Perovskite-The Material Which Can Increase Solar Panel Output By 40%

WEB DESK: As alternate energy gaining limelight with depleting fossil fuels, solar energy can see the biggest transformation in its technology.

The researchers at Oxford PV Company have started using a group of materials known as ‘perovskites’ for the next generation of solar panels.

Perovskites are synthetic compounds that have an orthorhombic crystal structure identical to the naturally occurring mineral.

The blend of materials has been reportedly producing amazing output results in comparison with the current models of solar panels made with silicon. Besides this, they are flexible enough to be wrapped around the entire buildings, unlike stiffed silicon panels.

The silicon-based solar panels can convert up to 22% of the sunlight into power. However, the perovskites can boost this percentage dramatically and it is being assumed that they might dismiss silicone altogether from the panels.

The researchers at Oxford PV company, achieved 28% efficiency when they coated silicon with perovskites back in 2018. The company believes to achieve 40% or higher efficiency with more innovation by using this material alone.

Perovskite was originally discovered in 1839. However, Oxford PV uses a synthetic version of it made from inexpensive materials found abundantly in Earth’s crust.

As well as improved solar efficiency, they work better than silicon in the shade, on cloudy days, or even indoors. Perovskites can be printed using an inkjet printer and can be as thin as wallpaper.