Breakthrough Electrode Boosts Bifacial Perovskite Solar Efficiency

• Revolutionary NiO/Ag/NiO electrode boosts bifacial solar cell efficiency and durability, promising breakthroughs in agrivoltaics, automotive tech, and more with its ultra-thin, high-transmittance design.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology have developed a novel NiO/Ag/NiO transparent electrode that significantly enhances the efficiency and durability of bifacial perovskite solar cells. This three-layer electrode, fabricated using a low-energy physical vapor deposition technique, offers low electrical resistance and high visible light transmittance. The innovative design allows the solar cells to achieve power conversion efficiencies of 9.05% and 6.54% when illuminated from different sides, with a high bifaciality factor of 72%, indicating effective light capture from both directions.

The bifacial solar cells also demonstrated remarkable durability, maintaining 80% of their initial efficiency for over 1,000 hours without protective encapsulation. Their ability to transmit significant light in the near-infrared region makes them suitable for applications in thermal windows and optoelectronics. With a thin profile of less than 40 nm, the transparent electrode is ideal for integration into building materials and tandem solar cell applications. This advancement could pave the way for broader applications in agrivoltaics, automotive technologies, and other solar energy innovations.

How Does the NiO/Ag/NiO Electrode Enhance Bifacial Perovskite Solar Cell Performance and Durability?

• Enhanced Light Absorption: The NiO/Ag/NiO electrode structure is designed to optimize light absorption by minimizing reflection and maximizing transmission. The silver (Ag) layer acts as a highly conductive core, while the nickel oxide (NiO) layers on either side serve as anti-reflective coatings, enhancing the overall light absorption efficiency of the solar cell.
• Improved Electrical Conductivity: Silver is known for its excellent electrical conductivity. By incorporating a thin Ag layer, the electrode significantly reduces electrical resistance, facilitating efficient charge transport within the solar cell. This results in higher power conversion efficiencies compared to traditional electrode materials.
• Durability and Stability: The NiO layers not only contribute to light management but also protect the silver layer from oxidation and environmental degradation. This protective feature enhances the long-term stability and durability of the solar cells, as evidenced by their ability to maintain 80% of their initial efficiency over extended periods without encapsulation.
• Bifacial Performance: The bifacial design of the solar cells allows them to capture light from both the front and rear sides. The high bifaciality factor of 72% indicates that the cells are highly effective in utilizing diffuse and reflected light, which is particularly beneficial in environments with variable lighting conditions.
• Thin and Lightweight Design: With a total thickness of less than 40 nm, the NiO/Ag/NiO electrode is exceptionally thin and lightweight. This makes it suitable for integration into a variety of applications, including building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and tandem solar cells, where weight and space are critical considerations.
• Versatile Applications: The ability of the electrode to transmit light in the near-infrared region opens up possibilities for its use in thermal windows and optoelectronic devices. This versatility extends the potential applications of the technology beyond traditional solar energy generation.
• Potential for Agrivoltaics and Automotive Technologies: The enhanced performance and durability of these solar cells make them ideal candidates for agrivoltaic systems, where they can be used to generate electricity while allowing sufficient light to pass through for plant growth. Additionally, their integration into automotive technologies could lead to more efficient solar-powered vehicles.
• Scalability and Cost-Effectiveness: The use of a low-energy physical vapor deposition technique for fabricating the NiO/Ag/NiO electrode suggests that the production process can be scaled up efficiently. This could lead to cost-effective manufacturing, making the technology more accessible for widespread adoption in various industries.