2023-08-24 17:00:00
Solar cells and their efficiency have been a major topic of conversation in recent years. Efficiency, measured as the percentage of incident sunlight converted into electricity, is skyrocketing. A team of researchers from Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania, is at the heart of these developments.
The numbers 29, 30 and 32 might seem trivial at first glance. However, they represent the solar cell conversion performance in percentage. Currently, the efficiency of tandem solar cells already exceeds 32%.
According to Dr. Artiom Magomedov from Kaunas University of Technology, “the record for solar cell efficiency has been broken three or four times this year“. The challenge lies in the publication of scientific results.
KTU Team Breakthroughs
Dr. Magomedov, co-author of a recent article in the scientific journal Science, reports a record performance of 32.5% for tandem perovskite solar cells. He stresses the importance of developments in silicon-perovskite tandem cells to reach this figure.
Building tandem solar cells, which have more than ten layers, requires intense collaboration. “Our research team is responsible for one of the layers composed of hole-carrying materials“, says Dr. Magomedov.
In 2018, a team of KTU chemists synthesized a material that forms a monomolecular layer, enabling the development of high-performance solar cells. This material is now widely recognized in the scientific world.
Artyom Magomedov, a researcher at KTU’s Faculty of Chemical Technology, is a co-author of a paper on innovative hole-carrying materials for next-generation solar cells. Credit: KTU
The path to mass production
Despite these progress, the mass production of the new generation of solar cells is not yet a reality. “Although our materials achieve high efficiency, it is complex to form another layer on top“, says Dr. Magomedov.
One of the main concerns is the stability of the cells, which are supposed to last 25 years while losing only 10% of their efficiency.
“In general, we work with new electronic components whose applications are very varied. And of course, in the field of solar technology itself, the question of solar energy storage and batteries inevitably comes up.“, says Dr. Magomedov.
Lithuanian chemists, at the forefront of research
The synthesis and analysis of chemical materials for solar technologies is Dr. Magomedov’s core business. With the emergence of a need for new materials, his team has established itself as an international benchmark. “We are probably the most specialized research group in the world“, he declares.
Scientific publications in high-level journals such as “Science” or those belonging to the group “Nature” are not new to KTU researchers. According to Dr. Magomedov, a mention in a prestigious scientific publication not only gives a sense of personal victory, but also leads to worldwide recognition. International cooperation and participation in scientific activities then becomes much easier.
“Today, when we contact partners in other countries, it is not necessary to introduce ourselves at length. People already know our work“, explains Dr. Magomedov, one of the authors of the invention which made it possible to increase the efficiency of solar cells.
Synthetic
The efficiency of solar cells, constantly evolving, shows the technological advances in the field of renewable energy. However, challenges remain regarding the large-scale production of these technologies.
For a better understanding
What is a tandem solar cell?
It is a solar cell made up of two types of photoactive layers to optimize light capture.
What is the current efficiency of these cells?
They are currently at a record 32.5%.
What are the main challenges to overcome?
Long-term stability and transition to mass production.
What role does Dr. Magomedov’s team play in these advances?
They are responsible for the creation of essential material and actively participate in research.
When can we expect to see these cells in mass production?
This is still uncertain, as several technological and stability challenges need to be overcome.
Key illustration caption: KTU innovation has become commonplace among scientists developing the latest solar technologies.
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