<
https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20251015-perovskite-the-wonder-material-that-could-transform-solar-energy>
“Inside a lab on the outskirts of Oxford, UK, sample solar photovoltaic (PV)
cells are stacked up waiting to be put through various tests. One researcher
uses an electron microscope to scan and analyse the cells for impurities that
could impact efficiency. Another measures cells' response to changes in the
light spectrum.
The lab is run by Oxford PV, a spin-off from Oxford University, one of several
start-ups around the world developing what some argue is the game-changing next
generation of solar power: tandem perovskite solar cells.
The technology combines silicon, the material currently used in solar
photovoltaics (PV) in panels across the world, with perovskite materials to
massively increase the efficiency of solar panels' conversion of sunlight to
electricity.
Perovskite is a mineral first discovered in the Ural Mountains in Eurasia in
1839. But the name today refers to various materials made synthetically with
crystal structures that mirror that of the mineral. It can be manufactured from
materials such as bromine, chlorine, lead and tin, which are all readily
available today.
According to proponents of this "wonder material", perovskite panels promise to
cheaply boost the energy generated by solar farms and rooftops, and could work
far better than silicon panels on satellites and electric cars.
But critics of the technology worry that perovskite's greater susceptibility to
moisture and heat will mean faster degradation. They are also concerned about
perovskites generally containing lead, a toxic substance which can have health
and environmental impacts.
Many of the start-ups and researchers working to overcome these hurdles believe
that tandem panels are now ready to go mainstream. But despite the efficiency
records piling out from labs, it is yet to be proven they will achieve tangible
results in the real world.”
Via
Positive.News
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
