Researchers have developed solar panels that work better and last longer by solving a hidden problem in an innovative type of solar cell, Tech Xplore reported.
The exciting development comes from an international team led by the University of Surrey in the UK who have cracked the code for making more efficient solar cells using a material called perovskite. According to a study published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science, these improved cells can convert an impressive 23% of sunlight into usable electricity while lasting 66% longer than previous versions.
The research team focused on understanding and fixing a previously unknown problem that caused these promising solar cells to deteriorate over time. Your solution? By adding a special ingredient, unwanted chemical reactions are stopped, allowing cells to maintain peak performance for much longer.
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Perovskite solar cells represent the next evolution of solar technology. While traditional silicon panels help millions of homeowners reduce their energy costs, these new perovskite panels could perform even better while costing less.
“This advancement is an important step toward high-efficiency, long-lasting solar panels that give more people access to affordable clean energy while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and global carbon emissions,” Hashini Perera, the study’s lead author, told Tech Xplore.
The implications for homeowners are enormous. More efficient and longer-lasting solar panels mean greater savings on utility bills over time.
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Professor Ravi Silva, who heads the university's Advanced Technology Institute, put it succinctly: “This research brings us closer to panels that not only generate more power over their lifetime, but also last longer. Higher efficiency and fewer replacements mean more green energy with less waste.”
The team doesn't stop there. They are working to further refine these materials and processes to achieve even stronger performance. The University of Surrey is building a 12.5 MW solar farm to test these panels in real-world conditions.
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