Photovoltaic Technology Research Articles

Study of Photodegradation of Organic Solar Cells Under Brazilian Climate Conditions

The increasing technical and economic viability of photovoltaic solar energy technologies includes modules with organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells, which have shown significant efficiency increases, reaching 20% for research devices. This study investigated the photodegradation and associated loss mechanisms in OPV devices under tropical conditions in Brazil. The electrical and optical characteristics of the modules were correlated with chemical and structural changes when exposed to sunlight. Electrical parameters were monitored over time on external test benches and measured in solar simulators, while changes in the optical transmission and absorption of the films were analyzed. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to study the physical and chemical properties of the materials. We found that photodegradation causes bound breakage in the active layer, altering the carbon structure and consequently reducing the module’s output power. The primary reasons for the activation and progression of this mechanism are high temperature and elevated solar irradiance. Therefore, we demonstrate that understanding these mechanisms is essential for the development of more sustainable OPVs in tropical climates.

Comparative numerical study of the energy performance of two different configurations of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal air collector

Solar energy is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. When solar energy is converted into electricity by photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, the heat generated increases the temperature of the PV solar cells and, as a result, reduces their electrical efficiency. Several techniques are used to cool PV solar cells in order to reduce their operating temperature. One technique is the use of hybrid photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) solar collectors, which simultaneously produce electricity and useful heat. In the airflow channel, the heat and mass transfer equations and those derived from the energy balance on the solid layers of the collector were discretized using the finite difference method with an implicit alternating directions (ADI) scheme. All the algebraic equations obtained after discretization were solved using the Thomas algorithm. The aim is to make a numerical comparison of the energy performance of the Verre-PV-Tedlar and Verre-PV-Verre flat-plate air PVT hybrid solar collectors in the climatic conditions of Lomé, Togo. Under the same operating conditions, the average electrical efficiencies of the Verre-PV-Verre and Verre-PV-Tedlar flat-plate air PVT hybrid collectors are 15.34% and 13.85% respectively. There is a 1.49% improvement in electrical efficiency for a Verre-PV-Verre air-source PVT hybrid collector compared with a Verre-PV-Tedlar PVT hybrid collector. The Verre-PV-Verre flat plate PVT air hybrid collector has an average daily electrical energy gain of 0.564 kWh and a thermal energy gain of 0.839 kWh, while the Verre-PV-Tedlar flat plate PVT air hybrid collector has an average daily electrical energy gain of 0.548 kWh and a thermal energy gain of 1.403 kWh.

Surface n-Doped Metal Halide Perovskite for Efficient and Stable Solar Cells through Organic Chelation.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a leading photovoltaic technology due to their high efficiency and low cost. Even though they have developed rapidly since their inception, with efficiencies of over 26%, inverted PSCs face challenges such as nonradiative recombination and ion migration. Surface treatment, especially the utilization of organic compounds, has improved efficiency and stability by optimizing the perovskite-charge transport layer interface. Herein, we report a facile and effective strategy by introducing 2,2'-bipyridyl to modify the surface of perovskite, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 24.43% with increasing open-circuit voltage and fill factor and good repeatability on multiple devices. We reveal that the 2,2'-bipyridyl molecule can chelate lead ions on the surface of perovskite, effectively suppressing nonradiative recombination. Furthermore, this modification can induce surficial n-doping to refine the energy level alignment, thereby minimizing charge transport losses. Additionally, the device maintained over 92% of the initial efficiency after 1000 h of operation at the maximum power point under continuous illumination. This surface chelation and defect passivation strategy employing 2,2'-bipyridyl offers a promising avenue for exploring the details of potential long-term degradation mechanisms and the development of commercially viable high-performance p-i-n PSCs.

