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New breakthrough in renewables technology could halve solar panel costs
The returns on installing solar panels for your home could be about to get a whole lot faster
Getting solar panels installed on your home in sunny Spain is a reliable way of reducing energy costs and saving money in the long term. Now, researchers at the University of Michigan have just made a significant advancement in solar energy technology that could see the initial outlay for solar panels come down for homeowners in Spain.
This breakthrough is in the realm of perovskite solar cells. Perovskite solar cells have long been touted for their potential to reduce the cost and environmental impact of solar energy production, but they have faced challenges due to their rapid degradation compared to traditional silicon-based cells.
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The University of Michigan team, led by Assistant Professor Xiwen Gong, has discovered a method to extend the lifespan of perovskite solar cells by identifying effective molecules that prevent degradation. This breakthrough could pave the way for solar cells that are two to four times cheaper than current thin-film solar panels.
Additionally, the research opens the door to creating tandem solar cells by combining perovskites with silicon-based semiconductors, potentially surpassing the maximum theoretical efficiency of silicon solar cells.
While silicon solar cells are highly efficient and durable, their production requires high temperatures, resulting in high costs and an increased environmental impact. In contrast, perovskite solar cells can be produced at lower temperatures but suffer from degradation when exposed to heat, moisture, and air.
Gong’s research addresses this challenge by enhancing the stability and lifespan of perovskite cells, offering a promising solution to commercialise this technology for widespread use in solar panels.
To find out how you can benefit from solar panels in Spain, contact Ecosolarspain today:
