Scientists make breakthrough in the field of solar energy that could have a major impact on the future of energy: ‘A crucial step’

Complex solar cell research from Hong Kong could add valuable percentage points to panel efficiency while simplifying production. according to based on a story from PV Magazine.

The newest breakthrough from the City University of Hong Kong involves a new manufacturing technique for promising perovskite cells. Perovskites are a group of materials that can efficiently convert sunlight into energy with low production costs. Stability and sustainability remain obstacles mineral, per the US Energy Department.

The Hong Kong team is addressing the concerns with two innovations.

“The first involved integrating the hole-selective materials and the perovskite layers, to simplify the manufacturing process. The second involved replacing traditional organic materials, such as fullerene and bathocuproin, with tin oxide, an inorganic electron transport layer, in a process known as the atomic layer deposition method,” per Description of PV.

Labs aside, the big takeaway is that the changes resulted in 25% efficiency, meaning the cells can convert a quarter of the sunlight that hits them into energy. Additionally, they retained 95% of their efficiency after 2,000 hours of operation, according to the report.

“The device structure reported in this study represents the most simplified architecture in the current field of perovskite solar cells and offers significant advantages for industrialization,” study co-author Gao Danpeng. said in the story.

Perovskites are researched in numerous laboratories. Experts are adding lead to the mix Koreasilicon in Englandand an invention in China has produced an astonishing return of more than 28%.

MarketWatch reports that most panels have rates between 15% and 20%.

The PV report also touted that the Hong Kong research had the potential to deliver results solar panels more affordable. Setups on the roof cost an average of $12,700, such as noted by Forbes. Valuable tax benefits can amount to 30% of the installation costs. Once put into use, the suncatchers almost save homeowners $700 per year on the energy bill, according to a government study. That’s even after deducting the costs of the system.

If you were installing solar panels for your home, which of these factors would be your primary motivation?

Energy Independence

Lower energy bill

Helping the planet

There’s no chance I’ll ever go solar

Click on your choice to see the results and give your opinion

Online services such as EnergySage can help you maximize savings while finding the best installer.

Better performing panels will help increase savings while reducing household production of heat-trapping air pollution. The noxious fumes are linked by medical experts for lung, heart and other health problems.

The next step for the Hong Kong team is to apply their technology to larger modules.

“With the potential to be implemented in solar energy systems within the next five years, this research is a crucial step towards achieving more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production worldwide,” says Professor Zhu Zonglong. said in the PV story.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives And shaping our futureand don’t miss it this nice list of simple ways to help yourself and help the planet at the same time.