Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells: Strategies, Prospects, and Challenges

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved efficiencies comparable to established photovoltaic technologies, positioning them as strong contenders for next-generation solar energy systems. Amid these advances, research efforts are now directed toward extending PSCs functionality by combining efficient power generation with optical transparency, leading to the emergence of semitransparent PSCs (ST-PSCs). Advancing this technology requires deeper understanding of its design principles, applications, economic viability, and performance limitations. Therefore, this review examines key strategies for achieving an optimal balance between efficiency and optical transparency in ST-PSCs across small-, large-scale, and flexible devices, with emphasis on the functional roles and optimization approaches of individual components. Particular attention is devoted to stability challenges, including degradation mechanisms and recent strategies for improving their durability. The versatility of ST-PSCs is further illustrated through their integration into advanced architectures such as tandem and bifacial configurations, as well as broader applications including building-integrated photovoltaics, agrivoltaic systems, and photovoltaic-photoelectrochemical hybrids for hydrogen production. A technoeconomic perspective is also provided, with emphasis on manufacturing cost and levelized cost of electricity for ST-PSCs. Finally, the remaining challenges, particularly related to long-term stability, scalability, cost, and area constraints, are critically discussed, along with potential pathways toward commercial realization of ST-PSC technology.