovskite tandem solar cells were featured in the Defense Department’s Cyber Fortress exercise in Virginia, hosted by the 91st Cyber Brigade. This exercise, centered on defending against cyberattacks on electric cooperatives, involved multiple U.S. agencies and international participants from countries like Finland and Sweden.
During the exercise, Swift’s solar technology was integrated into a hybrid microgrid developed by Resilient Energy & Infrastructure. This setup demonstrated the potential of perovskite tandem solar panels to provide clean energy alongside other power sources in critical infrastructure scenarios. According to Swift, “Swift Solar’s perovskite tandem solar panels provided clean energy alongside two other power sources during a critical infrastructure cyber defense exercise.”
Dr. Andre Slonopas, Cyber Fortress Lead for the U.S. Army, highlighted the significance of this technology, stating that “US-made perovskite solar technology can directly address the growing power demands of the modern battlefield and enhance overall military readiness.”
Future Prospects for Perovskite Solar Cells
Beyond military applications, Swift Solar sees potential for perovskite cells in areas such as electromagnetic applications and space missions. With plans to expand manufacturing in the coming years, interest from private sectors including power generation and telecommunications is growing.
Resilient Energy & Infrastructure, which focuses on integrating solar and energy storage into mobile microgrids, sees perovskite cells as a key to enhancing energy density and resilience. CEO Paul Maloney noted the potential for these cells to advance their “Rapid Deployment Hybrid MicroGrid” technology, emphasizing the importance of space and weight in operational energy.
As solar technology continues to evolve, the integration of perovskite cells represents a step forward in addressing diverse energy needs, from mobile solutions to large-scale power generation.
Image: The U.S. DoD is testing tandem perovskite solar cells paired with silicon to improve efficiency, durability, and overall performance without raising costs (screenshot, courtesy of Swift Solar).
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Original Story at cleantechnica.com