The Transparent cells in Perovskite Tandem record a record of 12.3% efficiency, opening the way to photovoltaic windows.
Solar cells in perovskiteone of the most promising innovations in the photovoltaic sector, are based on the crystalline structure of this mineral, which allows high efficiency in the conversion of sunlight in electricity. Many studies are focusing on this technology and, more and more frequently, progress is announced. Research and innovation are leading to increasing durability, with cells ten times more resistant thanks to the use of aluminum oxidebut also to ever cheaper production processes and increasingly versatile applications, made possible through adhesive film.
The windows become energy production units
A group of Danish researchers and researchers who are headed by the Citysolar project, financed by the EU, has introduced a new technology that allows you to transform normal windows into energy production units without compromising its transparency.
With an efficiency of 12.3% and transparency of 30%, the team established a world record for transparent sunscreen modules.
Use of existing glass surfaces in buildings
Transparent solar cells arouse great interest because they solve several key challenges in Bipv (photovoltaic integrated in buildings). In fact, they can be applied to normal windows, letting the light enter and, at the same time, generating electricity. This double function allows buildings to produce energy without compromising the aesthetic of architecture.
Unlike solar parks, moreover, these solar windows will be able to generate electricity exactly where it is necessary for it to be consumed, reducing transmission losses and minimizing the need for updates of the electrical network.
Close to commercial production
Technology combines two types of solar cells: solar cells in Perovskite and organic solar cells, which exploit different parts of the bright spectrum. Perovskite’s layer absorbs almost ultraviolet light, while the organic layer absorbs the almost infrared light, leaving the visible light relatively intact.
The tandem solar cell mainly collects energy from the infrared and ultraviolet parts of the sun’s rays, but not from the visible light. This allows us to establish new efficiency standards for semi -transparent solar windows
explains Professor Morten Madsen ofUniversity of Southern Denmarkone of the main researchers of the project.
Although further investments are needed to bring technology to commercial level, Morten Madsen is optimistic about its future.
We are in negotiations with industrial partners for the next steps. We can climb what we have developed, but we need commercial partners. And there are still improvements to be made in the research, but what matters is that we know where the challenges are located and we have a clear strategy to overcome them
The professor concludes.
The CitySolar project
The Citysolar project is coordinated by National Research Council (CNR) and involves nine partners from seven countries, including the University of prestige such as theUniversity of Southern Denmarkthe Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-nürnberg and theUniversity of Rome Tor Vergatain addition to several research centers.
The project was financed with 3.8 million euros from the program Horizon 2020 of the EU and is currently found at a level of technological maturity (Trl) Between 5 and 6or between the concept test and the prototype phase.
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