In-situ understanding on the formation of fibrillar morphology in green solvent processed all-polymer solar cells

Abstract Solid additive engineering has been intensively explored on morphology tuning for highly efficient all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs), a promising photovoltaic technology towards multi-scenario application. Although the nano-fibrillar network of the active layer induced by additive treatment is confirmed as the key factor for power conversion efficiency (PCE) of all-PSCs, its formation mechanism is not clearly revealed, for lack of precise and convincing real-time observation of crystallization and phase separation during the liquid-to-solid transition process of spin-coating. Herein we report an in-situ grazing incidence wide-angle/small-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS/GISAXS) screening that reveals the fact that naphthalene derived solid additives can suppress the aggregation of the polymer acceptor (PY-IT) at the beginning stage of spin coating, which provides sufficient time and space for the polymer donor (PM6) to form the fibril structure. Moreover, guided by this knowledge, a ternary all-polymer system is proposed, which achieves cutting-edge level PCEs for both small-area (0.04 cm2) (also decent operational stability) and large-area (1 cm2) devices.

Current Compensation for Faulted Grid-Connected PV Arrays Using a Modified Voltage-Fed Quasi-Z-Source Inverter

Large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems are being widely deployed to meet global environmental goals and renewable energy targets. Advances in PV technology have driven investment in the electric sector. However, as the size of PV arrays grows, more obstacles and challenges emerge. The primary obstacles are the occurrence of direct current (DC) faults and shading in a large array of PV panels, where any malfunction in a single panel can have a detrimental impact on the overall output power of the entire series-connected PV string and therefore the PV array. Due to the abrupt and frequent fluctuations in power, beside the low-PV systems’ moment of inertia, various technical problems may arise at the point of common coupling (PCC) of grid-connected PV generations, such as frequency and voltage stability, power efficiency, voltage sag, harmonic distortion, and other power quality factors. The majority of the suggested solutions were deficient in several crucial transient operating features and cost feasibility; therefore, this paper introduces a novel power electronic DC–DC converter that seeks to mitigate these effects by compensating for the decrease in current on the DC side of the system. The suggested solution was derived from the dual-source voltage-fed quasi-Z-source inverter (VF-qZSI), where the PV generation power can be supported by an energy storage element. This paper also presents the system architecture and the corresponding power switching control. The feasibility of the proposed method is investigated with real field data and the PSCAD simulation platform during all possible weather conditions and array faults. The results demonstrate the feasibility and capability of the proposed scheme, which contributes in suppressing the peak of the transient power-to-time variation (dP/dt) by 72% and reducing its normalized root-mean-square error by about 38%, with an AC current total harmonic distortion (THD) of only 1.04%.

Machine Learning Approaches in Advancing Perovskite Solar Cells Research

AbstractThe integration of machine learning (ML) with perovskite solar cells (PSCs) signifies a groundbreaking era in photovoltaic (PV) technology. The traditional iterative approaches in PSC research are often time‐consuming and resource‐intensive. In contrast, ML leverages available data and sophisticated algorithms to quickly identify properties and optimize parameters for novel materials and devices. This review explores how ML‐driven approaches are improving various facets of PSCs research, including the rapid screening of novel compositions, enhancing stability, refining device architectures, and deepening the understanding of underlying physics. The paper is structured to gradually familiarize readers with essential terminologies and concepts, ensuring a solid foundation before delving into more intricate topics. A concise workflow and various introductory toolkits for ML are also briefly discussed. Through a detailed analysis of compelling case studies, a basic research framework within ML‐PSC‐integrated research is provided. This comprehensive review can serve as a valuable reference for researchers aiming to understand and leverage ML‐driven approaches in PSCs research, advancing the path for more efficient and sustainable PV technologies.

