Perovskite photovoltaics (PV) are an exciting development in next-generation solar technologies that have demonstrated record power conversion efficiencies comparable to silicon PV. This project aimed to solve the problem of using scalable laboratory techniques to translate to commercial scales by developing high-performance flexible perovskite-based PV cells that could be manufactured at scale using industrial roll-to-roll fabrication methods.
Report extract
The first stage within the overarching objective of the project was to build a foundation to progress towards the final goal. Using commercially available materials, the project team developed a process for the fabrication of a large-area PV module with an interim target efficiency. Concurrently, new materials were developed to improve the performance and durability of the solar cell devices, with the additional aim of replacing high-cost device components with low cost alternatives.
The second stage of the project aimed to develop a low-cost manufacturing technology for perovskite PV cells by achieving high efficiencies, up-scaling materials and optimising processes. Ultimately, the project would demonstrate the fabrication of large-area perovskite PV modules using only cost effective industrially viable methods.
The project has delivered world-leading results in terms of printing based manufacturing technologies. The manufacturing cost has also been calculated based on the demonstrated efficiencies.
