Unveiling the potential of bifacial photovoltaics in harvesting indoor light energy: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Bifacial photovoltaics (BPVs) have received tremendous attention as a potential contender for efficient and cost-effective light energy harvesting. Recently, advancements in BPV technologies have broadened their scope, allowing them to harness artificial indoor light energy efficiently from both top and bottom sides. This innovative approach has demonstrated its effectiveness in energy harvesting through a single-cell design. Among various available PV technologies, thin-film perovskite photovoltaics (PPVs) exhibit exceptional promise for indoor applications in low-light environments. They offer high-power conversion efficiency and ease of design, making them a superior choice when compared to other emerging indoor PV technologies such as kesterite and dye-sensitized PVs. To improve the performance of the indoor BPVs, it is necessary to further review several characteristics relating to their materials, architecture, processing, and indoor characterizations. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of charge-transfer mechanisms, the variability in indoor lighting sources, the development of standardized indoor simulators, assessment of materials toxicity, and considerations of scalability are essential elements that must be addressed to advance this technology. In summary, this review examines recent developments, emerging trends, challenges, and provide suggestions for the further advancement of i-BPVs, also highlighting their potential as reliable and sustainable indoor energy-harvesting solution.