Grooved Perovskite PV Panel for Roll-to-Roll Production

Power Roll in the UK and the University of Sheffield have collaborated to develop a groundbreaking grooved perovskite photovoltaic panel that can be manufactured using a high-volume roll-to-roll process. This innovative approach utilizes a perovskite material on a flexible, grooved plastic substrate, enabling high-volume production at a lower cost compared to traditional solar cells based on monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon. Importantly, these devices do not contain expensive or scarce rare earth elements like indium, making the technology both sustainable and cost-effective.

The team at the University of Sheffield constructed the back-contact perovskite solar cell by incorporating 1.5 μm-width grooves embossed into a plastic film, with each groove's opposing "walls" selectively coated with either n- or p-type contacts. A perovskite precursor solution is then deposited into the grooves, forming individual photovoltaic devices that are series-connected to create minimodules consisting of interconnected grooves.

Utilizing slot-die coating to deposit the perovskite precursor, the researchers investigated the perovskite structure within the grooves using various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. This approach opens up new possibilities for enhancing the efficiency and scalability of solar energy technology.

The study, recently published in Applied Energy Materials, highlights the potential for producing lightweight, flexible solar films suitable for installation on various surfaces, including unconventional locations that may not support traditional solar panels. The affordability and versatility of these grooved perovskite panels could revolutionize the deployment of solar energy, particularly in developing regions.

Dr. Nathan Hill, Research Scientist at Power Roll and lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of merging cutting-edge research with industrial innovation to drive advancements in renewable energy solutions. Collaborations like this one between academia and industry have the potential to drive down manufacturing costs while improving solar efficiency.

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Furthermore, the unique structure of these back-contact perovskite cells, with all electrical contacts located on the back of the device, simplifies the manufacturing process and offers the potential for high efficiency. Advanced imaging techniques, such as the Hard X-ray nanoprobe microscope at Diamond Light Source in Oxfordshire, have been instrumental in analyzing the structure and composition of these solar cells, providing detailed insights into their performance.

The embossing process, conducted at high volume in collaboration with Power Roll in Durham, has enabled the production of grooved panels with a U-shaped cross-section that are easier to emboss accurately. This manufacturing approach, combined with the flexibility and lightweight nature of the panels, opens up new possibilities for solar energy deployment on a wide range of surfaces.

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Professor David Lidzey, from the University of Sheffield, highlighted the game-changing potential of this lightweight solar technology, emphasizing its versatility in diverse environments. The ability to easily adhere these panels to various surfaces could significantly expand the reach of solar energy, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure.

As the collaboration between Power Roll and the University of Sheffield continues to evolve, the focus will shift towards further utilizing X-ray microscopy to characterize these materials and enhance device stability. Ongoing experiments at the Diamond Light Source aim to deepen our understanding of key operational aspects, paving the way for continued innovation in the field of solar energy.