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Perovskite solar cells have garnered significant attention from researchers worldwide due to their potential to revolutionize the solar energy industry. These cells offer improvements in cost, weight, flexibility, and range of applications compared to conventional silicon solar cells. While there are still hurdles to overcome before perovskite technology becomes mainstream, its journey to commercialization could include a detour through outer space.
NASA has extensively covered the potential of perovskite technology to make solar power more affordable. The connection to outer space is particularly intriguing, as space exploration was instrumental in driving the development of the commercial solar industry in the 20th century.
NASA’s deployment of silicon solar cells on the Vanguard 1 satellite in 1958 marked a significant milestone in space-based solar power. Since then, silicon solar technology has made impressive progress, with the latest developments achieving a conversion efficiency of 27.09%.
Now, perovskite solar cells are poised to surpass silicon in efficiency. These cells use synthetic versions of a mineral named after mineralogist Lev Perovski. The unique structure of perovskite allows for efficient light absorption and conversion into electricity.
The application of perovskites to solar technology emerged in 2009, and since then, researchers have made remarkable progress in improving their efficiency. Recent advancements have led to conversion efficiencies of over 25%, outpacing silicon’s rate of progress.
Perovskite solar cells are not only making strides on Earth but also in outer space. Researchers are exploring the use of perovskites in space-based solar panels due to their high efficiency and stability. Pairing perovskite with silicon in tandem solar cells has shown even greater efficiency, surpassing the theoretical limit of silicon alone.
NASA has started testing perovskite solar cells at the International Space Station, and companies like Merida Aerospace are developing these cells for use in low-Earth orbit satellites. Perovskites offer a more cost-effective and sustainable solution compared to traditional gallium arsenide cells, which are currently used in space applications.
Perovskite solar cells hold great promise for both space and Earth-based applications. Their potential to enhance the efficiency and affordability of solar energy could have far-reaching implications for the future of renewable energy.
