The performance of high-bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs) varies significantly under different illuminance levels, reflecting their potential for applications from indoor low-light conditions to standard sunlight.
Performance Variation with Illuminance Levels
- Under Low Illuminance (Indoor Lighting)
High-bandgap perovskite solar cells exhibit efficient absorption of the indoor light spectrum, particularly under artificial light such as white LED lamps with illuminance ranging from 5 to 40,000 lux. These cells maintain good photovoltaic performance even at very low light intensities, which is important for indoor light harvesting applications. A recent study showed high-bandgap perovskites achieve efficient power conversion under low lux, with exceptional efficiencies reported—for example, 43.7% at 200 lux—demonstrating their strong suitability for indoor environments where light intensity is generally much lower than sunlight. - Under Standard 1 Sun Illumination
When exposed to standard sunlight conditions (1 sun, approximately 100,000 lux), the high-bandgap PSCs typically show high open-circuit voltages due to their bandgap characteristics, but their power conversion efficiencies tend to be somewhat limited by the narrower spectral absorption compared to lower bandgap materials. Despite this, high-bandgap perovskites provide stable power outputs with reduced hysteresis, and incorporating interface engineering (e.g., adding non-fullerene acceptors like Y6) can enhance charge transport and reduce defect-related losses, improving efficiency from about 17.6% to 20.2%. - Effect of Bandgap Tuning
Bandgap tuning in perovskite solar cells is crucial for optimizing performance across lighting conditions. High-bandgap PSCs absorb shorter wavelength (higher-energy) photons better, making them more efficient under artificial light sources with spectra skewed towards visible wavelengths. However, they underutilize near-infrared photons abundant in sunlight, which limits their absolute efficiency under full sunlight compared to lower bandgap cells optimized near 1.53–1.56 eV. The bandgap tuning thus balances indoor efficiency (favoring high bandgap) versus outdoor efficiency. - Role of Electron Transport Layers and Stability
The electron transport layer (ETL) also affects performance, especially under low light intensities. Optimizing ETL can improve the charge extraction efficiency and enhance photovoltaic output in dim environments. Additionally, device stability is enhanced with materials like Y6, which passivate defects and mitigate degradation, important for sustained performance across varying illumination levels.
Summary Table of Performance Factors
| Illuminance Level | Efficiency Range | Key Characteristics | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Low (5–200 lux) | Up to ~43.7% (at 200 lux) | High absorption of indoor light spectrum | Optimal for indoor applications |
| Moderate to High (1 sun) | ~17.6% to 20.2% | High open-circuit voltage, less NIR absorption | Efficiency improved via defect passivation and interface engineering |
| Bandgap tuning (1.6–1.74 eV) | Affects spectral response | Higher bandgap favors indoor, lower favors outdoor | Compromise needed depending on lighting environment |
In conclusion, high-bandgap perovskite solar cells perform very well under low indoor illuminance, often outperforming traditional photovoltaics in these conditions, while their efficiency under full sunlight can be enhanced by material and device engineering. Their tunable bandgap and adaptability to different light intensities make them promising candidates for diverse photovoltaic applications from indoor to outdoor use.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-performance-of-high-bandgap-perovskite-solar-cells-vary-under-different-illuminance-levels/
