Standardized test conditions for faster development of third generation solar cells

The number of new scientifically relevant materials is increasing rapidly and enables the development of complex mixed materials. The problem is that individual research groups are no longer able to test all material combinations. International cooperation between laboratories is therefore becoming increasingly important in their research and application - for example in the development of new solar cells.

The basis for these cooperations is the comparability of measurement results from laboratory to laboratory. To achieve this, it is necessary to agree on uniform test conditions. In their new publication in the scientific journal "nature energy", international experts in the field of solar cell research, led by Prof. Monica Lira-Cantu (ICN2, Barcelona, Spain) and Prof. Eugene Katz (Sede Boker Campus, Israel) including contributions from members of the working group of Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert, have now agreed on standardised test conditions.

These test conditions deviate from the already known standards of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for silicon and second-generation solar technologies for good reason: These tests are in part not suitable for investigating the aging mechanisms of third-generation solar cells, which are not yet understood in every detail. The publication thus represents an important contribution to the rapid progress of modern solar technology.

Third generation solar cells, for example, consist of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites. These contain at least three basic materials and have recently caused a sensation, as their laboratory energy conversion efficiencies (efficiencies) caught up within a few years to monocrystalline silicon solar cells. At the same time, these perovskite solar cells are also much easier and cheaper to produce.

You'll find the complete article titled "Consensus statement for stability assessment and reporting for perovskite photovoltaics based on ISOS procedures" hereExternal link.