It’s called Perovskite

Perovskite solar cells are the future of electricity as they are a viable option in solar power and a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

• They are versatile, providing high efficiency at low cost, flexibility, and transparency.
• Since 2019, CubicPV has been developing tandem modules, backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures.

Electricity is a commodity in our lives. Without it, the whole world will come to a grinding halt. That’s concerning. As years go by and technology advances, we figure out better and kinder ways to exist. It’s like collecting pieces of a gigantic, never-ending puzzle, and perovskite solar cells are a puzzle piece. It’s filled many gaps in science. Who would have thought that such a little cube, could reroute history?

Humankind and The Sun

According to The Roundup, 4.4% of global energy comes from solar power. In fact, the world currently has a cumulative solar energy capacity of 850.2 gigawatts (GW). Solar power is, by miles, a better alternative to fossil fuels. But we are always on the hunt for more sustainable options because, well, our existence depends on it. As to why we depend on it, there are multiple reasons. But the most pressing ones include greenhouse gas emissions, environmental preservations, and energy security.

What Is Perovskite?

Discovered in 1839, Perovskite is a calcium-titanium oxide mineral with a distinct crystal structure, belonging to the oxide mineral group. It naturally forms into clusters of cubes. It’s peculiarly pretty.

These minerals are very versatile in applications, especially as catalysts, superconductors, and components of electronic devices. Its unique structure is a template for creating synthetic perovskite materials with unique properties, including perovskite solar cells in photovoltaics (solar cells).

The Standard Silicon Cells

Most solar panels rely on silicon-based solar cells. These cells have different conversion efficiencies and costs. Despite their wide use, they present a few issues.

• Limited Light Absorption: These cells convert light within a specific range of wavelengths, typically in the visible spectrum. And they struggle to do so at longer or shorter wavelengths.
• Environmental Impact: Their production uses chemicals and materials that can have negative environmental impacts if not properly managed.

So Why Perovskite Solar Cells?

Perovskite materials have garnered significant attention in solar energy research. They may very well be the “future of electricity.” And companies across the globe are recognizing it. In fact, several institutions have started commercializing perovskite solar cells. For example, since 2019, Massachusetts-based CubicPV has been developing tandem modules. One of its backers is Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, the umbrella name of several organizations aiming to accelerate innovation in sustainable technologies.

• Flexibility and Transparency: These cells can be made flexible, enabling their integration into a wide range of applications, like building-integrated photovoltaics. Their transparency is a nice bonus as they can be made into windows.

Final Thoughts

Perovskite solar cells hold great promise as low-cost and highly efficient photovoltaics. But they aren’t an all-in-one solution. They have their own challenges and issues. For example, they are susceptible to degradation when exposed to moisture, oxygen, heat, and light. On another note, it is cheap, but will it be accessible to the general public? As someone living in a developing country where electricity is patchy on its best days, I see the value in a stable power source. But will everyone, everywhere, be able to buy it?

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