Energy-Saving Potential of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Technology Applied to a Library in Changsha, China

With the increasing number of public buildings worldwide, their energy consumption has garnered significant attention. This study aims to promote building energy efficiency and emission reduction by exploring the application of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic technology in library retrofitting. Using a library in Changsha City as a case study, we conducted an energy consumption analysis of the building’s envelope and identified the window section as the highest energy consumer. We proposed a novel improvement scheme—the sun-shading photovoltaic panel (which shades the sun while generating electricity). Additionally, we utilized the roof space for the installation of conventional photovoltaic panels. Simultaneously, the primary objective of this paper was to derive a renovation strategy for public buildings in regions characterized by high summer temperatures and low winter temperatures based on the renovation case of this library. This paper comprehensively investigates the length and angle of sun-shading photovoltaic panels facing different directions, as well as the azimuth angle, tilt angle, and installation spacing of the conventional photovoltaic panels on the roof. Two retrofitting schemes were proposed. Through simulation and comparison, the second scheme was found to reduce the annual electricity consumption by 1,233,354 kWh, achieving a 35.4% decrease compared to the original building. Using the Changsha library as a template for public buildings, this study provided a retrofitting approach with Building-Integrated Photovoltaic technology via DesignBuilder, which could be extended to other geographic locations. The results demonstrated the significant energy-saving effects of the proposed retrofitting scheme.

Unravelling the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Cells for Photovoltaics

Abstract This research reveals the application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in analyzing and improving the performance of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) based photovoltaic cells. As a non-destructive technique, EIS provides deep insight into the electrochemical characteristics of photovoltaic cells, including series resistance, layer capacitance, recombination mechanisms, and charge transport. The impedance data is obtained and analyzed using small AC potential signals at various frequencies via Nyquist diagrams and Bode plots. This analysis allows the identification of resistive and capacitive elements as well as the evaluation of the quality of the interface between the active layer and the electrode. The results show that EIS can identify internal barriers that reduce the efficiency of a-Si: H solar cells, such as dominant recombination mechanisms and inefficient charge transport. Using equivalent circuit models, electrochemical parameters are extracted to reveal cell behavior and performance. In addition, these results also confirm that EIS is an important tool in design optimization and performance improvement of a-Si: H photovoltaic cells, providing a solid scientific basis for the development of more efficient and sustainable solar cell technology. These findings contribute to efforts to increase solar energy efficiency, supporting broader and more effective use of photovoltaic technology in meeting global sustainable energy needs.

Achieving 34 % efficiency with a dual-absorber solar cell design using CaRbCl3 and Ca3NCl3 perovskites

This study’s DFT calculations show that the direct bandgaps of perovskite CaRbCl3 and Ca3NCl3 are 1.386 eV and 1.430 eV, respectively, confirming their semiconducting nature. The study also provides density of states and dielectric constant data for these materials. In photovoltaic (PV) technology, perovskites are highly valued as solar absorber materials for their exceptional optical properties, low cost, high efficiency, and lightweight design. This study presents a structure (Al/FTO/CdS/dual absorber (CaRbCl3/Ca3NCl3)/V2O5/Au) incorporating a CdS electron transport layer (ETL) and a V2O5 hole transport layer (HTL) with a double perovskite absorber layer (DPAL) of CaRbCl3 and Ca3NCl3 using SCAPS-1D. The results show that the DPAL-based perovskite solar cell (PSC) outperforms single-layer PSCs, with significant efficiency gains when HTL is included. The study thoroughly examines the effects of layer thickness, doping levels, and defect densities on key electrical parameters such as VOC, JSC, FF, and PCE. It also explores J-V and QE characteristics and the impact of temperature. The ideal absorber thickness for achieving the highest PCE is 500 nm for CaRbCl3 and 600 nm for Ca3NCl3, combined with a doping density of 1 × 1017 cm−3, a defect density of 1 × 1011 cm−3 and interface defect density of 1 × 1010 cm−2. While single-absorber solar cells achieve maximum efficiencies of 24.40 % (CaRbCl3) and 24.02 % (Ca3NCl3), the DPAL setup reaches an optimized efficiency of 27.66 %, further increasing to 34.39 % with a VOC of 1.295 V, FF of 83.95 %, and JSC of 31.63 mA/cm2 when using V2O5 HTL. This research provides valuable insights and a practical strategy for developing cost-effective CaRbCl3/Ca3NCl3 thin-film solar cells.

