SCAPS-1D simulated organometallic halide perovskites: A comparison of performance under Sub-Saharan temperature...

Photovoltaic technology has been widely recognized as a means to advance green energy solutions in the sub-Saharan region. In the real-time operation of solar modules, temperature plays a crucial role, making it necessary to evaluate the thermal impact on the performance of the solar devices, especially in high-insolation environments. Hence, this paper investigates the effect of operating temperature on the performance of two types of organometallic halide perovskites (OHP) - formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI₃) and methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃). The solar cells were evaluated under a typical Nigerian climate in two different cities before and after graphene passivation. Using a one-dimensional solar capacitance simulation software (SCAPS-1D) program, the simulation results show that graphene passivation improved the conversion efficiency of the solar cells by 0.51 % (FASnI₃ device) and 3.11 % (MAPbI₃ device). The presence of graphene played a vital role in resisting charge recombination and metal diffusion, which are responsible for the losses in OHP. Thermal analysis revealed that the MAPbI₃ device exhibited an increased fill factor (FF) in the temperature range of 20-64 °C, increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE). This ensured that the MAPbI₃ solar cell performed better in the city and the season with harsher thermal conditions (Kaduna, dry season). Thus, MAPbI₃ solar cells can thrive excellently in environments where the operating temperature is below 65 °C. Overall, this study shows that the application of OHP devices in sub-Saharan climatic conditions is empirically possible with the right material modification.