Key facts
- Toshiba, Shin-Etsu Chemical, and Niigata University have developed perovskite solar cells with 1.5 times the durability of current alternatives.
- The new cells achieve the world's highest durability in the race to mass-produce next-generation solar cells.
- Perovskite solar cells now match crystalline silicon cells in conversion efficiency, with tandem cells exceeding 30%.
- These cells can generate power under low indoor light and are suitable for flexible, film-like structures.
- Japan has a domestic advantage in sourcing key raw materials like iodine for perovskite solar cells.
A Japanese consortium, comprising Toshiba, Shin-Etsu Chemical, and Niigata University, has developed perovskite solar cells that boast 1.5 times the durability of existing alternatives, positioning them to compete with Chinese manufacturers in the mass production of next-generation solar technology. This advancement marks a significant step in enhancing the longevity of these highly efficient solar cells.
Professor Tsutomu Miyasaka, a key figure in perovskite solar cell development, highlighted recent progress at a forum, noting that their conversion efficiency now rivals that of dominant crystalline silicon cells. Tandem cells combining both technologies have even surpassed 30% efficiency. Perovskite cells offer unique advantages, including the ability to generate power in low indoor light conditions and simpler manufacturing processes that allow for lightweight, flexible structures suitable for novel applications.
Further research has demonstrated the resilience of perovskite solar cells to cosmic radiation and their capability to function in extreme environments like high altitudes and low temperatures, suggesting potential for space exploration. Japan's domestic advantage in sourcing essential raw materials, such as iodine, also provides a strategic edge over silicon-based cells, which often rely on China for their components. The development underscores the ongoing efforts to overcome stability challenges through robust testing, including real-world outdoor conditions, to ensure a commercial lifespan comparable to traditional solar technologies.