Modeling the co-adoption dynamics of PV and heat pumps in Swiss residential buildings: Implications for policy and sustainability goals

The Swiss energy system is facing a paradigm shift as it strives to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, as well as phase out nuclear electricity production. This entails significant changes in the country’s energy landscape, including increased adoption of renewable energy technologies in the residential sector. To facilitate informed decision-making and planning by policymakers, this study introduces a system-dynamics model for the long-term adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) and heat pump (HP) technologies in Swiss residential buildings. Unlike conventional approaches, this framework considers the feedback loops and correlations between PV and HP adoption, while also accounting for building heterogeneity. Through scenario analyses, the model evaluates the impact of regulatory and financial policy interventions on the transition of the residential energy system. The results highlight the significant influence of policy measures on technology deployment rates, energy demand, and greenhouse gas emissions. They demonstrate that slight adjustments in current policy and regulatory framework could allow to safely reach PV deployment targets, but strong modifications are necessary to completely decarbonize the residential sector. This study contributes to advancing our understanding of the complex dynamics shaping residential energy transitions and offers valuable insights to support the formulation and implementation of effective energy strategies.

New Double Perovskite Solar Cell Containing Ba3PCl3 (A3BX3) and CsSnI3 (ABX3) Leading to an Improved Efficiency Above 30%

AbstractIn photovoltaic (PV) technology, halide perovskites stand out for their exceptional optical properties, improved performance, and cost‐effectiveness. This study utilized SCAPS‐1D to examine a novel dual absorber solar cell, using Ba3PCl3 as the top absorber and CsSnI3 as the bottom absorber, marking the first comprehensive analysis of this pairing. The research thoroughly investigated the thickness, doping concentrations, and defect densities of each absorber to evaluate their impact on electrical properties such as VOC, JSC, FF, and power conversion efficiency (PCE). Additionally, the study meticulously analyzed the effects of temperature, shunt, and series resistances. The results show that the first device (FTO/SnS2/Ba3PCl3/Au) achieved a PCE of 17.75%, while the second device (FTO/SnS2/CsSnI3/Au) reached a PCE of 20.63%. Optimized designs combining both absorbers (FTO/SnS2/Ba3PCl3/CsSnI3/Au) resulted in a PCE of 30.97%, with a JSC of 47.52 mA/cm2, FF of 80.42%, and VOC of 0.81 V. These promising findings offer valuable insights for the future development of experimental solar devices.

Sustainable management of end of life crystalline silicon solar panels in Australia: Advancing circular economy practices

The worldwide adaptation of Photovoltaic (PV) technology as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, has experienced exponential growth in recent years. However, the lack of effective waste management policies has hindered efficient PV panel disposal and recycling practices. In the absence of effective policies, the worldwide End-of-Life (EoL) PV module accumulation is predicted to reach a critical stage in the early 2030s. This study examines the environmental impacts of different EoL management practices using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), based on a comprehensive database generated from both literature and industrial data. Five different EoL scenarios were considered for 1000 kg of Crystalline Silicon (c-Si) PV modules with a focus on Australia as a case study, while considering the energy recovery options and emphasizing the economic benefits. From a comprehensive LCA study, it is found that upcycling options reduce the environmental impacts significantly compared to downcycling, while chemical treatment emerges as a preferred option, demonstrating a reduced environmental burden. Nevertheless, the utilization of toxic chemicals during chemical treatment-based PV recycling needs to be reconsidered. Additionally, the usage of chemicals during the metal recovery process of PV module recycling caused the highest environmental burden, necessitating the importance of moving to greener treatment practices. This research study will enable the identification of optimum EoL c-Si module recycling options, contributing to sustainable waste management.

Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas of photovoltaic architecture

The growing interest in applying photovoltaics for construction results in solutions based on the concept of integration with the architecture of the building and its surroundings. This means that the challenge lies not only in the technical integration itself but also in a strictly relationship with architecture. The study aims at determining a critical history of the evolution of photovoltaic architecture, narrowing down its role in the contemporary architecture design, in terms of firmitas (structure), utilitas (functionality), and venustas (aesthetics) of the building as well as its relationship with the environment. This study offers an architectural perspective on the design approaches through the carefully selection of several case study to illustrate main topics, design criteria, limitations, and challenges with a broad spectrum of interpretation. The results demonstrate that the development of integrated photovoltaic systems strengthens the relationship between PV technology and architecture in terms of structure, utility, and aesthetics. This relationship is synergistic and stimulates the parallel development of photovoltaic technology and architectural solutions.

Metal–Organic Frameworks and Derivative Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells: Recent Advances, Emerging Trends, and Perspectives

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has reached an impressive value of 26.1%. While several initiatives such as structural modification and fabrication techniques helped steadily increase the PCE and stability of PSCs in recent years, the incorporation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in PSCs stands out among other innovations and has emerged as a promising path forward to make this technology the front‐runner for realizing next‐generation low‐cost photovoltaic technologies. Owing to their unique physiochemical properties and extraordinary advantages such as large specific surface area and tunable pore structures, incorporating them as/in different functional layers of PSCs endows the devices with extraordinary optoelectronic properties. This article reviews the latest research practices adapted in integrating MOFs and derivative materials into the constituent blocks of PSCs such as photoactive perovskite absorber, electron‐transport layer, hole‐transport layer, and interfacial layer. Notably, a special emphasis is placed on the aspect of stability improvement in PSCs by incorporating MOFs and derivative materials. Also, the potential of MOFs as lead absorbents in PSCs is highlighted. Finally, an outlook on the critical challenges faced and future perspectives for employing MOFs in PSCs in light of the commercialization of PSCs is provided.

Evaluating the Impact of Laundering on the Electrical Performance of Wearable Photovoltaic Cells: A Comparative Study of Current Consistency and Resistance

Wearable photovoltaic technology has been prominent in recent years because electronic devices need to be powered continuously without reliance on traditional methods. However, the practical adoption of wearable PV cells is hindered by the need for laundering, potentially degrading performance. This research compared PV cells’ maximum current and electrical resistance before and after laundering testing conditions. This study used eight samples of two types of PV panel cells and laundered them up to five cycles. The current and electrical resistance values were recorded before and after each laundering cycle. This study analyzed the data using a paired sample t-test and MANOVA. It was found that laundering cycles significantly affected the current values in both types of samples, with no differential impact between the types; on the other hand, laundering cycles did not significantly affect the electrical resistance values in both types of samples, with no differential impact between the types. These results are crucial for industries developing textile-based PV panels, where maintaining electrical performance after laundering is essential. These findings could pave the way for more sustainable, self-powered wearable PV technologies, ultimately transforming how users interact with electronic devices daily.

Plasmonics Meets Perovskite Photovoltaics: Innovations and Challenges in Boosting Efficiency

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered immense attention in recent years due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and cost-effective fabrication methods, establishing them as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Among the diverse strategies aimed at enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs, the incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles has emerged as a pioneering approach. This review summarizes the latest research advancements in the utilization of plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance the performance of PSCs. We delve into the fundamental principles of plasmonic resonance and its interaction with perovskite materials, highlighting how localized surface plasmons can effectively broaden light absorption, facilitate hot-electron transfer (HET), and optimize charge separation dynamics. Recent strategies, including the design of tailored metal nanoparticles (MNPs), gratings, and hybrid plasmonic–photonic architectures, are critically evaluated for their efficacy in enhancing light trapping, increasing photocurrent, and mitigating charge recombination. Additionally, this review addresses the challenges associated with the integration of plasmonic elements into PSCs, including issues of scalability, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Finally, the review provides insights into future research directions aimed at advancing the field, thereby paving the way for next-generation, high-performance perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies.

