Solar energy is becoming more popular in the U.S., with about 7% of Americans using it to power their homes.
However, scientists are still searching for ways to make solar panels more efficient and affordable.
Most solar panels are made with silicon, but producing and processing silicon is expensive and energy-intensive.
Since China has a large supply of silicon, most of the world’s solar cells are made there.
To boost solar panel production in the U.S., researchers are looking for alternative materials that are easier and cheaper to produce.
Scientists at Georgia Tech, led by Professor Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena, have been exploring perovskite crystals as a replacement for silicon in solar cells.
Perovskite is made from iodine atoms, lead, and organic materials. It is just as efficient as silicon but much easier to produce.
However, perovskite has a major weakness—it does not last long. While silicon solar cells can function for 20 years, perovskite cells deteriorate after just one year, especially in hot summer temperatures. This has made it difficult to use perovskite in long-term solar power solutions.
Correa-Baena’s team has now developed a new method to make perovskite cells more durable. The researchers treated the perovskite layer with titanium gas in a light vacuum before adding the top electrode.
This process, called vapor-phase infiltration, helps strengthen the solar cell and protects it from heat damage.
“We’ve made the layer more resilient, so it can withstand high temperatures and last longer,” said Correa-Baena. The team is currently seeking a patent for this technology.
By improving the stability of perovskite solar cells, this research could revolutionize the solar industry. If perovskite panels can last as long as silicon panels, they could become a cheaper and more efficient alternative.
This advancement could help the U.S. increase domestic solar panel production and support the shift to renewable energy. As scientists continue refining this technology, the future of solar power looks brighter than ever.
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology.
