Printed Perovskite Photovoltaics
The secret to a truly ‘noteworthy’ solar cell, brought to you by CSIRO. VIDEO : Australian Renewable Energy Agency
This project (2018-2021) was funded by a $3.3 million grant from the Australia Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to translate small-scale laboratory outcomes to large-area perovskite PV modules that are stable, efficient, flexible, and manufactured using scalable, industry relevant fabrication methods.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a next-generation solar technology that has demonstrated promising performance in the laboratory, with record power conversion efficiency of lab cells on par with conventional silicon solar cells. PSCs consist of several thin layers, including the photo-active perovskite layer and other layers for transporting and collecting the charge generated when these cells are exposed to light.
The project aimed to benefit Australian manufacturing by developing and demonstrating innovative low-cost production of large-area PSC modules, bridging the gap between the laboratory and industry.
Outcomes
This project successfully translated high-efficiency laboratory scale outcomes to large-area, flexible PV modules using the industry-relevant method of roll-to-roll printing in air, a low-cost process widely used in commercial printing. During this project, each layer in the PSC was optimised for roll-to-roll printing, and new materials, ink formulations, and packaging methods were developed. These large-area, printed modules were tested against benchmarks for efficiency, durability, and cost.
A key outcome was the demonstration of the world’s first entirely roll-to-roll fabricated perovskite PV module, following the achievement of record efficiency for roll-to-roll fabricated research cells. Further details can be found here: CSIRO Article on Printed Solar Efficiency Record.
The project also paved the way for fast-tracking the progress of printed PV by introducing a new and innovative research methodology. An automated roll-to-roll-based research platform was developed to dramatically accelerate printing and characterisation of PV devices. This unique digital research platform serves as a high-throughput data generator for printed PV research at CSIRO and is used alongside machine learning capabilities to discover manufacturing parameters for high-performance printed PV. Further information can be found here: CSIRO Article on Flexible Solar Panels.
Future
The team is continuing to accelerate progress in printed perovskite solar cells by further addressing efficiency improvement, durability and cost. In addition, the team is also exploring demonstration of the technology in real world applications.
Project Partners
Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, School of Physics, Sydney University, and Adjunct Professor at UNSW.
Professor Jacek Jasieniak, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University.
Professor Tawfique Hasan, Cambridge Graphene Centre, University of Cambridge, UK.
Funded by:
