Oxford University Physicists Pioneer Innovative Solar Technology

Breakthrough in Solar Energy Efficiency

Oxford University physicists have pioneered an innovative method for producing solar electricity, eliminating the reliance on silicon-based panels by applying a novel energy-generating material to common surfaces like rucksacks, vehicles, and smartphones.

The breakthrough light-absorbing material, now thin and flexible, can be applied to the surfaces of nearly any structure or common object. Utilizing an innovative stacking method developed in Oxford, which integrates multiple light-absorbing layers into a single solar cell, they have effectively broadened the spectrum of captured light, significantly increasing energy output.

This ultra-thin material, utilizing the multi-junction approach, has achieved an independently certified energy efficiency exceeding 27% equaling the performance of conventional silicon photovoltaics for the first time. The certification was awarded by Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) ahead of the research study's publication later this year.

"In just five years of experimenting with our mulit-juction stacking approach, we have increased power conversion efficiency from approximately 6% to over 27%, approaching the theoretical limits of single-layer photovoltaics," stated Dr. Shuaifeng Hu, Postdoctoral Fellow at Oxford University Physics.

"We are confident that, in the long term , this method has the potential to enable photovoltaic devies to exceed 45% efficiency."

In comparison, current solar panels achieve about 22% energy efficiency, converting roughly 22% of sunlight into usable energy. However, the true advantage of the new ultra-thin, flexible material lies in its versatility. Measuring just over one micron in thickness--nearly 150 times thinner than a silicon wafer---it can be applied to virtually any surface, unlike traditional photovoltaics, which are typically limited to silicon panels.

"by utilizing novel materials that can be applied as a coating, we've demonstrated the ability to match and even exceed silicon's performance while adding flexibility. This is crucial, as it suggests the potential for generating more solar power without relying on extensive silicon panels or dedicated solar farms," stated Dr. Junke Wang, Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellow at Oxford University Physics.

The researchers are confident that their approach will keep lowering the cost of solar energy, making it the most sustainable form of renewable power. Since 2010, the global average cost of solar electricity has decreased by almost 90%, rendering it nearly a third less expensive than fossil fuel-derived energy. Ongoing innovations are likely to yield furhter cost efficiencies as new materials like thin-film perovskite reduce the necessity for silicon panels and specialized solar farms.

"We anticipate that perovskite coatings could be used on a wider range of surfaces to produce affordable solar power, including car roofs, buildings facades, and even mobile phone backs. If this method proves effective in generating more solar energy, it could significanlty reduce the future reliance on silicon panels and the need for additional solar farms," Dr. Wang explained.

Among the 40 researchers working on photovoltaics under the guidance of Professor Henry Snaith at Oxford University's Physics Department, this team has been pioneering the field. Their innovative research on thin-film perovskite, initiated nearly ten years ago, is conducted using a custom-built robotic laboratory.

Their innovative work demonstrates considerable commercial potential and is beginning to influence applications across the utilities, construction, and automotive sectors.

Oxford PV, a UK-based company established in 2010 by Professor Henry Snaith, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, to commercialize perovskite photovoltaics, has recently commenced large-scale production of these cells at its Brandenburg-an-der-Havel facility near Berlin. This marks the world's inaugural volume manufacturing line for 'perovskite-on-silicon' tandem solar cells.

Professor Snaith explained, "Initially, we considered UK locations for our manufacturing operations, but the government has not yet provided the fiscal and commercial incentives available in other European and US regions."

"To date, the UK has primarily focused on expending solar energy through new solar farms. However, significant growth is expected to stem from commercializing innovative technologies. We hope that the newly established British Energy will prioritize this approach."

Professor Snaith noted. "The provision of these materials is poised to become a rapidly expending sector within the global green economy. The UK has demonstrated scientific leadership and innovation, but without new incentives and improved pathways for translating this innovation into manufacturing, the UK risks missing the chance to spearhead this emerging global industry."