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MIT promises to revolutionize solar panels with this new technology

Julián Castillo's avatar

By Julian Castillo

02 Mar 2024, 15:54 PM EST

A recent breakthrough in solar cell research promises to radically transform the renewable energy landscape. Led by a team of MIT scientists, this development offers new hope for Perovskite solar panels, a promising alternative to traditional silicon. According to researchers, this innovation will not only increase the efficiency of solar panels, but will also significantly extend their service life.

Perovskite solar cells have been the subject of interest in the field of renewable energy for several years due to its potential to deliver high efficiency at a lower manufacturing cost compared to conventional solar technologies. However, significant challenges have arisen around its durability and ability to maintain high levels of efficiency in large-scale applications.

Innovative approach

The MIT research team has tackled these challenges head-on, presenting a detailed guide on How to tune the surface properties of perovskite solar cells. This innovative approach aims to solve two main problems that have hindered the mass adoption of this technology: longevity and efficiency in larger module areas.

The study, published in the journal Nature Energy, highlights how Manipulating the surfaces of perovskite solar cells can prevent energy loss and improve their stability over time. This finding represents a significant milestone in the field of solar energy, as it provides a clear roadmap to improve the durability and efficiency of these cells.

One of the key techniques used by the researchers is passivation, which seeks to stabilize the surfaces and interfaces of the perovskite material. By reducing cell degradation, passivation ensures they maintain their efficiency for longer periods. Additionally, by analyzing and altering the interfaces where the perovskite material interacts with other components within the cell, the team has identified new strategies to improve both the stability and performance of solar cells.

Best solar panels

This breakthrough not only has immediate implications for the solar energy industry, but also provides a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that affect the durability of perovskite solar cells. By shedding light on these processes, researchers have paved the way for future developments in the field of renewable energy.

Professor Vladimir Bulovic of MIT noted that this breakthrough marks the beginning of practical demonstrations of perovskite solar cells in commercial applications.. He highlighted that these initial applications will represent just the beginning of what will be possible in the coming years, suggesting that perovskite cells could effectively complement existing solar technologies, further accelerating the adoption of solar energy globally.

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