To cut costs, researchers have used perovskites instead of rare earth metals to create flexible solar cells.

In partnership with Power Roll Ltd., a UK-based business, researchers at the University of Sheffield have created a flexible solar cell that does not require costly and rare components. The study, which was published in ACS Applied Energy Materials, identifies a manufacturing technique that may lower prices and increase solar power's accessibility, especially in areas where traditional solar panels are not practicable.

The recently created solar cells are made by embossing microgrooves into a plastic sheet and employing a perovskite semiconductor. The perovskite material is subsequently poured into these grooves to create a back-contact solar cell. In contrast to conventional solar cells, which need many stacked layers, this design places electrical connections on the cell's back. This streamlines the manufacturing process and may increase productivity.

These solar cells may be used on unusual surfaces like rooftops that are unable to sustain the weight of traditional panels because of their flexibility and low weight. This breakthrough has the potential to promote the adoption of solar energy, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, given its expected reduced cost.

The development of perovskite-based solar technology is accelerating despite the fact that it is still in the early phases of commercial implementation. In the following stage of this project, the use of X-ray microscopy for device stability research will be further refined. Long-term performance determinants will be examined in new research at Diamond Light Source.