The efficiency of perovskite solar panels is comparable to, and in some configurations surpasses, that of traditional silicon-based solar panels, particularly when combined in tandem structures.
Single-junction efficiencies:
- Perovskite solar cells in laboratory conditions have reached peak efficiencies around 26.1%, which is on par with silicon solar cells’ laboratory efficiencies.
- Historically, perovskite cells improved rapidly from about 3.8% in 2009 to over 25% efficiency by 2021.
Tandem (Perovskite-on-Silicon) cells:
- When perovskite layers are combined on top of silicon cells to form tandem solar cells, the efficiency significantly improves because perovskite absorbs parts of the light spectrum silicon cannot efficiently capture.
- This combination has achieved efficiencies as high as 34.6% in lab conditions, which is substantially higher than typical single-junction silicon cell efficiencies.
- Oxford PV has reported certified tandem cell efficiencies around 29.5%.
Stability and commercial considerations:
- Silicon solar panels are currently more stable and durable compared to perovskite cells.
- Advances are being made to improve the stability of perovskite cells, such as new barrier layers that extend operational life while maintaining high efficiency.
- However, most very high efficiencies are demonstrated only in small lab-scale cells. Scaling to large panels without efficiency losses remains a challenge.
- Combining perovskite and silicon in tandem also tends to increase production costs compared to silicon-only panels.
Summary:
| Solar Cell Type | Efficiency (Lab) | Key Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon (single-junction) | ~26% | High stability, mature technology | Limited spectral absorption |
| Perovskite (single-junction) | ~26% | High absorption in visible spectrum | Stability, lifespan issues |
| Perovskite-Silicon Tandem | Up to ~34.6% | Combines spectral advantages of both | Cost, scalability, durability |
In conclusion, perovskite solar panels match silicon panels in efficiency in the lab and surpass them when combined as tandem cells, but silicon panels remain more stable and commercialized. Ongoing improvements in perovskite stability and scaling could make tandem cells the future of high-efficiency solar technology.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-efficiency-of-perovskite-solar-panels-compare-to-silicon-based-ones/
