Solar cell technology is evolving to become cheaper, easier to manufacture and lighter. These innovative cells could last longer and produce more energy thanks to a COST network that has also shone a light on women researchers in this field.
Organic and halide perovskite (HP) solar cells are some of the latest innovations in photovoltaic (PV) technology. Unlike classic silicon PV cells, HP cells use materials that are readily available, could be manufactured for less cost, and can be lightweight, transparent, and flexible.
To make these new cell types more productive and stable, 480 participants from 35 countries and 22 industries joined the COST Action ‘Unravelling degradation mechanisms of organic and perovskite solar cells by complimentary characterization techniques’ (StableNextSol).
Participating researchers have brought HP cells’ efficiency closer to commercial viability and increased knowledge on improving cell lifespans, says Action Chair, Monica Lira-Cantu of the Institut Català de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (ICN2) in Spain. Almost 40 % of the network’s participants were women, fostering talent for this important but male-dominated field, she adds.
StableNextSol increased the percentage of sunlight that HP cells can convert into power to 23.7 %. “This is the efficiency of silicon cells, 22-23 %,” says Lira-Cantu.
A bigger challenge is the stability of HP cells, which can perform at full efficiency for just months but will have to perform well for 20 years to match silicon cells. “We now understand more about their degradation mechanisms to help future cells become more stable,” she adds.
Expanding the field
“The halide perovskite cell industry could become important in Europe,” Lira-Cantu says. She explains that the technology increases manufacturing and application options. Unlike silicon solar cells, organic and HP cells can be made at low temperatures with relatively simple techniques such as ink-jet printing on flexible substrates like plastic.
Innovative uses could include lightweight solar panels for portable applications or power for wearable health monitoring devices, among many others.
Much of the StableNextSol innovation took place in short-term research exchanges. “COST Actions allow experimental, innovative research. This is very useful for early-stage technology,” she says. More than four H2020 projects and Marie-Curie fellowships, several ERC grants and ITN networks have emerged to continue the work.
To share research, the Action held about six industry days and a training school, and posted extracts from the first and last network conferences online. “All contributions were welcome and equal,” says Lira-Cantu.
In particular, StableNextSol promoted the visibility of female researchers. “Before COST, we heard a lot that only a few women were working in photovoltaics. We showed that we are here,” Lira-Cantu says.
“People saw the level and quality of women’s work,” she adds. “Usually 70 % of people at conferences are men and there are few women speakers. Since this COST Action we have seen more women.”
View the Action: https://www.cost.eu/actions/MP1307
View the Network website: stablenextsol.eu