Why more junctions do not yet deliver: interconnection challenges in perovskite multijunction solar cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Single-junction solar cells are nearing practical efficiency limits.
• Perovskite-based multijunction solar cells offer enhanced spectral utilization and reduced thermalization losses.
• These tandem architectures present a viable route for gigawatt-scale solar energy deployment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the technological challenges in interconnecting perovskite sub-cells for multijunction solar devices.
• To explore future directions for perovskite-based multijunction solar cells, focusing on interconnection strategies.
• To move beyond electronic recombination junction considerations in perovskite tandem solar cells.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of current research on perovskite-based multijunction solar cells.
• Identification of challenges related to interlayer dissolution, chemical degradation, and film imperfections.
• Examination of strategies for reliable electrical coupling and structural integrity in tandem configurations.

Main Results:

• Perovskite tandems show significant progress toward industrial scaling.
• Interconnection of perovskite sub-cells presents challenges due to solvent compatibility and mechanical stress.
• Film imperfections like cracks and delamination are common issues during fabrication and scale-up.

Conclusions:

• Perovskite-based multijunction solar cells are a promising technology beyond current photovoltaic limits.
• Overcoming interconnection challenges is critical for the reliable scale-up of these advanced solar devices.
• Further research is needed to ensure interfacial and structural integrity for robust perovskite tandem solar cell performance.