Crystalline silicon solar cells have experienced significant reductions in cost, and now produce the lowest-cost source of electricity in many parts of the world. However, they have approached their theoretical limits in efficiency, and have limited use beyond rooftop and utility-scale solar.
Groups in Physics have pioneered the development of tandem photovoltaics, which combine a silicon solar cell with a metal-halide perovskite solar cell, which harvest in complementary parts of the solar spectrum. Such tandem devices exceed the theoretical limit of silicon single-junction solar cells, and could lower the levelized cost of electricity. Working together with groups in Materials and Chemistry, more effective device architectures are being developed to improve the performance, stability and manufacturability of these devices, whilst also eliminating the use of critical elements.
Another area that is rapidly growing in importance is energy harvesting to power IoT electronics, and reduce their unsustainable reliance on batteries. Groups in Chemistry and Physics are developing a new generation of sustainable chalcogenide and halide materials for indoor photovoltaics, with potential to exceed 30% efficiency under indoor lighting.
