Perovskite Photovoltaics 2023-2033

Perovskite photovoltaics have already demonstrated remarkable efficiencies, with new applications enabled by their low cost, thin film architecture and tuneable absorption. This IDTechEx report explores the suitability and market opportunities of perovskite PV as well as the innovation opportunities and barriers to entry. It evaluates methods to resolve the main challenge of stability, as well as manufacturing methods and requirements for speciality materials.

The silicon photovoltaic (PV) market is accelerating every year. There are global initiatives to move towards renewable energy sources and public consciousness of sustainability is increasing. As such there is plenty of opportunity for new PV technologies to enter the mix and meet gaps in demand.

 

Perovskites refer to a family of materials with a specific material structure. Those used in photovoltaics have unique combination of electronic and optical properties that are extremely well-suited to this application. Perovskite PV is not expected to imminently replace silicon PV as the dominant technology; however, there is substantial motivation for its adoption. Perovskite PV can provide similarly high power density as silicon PV at lower cost, a fraction of the weight, and with a simpler manufacturing process. It can also be combined with silicon to create tandem cell architectures that can surpass the efficiency limits of single junction solar cells. Several companies are working on developing single junction perovskite and tandem PV, some of which have pilot lines and trials in progress with plans to launch commercially within the next year or two.

 

 

Perovskite PV research took off in 2009. Since then, research into the field has catapulted. Record efficiencies are already on par with those of silicon PV, a technology with decades of research behind it. Additionally, perovskite PV does not use toxic or rare materials, and the manufacturing is well-suited to scalable solution-based deposition methods. This gives perovskite PV an edge over the existing dominant thin film alternatives such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), which suffer from expensive synthesis and material scarcity.

 

Despite the demonstration of high efficiency perovskite solar cells, commercial adoption is limited by concerns over long-term stability. Perovskites are well-known to degrade following exposure to environmental factors such as heat, air, humidity, and UV light. Encapsulation techniques and material engineering are crucial to prevent degradation of the perovskite film - solving these high value problems is a compelling commercial opportunity.

 

 

 

Perovskite PV is very versatile. It can be used in mainstream applications such as in solar farms and rooftops. Since the weight of a perovskite module can be at least 90% lighter than a silicon module, it is particularly well-suited to novel applications as well such as vertical building integration and structures with low weight tolerance. These are applications that mainstream silicon-based PV is not compatible with and therefore provide a niche opportunity for perovskite PV. Flexible solar modules are another exciting recent development in photovoltaics. Thin film perovskite PV is naturally well-suited to flexible designs. Conformality allows for greater practicality and aesthetic control when integrating into building facades as well as electronic devices.

 

With the emergence of Internet of Things (IoT), it could also be a very suitable choice for self-powered smart electronics. Batteries are typically used to power small appliances. Where hundreds or thousands of individual electronics are in use, replacing batteries can be unsustainable both in terms of labour costs and number of disposable batteries. Employing low-cost PV powered devices with lifespans of 10 years could be far more economical. There is already very early-stage commercialisation of self-powered electronics using organic PV. This market is still very small and there is plenty of room for new entrants. Perovskite PV promises higher efficiencies and simpler synthesis than organics, and potentially longer lifespans.

 

 

 

The future appears optimistic for perovskite PV, since the technology has advanced much more rapidly than any other photovoltaic technology. Unlike CdTe and CIGS active layers, perovskites do not require rare or expensive raw materials. The synthesis is straightforward and deposition can be carried out without the need for a vacuum or high temperatures. The possibility of creating flexible devices also opens up new applications that mainstream silicon PV cannot target due to their bulk, weight, and rigidity. Despite the promising advantages, concerns surrounding the lifespan of perovskite solar cells remain at the forefront of the discussion.

 

 

 

 

IDTechEx has 10 years of expertise covering printed and flexible electronics, including thin film photovoltaics. Our analysts have closely followed the latest developments in the technology and associated markets, interviewed key players across the supply chain, attended conferences, and delivered consulting projects on the field. This report examines the current status and latest trends in technology performance, supply chain, manufacturing know-how, and application development progress. It also identifies the key challenges, competition and innovation opportunities facing perovskite PV.

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