In the intensified race to market for perovskite-based photovoltaic (PV) modules in 2024, Oxford PV announced the first commercial shipment of this promising solar technology. This raises important questions about whether perovskite technology, especially silicon/perovskite tandem, is on the verge of mass deployment and if it could ultimately. These questions are explored in detail in the latest PVTech magazine article, The Hope and Hype of Commercial Perovskites, written by Will Norman. In the article, Fabian Fertig, Director of Global R&D for Wafers and Cells at Hanwha Qcells and the technology development coordinator in PEPPERONI, provides insights into the current state of technology development. He highlights the progress being made, while also acknowledging the challenges that remain in ensuring durability and cost-effectiveness.
The article offers an in-depth exploration of perovskite technologies, detailing their benefits and the pathway to market. It explains the fundamentals of the technology, presents different types of perovskite solar cells, and distinguishes between two-terminal tandem and four-terminal products. Additionally, it raises critical questions about stability and its significance while providing an overview of the commercialisation route for this emerging technology. According to the article, the successful transition of perovskite technology from the lab to real-world application depends on collaboration across industry and research institutions. This is where initiatives like the PEPPERONI project play a pivotal role. By leveraging the infrastructure and expertise of established PV technologies, the project is focused on a promising two-terminal tandem approach that could bridge the gap between innovation and market readiness.
Despite the impressive efficiency levels demonstrated by perovskite solar cells, challenges around durability and costs remain. Fertig highlights the ongoing debate within the industry regarding stability expectations:
“We will have to see if all market segments require the same long-term stability as silicon, or whether there might be some which say they can accept a higher performance without the same reliability requirements,” he states in the article.
As the PV industry continues to push forward, the PEPPERONI project continues its efforts to bring perovskite-silicon tandem technology closer to commercial viability. By addressing the remaining technical barriers and aligning with industry roadmaps, collaborative initiatives like PEPPERONI are ensuring that perovskite technology moves beyond the hype and towards a commercially sustainable future.
To read the full article, visit PVTech: The Hope and Hype of Commercial Perovskites.
