Economic Scenarios

Perovskite solar cells: China wants to take the industrial lead here too

The solar energy landscape is undergoing a radical transformation and at the heart of this revolution are perovskite solar cells (PSCs).

These innovative cells are rapidly emerging as an alternative to traditional, energy-poor silicon-based solar technology, boasting not only lower production costs and greater flexibility, but also impressive efficiency gains.

In 2009, PSCs were barely a blip on the radar, with an energy conversion efficiency of a paltry 3.8%. Today they have destroyed expectations, achieving efficiencies of over 26% . Even more notable are the perovskite/silicon tandem cells, which combine the strengths of both materials to achieve a world-record efficiency of 33.9% , surpassing the theoretical limits of any single-junction cell . This rapid progress has raised the concern of experts. After falling behind in the production of silicon cells, the United States and Europe now risk being overtaken in this innovative technology too.

While the West is just starting to take an interest, China has taken a decisive role in the perovskite revolution, aiming for mass production . The country has seen a surge in the number of university spin-offs entering the perovskite PV sector, marking a significant shift in the solar energy landscape.

These startups, often led by cutting-edge researchers and cultivated within academic institutions, are making significant inroads in the development and commercialization of large PSCs.

How Perovskite Cells Work, from Phys.org

One such pioneer is Mellow Energy, which emerged from Jinan University in 2022. Under the leadership of Professor Mai Yaohua, the company has made rapid progress, establishing a 100 MW pilot production line that is already producing modules with a certified power conversion efficiency of 22.86%.

Another notable player is RenShine Sola r, founded by Professor Hairen Tan of Nanjing University . RenShine targets diverse industries, including electric vehicles, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and consumer electronics, leveraging its unique perovskite tandem cell technology, which promises to push the limits of efficiency. Then there's Photon Crystal Energy Technology , known for its proprietary thin-film printing technology that has produced large-area modules with an industry-leading efficiency of 20.13%.

Other university spin-offs are emerging. Infi-Solar, co-founded by Professor Yi Chenyi, has produced highly efficient devices. Professor Yang Xudong has been appointed chief scientist by SolaEon Technology. Their module has achieved a high level of efficiency. These companies represent a new wave of innovation, driven by a deep understanding of the technology and a commitment to its commercialization.

But what makes these university spin-offs so crucial to the development of perovskite technology? Unlike established companies, which can be hampered by outdated systems and a focus on short-term profits, universities offer fertile ground for creativity and long-term research. These academic environments foster the kind of breakthrough discoveries that are essential to pushing the boundaries of a nascent technology like perovskite.

Let's consider the limits of silicon: after decades of research, the theoretical efficiency limit of silicon cells remains limited to 29.43%. In contrast, single junction PSCs have a theoretical limit of 33%, while perovskite tandem cells can potentially reach 45%. Additionally, perovskite materials are composed of readily available elements, making them ideal for large-scale production without the resource constraints that can plague other technologies.

The professors who lead these spin-offs are not simply scientists, but understand market evolutions. They realize that the current photovoltaic industry is plagued by a lack of core technology , often developed in universities and research institutes. Professor Mai Yaohua, for example, has thought long and hard about the constant evolution of the solar industry, as new companies emerge and established ones weaken.

Together with other founders, he believes the answer lies in developing truly innovative technologies. They emphasize the importance of scientific rigor in their operations and are driven by a deep desire to create a truly clean and sustainable source of energy. They recognize the urgent need for more research talent and industry professionals specializing in perovskite technology and are taking concrete steps to fill this gap.

Perovskite cells are also flexible

The advantages of Chinese university spin-offs

The advantages enjoyed by these high-tech university spin-offs are undeniable. They have direct access to the latest technological advances emerging from their parent institutions, allowing them to quickly integrate cutting-edge research into their product development processes.

Furthermore, they inherit the culture of innovation that permeates academia, fostering a spirit of experimentation and a willingness to explore unconventional solutions. Additionally, they benefit from the strong support systems provided by universities, including access to state-of-the-art facilities, funding opportunities and an extensive network of experts. This entrepreneurial culture also attracts talent, gathering passionate people who are dedicated to making a tangible impact on the renewable energy sector.

Of course, the path to commercial success is not without obstacles. These nascent companies face significant challenges, especially in terms of financing, talent acquisition and technology development. Setting up pilot production lines is a capital-intensive undertaking and securing sufficient investment can be a daunting task. Financiers need to be found, but coming from the academic world facilitates the ability to find public and private investors.

Furthermore, the perovskite photovoltaic industry is relatively new, and therefore the pool of experienced professionals is limited. Attracting and retaining top talent is a constant battle, especially when competing with established operators. Ultimately, scaling up production while ensuring the long-term stability, efficiency and environmental sustainability of perovskite cells requires continuous research and development.

Despite these challenges, high-tech university spin-offs are playing an indispensable role in driving the industrialization of perovskite photovoltaic technology. They act as a vital bridge between the laboratory and the market, translating the most innovative research into commercially viable products. They are at the forefront of innovation, pushing the limits of what is possible with PSCs and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. The synergy between market forces, government recognition and scientific research platforms is essential to foster an ecosystem in which this revolutionary technology can truly thrive, and it appears that China is currently leading the way.

The rest of the world, especially the United States and Europe, may have to get ahead of the curve if they don't want to be left behind in this crucial technological race, but they already seem to be lagging behind.


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The article Perovskite solar cells: China wants to take the industrial lead here too comes from Economic Scenarios .


This is a machine translation of a post published on Scenari Economici at the URL https://scenarieconomici.it/celle-solari-di-perovskite-anche-qui-la-cina-vuole-prendere-la-guida-industriale/ on Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:16:25 +0000.