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Design and Performance of Two-Sided Self-Protecting Perovskite Solar Cells for Indoor Vertical Applications
Salvatore Valastro1, Sebastian Ferranti1, Rosa Previti2
1CNR-IMM Catania Italy.
Small Science
|April 23, 2026
Summary
We developed a novel two-sided self-protecting perovskite solar cell (2S-SP PSC) by bonding two perovskite solar cells back-to-back. This bifacial design doubles light harvesting area and enhances stability for self-powered devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Device Physics
Background:
- Traditional perovskite solar cells (PSCs) require passive encapsulation, limiting efficiency and increasing thickness.
- Bifacial devices offer potential for increased light harvesting but often require complex structures.
- Developing robust and efficient PSCs for practical applications remains a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel photovoltaic architecture: the two-sided self-protecting perovskite solar cell (2S-SP PSC).
- To demonstrate a bifacial device configuration that enhances light harvesting and self-encapsulation.
- To explore the potential of 2S-SP PSCs for self-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices and building-integrated photovoltaics.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of two perovskite solar cells on separate substrates.
- Bonding the two PSCs back-to-back to create a self-encapsulated bifacial device (2S-SP PSC).
- Electrical connection of the PSCs in series or parallel configurations.
- Characterization of device performance under indoor lighting conditions and assessment of long-term stability.
Main Results:
- The 2S-SP PSC architecture effectively doubles the active area for light harvesting within a single device footprint.
- Demonstrators achieved nearly double the power output compared to monofacial counterparts under indoor lighting (51.3 μW vs 24.6 μW).
- The back-to-back configuration provides inherent mechanical integrity and enhanced moisture protection, leading to improved long-term stability.
Conclusions:
- The 2S-SP PSC represents a significant advancement in photovoltaic technology, offering a self-protective and bifacial design.
- This architecture is suitable for industrial production using printable, mesoporous carbon-based PSCs.
- The technology shows promise for self-powered IoT applications and building-applied photovoltaics due to its efficiency and stability.
