Perovskite solar cells for building integrated photovoltaics⁠—glazing applications

Abstract

•Transparency and color control of perovskite solar cells for window applications •Band-gap engineering rather than “thinning” alone improves performance •Promising for vertical facades due to better performance under low-intensity and diffuse sunlight •Review of field testing and cost analysis showing research and development opportunities Perovskite solar cells have attracted tremendous research and development activity in recent years due to their excellent optoelectronic material properties and ease of fabrication. They are uniquely attractive for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) due to their potential to add value in terms of aesthetics. Here, we review the demonstrations of perovskite solar cells suitable for window applications, focusing on their unique advantages associated with transparency control and color control, both statically and dynamically. Our calculations show that the relationship between power conversion efficiency and visible transparency is not strictly linear. Respectable power conversion efficiency (6%–14%) with high (e.g., 90%–100%) visible transparency is theoretically possible. Perovskite cells also produce higher power conversion efficiencies under low-intensity and diffuse light, making them promising for vertical facades. Reported field testing and cost analysis are also summarized. Under each section, research and development opportunities for the widespread implementation of perovskite-based solar windows are presented. Perovskite solar cells have attracted tremendous research and development activity in recent years due to their excellent optoelectronic material properties and ease of fabrication. They are uniquely attractive for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) due to their potential to add value in terms of aesthetics. Here, we review the demonstrations of perovskite solar cells suitable for window applications, focusing on their unique advantages associated with transparency control and color control, both statically and dynamically. Our calculations show that the relationship between power conversion efficiency and visible transparency is not strictly linear. Respectable power conversion efficiency (6%–14%) with high (e.g., 90%–100%) visible transparency is theoretically possible. Perovskite cells also produce higher power conversion efficiencies under low-intensity and diffuse light, making them promising for vertical facades. Reported field testing and cost analysis are also summarized. Under each section, research and development opportunities for the widespread implementation of perovskite-based solar windows are presented.