Photovoltaic Maximum Power Point Tracking Technology Based on Power Prediction Algorithm Combined with Variable Step Length Disturbance Observation Method

Under partial shading conditions, the system operating sequence of photovoltaic cells does not fall on a single characteristic curve, and the traditional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control algorithm is prone to causing the system output power to oscillate around the maximum power point. In the case of multiple peaks, the traditional MPPT algorithm is prone to being trapped in a local optimum solution. This paper proposes an MPPT control algorithm based on the WOA-RF prediction algorithm combined with a variable step disturbance observation method. By establishing a photovoltaic system simulation model, the improved algorithm is verified through simulation. The improved MPPT control algorithm can adaptively adjust the step size under different conditions to ensure that the system can quickly and accurately track the maximum power point. At the same time, by optimizing the algorithm logic and parameter settings, it can effectively avoid problems such as local optimum solutions and instability in the system, and improve the system convergence speed and tracking accuracy.

Distributed Photovoltaic Communication Anomaly Detection Based on Spatiotemporal Feature Collaborative Modeling

As distributed photovoltaic (PV) technology rapidly develops and is widely applied, the methods of cyberattacks are continuously evolving, posing increasingly severe threats to the communication networks of distributed PV systems. Recent studies have shown that the Transformer model, which effectively integrates global information and handles long-distance dependencies, has garnered significant attention. Based on this, our research proposes a model named STformer, which is applied to the task of attack detection in distributed PV communication. Specifically, we propose a temporal attention mechanism and a variable attention mechanism. The temporal attention mechanism focuses on capturing subtle changes and trends in data sequences over time, ensuring a highly sensitive recognition of patterns inherent in time-series data. In contrast, the variable attention mechanism analyzes the intrinsic relationships and interactions between different variables, uncovering critical correlations that may indicate abnormal behavior or potential attacks. Additionally, we incorporate the Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) dimensionality reduction technique. This technique not only helps reduce computational complexity but, in certain cases, can enhance anomaly detection performance. Finally, compared to classical and advanced methods, STformer demonstrates satisfactory performance in simulation experiments.

Enhancing the Photovoltaic Efficiency of In0.2Ga0.8N/GaN Quantum Well Intermediate Band Solar Cells Using Combined Electric and Magnetic Fields

This study presents a theoretical investigation into the photovoltaic efficiency of InGaN/GaN quantum well-based intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs) under the simultaneous influence of electric and magnetic fields. The finite element method is employed to numerically solve the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation within the framework of the effective-mass approximation. Our findings reveal that electric and magnetic fields significantly influence the energy levels of electrons and holes, optical transition energies, open-circuit voltages, short-circuit currents, and overall photovoltaic conversion performances of IBSCs. Furthermore, this research indicates that applying a magnetic field positively influences conversion efficiency. Through the optimization of IBSC parameters, an efficiency of approximately 50% is achievable, surpassing the conventional Shockley–Queisser limit. This theoretical study demonstrates the potential for next-generation photovoltaic technology advancements.

A Review of Simulation Tools for Thin-Film Solar Cells

Unlike current silicon-based photovoltaic technology, the development of last-generation thin-film solar cells has been marked by groundbreaking advancements in new materials and novel structures to increase performance and lower costs. However, physically building each new proposal to evaluate the device’s efficiency can involve unnecessary effort and time. Numerical simulation tools provide a solution by allowing researchers to predict and optimize solar cell performance without physical testing. This paper reviews thirteen of the main numerical simulation tools for thin-film solar cells, including SCAPS, AMPS, AFORS-HET, ASPIN3, GPVDM, SESAME, SILVACO, SENTAURUS, and ADEPT. This review evaluates each tool’s features, modeling methods, numerical approaches, and application contexts. The findings reveal notable differences in material modeling, numerical accuracy, cost, and accessibility among the tools. Each tool’s strengths and limitations in simulating thin-film solar cells are highlighted. This study emphasizes the necessity of selecting suitable simulation tools based on specific research requirements. It provides a comparative analysis to assist researchers in choosing the most effective software for optimizing thin-film solar cells, contributing to advancements in photovoltaic technology.