If we could capture the energy that earth receives from sun, we can definitely bring about a revolutionary change. A silicon solar cell is still a leading solar technology even after 50 years of entering the market. Five years ago, a material called perovskite, entered the solar market. Printed carbon-based organic solar cells, having ultra-low-cost-solar material, also entered the market around that time.
Both these contenders have the same basic mechanism, along with their own strengths and weaknesses. Silicon could be readily processed into different layers, even sixty years ago, for making of a solar cell. Silicon is non-toxic and available readily but it is expensive.
Though the look of a silicon panel, bought today, might look like that of 20 or 30 years back, its performance is far superior than what it was decades ago. By developing a surface to maximize light absorption, refining the purity of material and by improving panel’s backside electronics, the efficiency of solar cells has gone up to 25.6%.
On the other hand, market share of solar cells made from perovskites has jumped up from 3% to 20% in only five years. In all likelihood, it will soon match or supersede silicon cells in efficiency and in price. Simply printing a layer on to a plastic backing makes Perovskite cells cheap. Once printed they form small grains, like layer of rice, making it difficult for the electrons to jump between layers to reach the electrode. Perovskites are sensitive to moisture and it is one of its major weakness. Also, perovskite contains lead, which is toxic in nature. Researchers are trying to substitute lead with a less hazardous elements and way to seal the material in plastic has already been taken care by the engineers.
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