Imec and University of Cyprus Achieve Major Breakthrough in Perovskite Solar Module Stability

Imec, a key partner in EnergyVille, in collaboration with the University of Cyprus, has made significant progress in demonstrating the long-term stability of perovskite solar modules under real-world conditions. Over two years, mini-modules developed at imec/EnergyVille, each measuring 4 cm², were evaluated outdoors in Cyprus. These modules retained an impressive 78 percent of their power efficiency after one year, a remarkable achievement compared to current perovskite modules, which typically retain this level of efficiency for only weeks.

The findings mark a major step toward addressing the long-standing stability challenges that have hindered the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. While these materials have shown great promise due to their unique properties and high power conversion efficiency, their vulnerability to moisture, light, and heat has been a significant obstacle. Traditional testing under controlled indoor conditions, which only simulate sunlight, does not fully reflect real-world performance. This outdoor testing, however, revealed consistent patterns of performance degradation during the day and overnight recovery.

The research also involved the use of machine learning to analyze the data, with promising results. A strong correlation was found between the model's predictions and actual power output, paving the way for improved future performance forecasting.

Tom Aernouts, R&D Manager at imec/UHasselt/EnergyVille, commented, "This research represents a major advancement in understanding the degradation of perovskite solar modules in real-world conditions. With further efficiency improvements and an eye toward scalability, these findings could accelerate the commercialisation of this promising technology."

As part of ongoing efforts to understand the degradation behavior across different climates, the modules will also be tested in varying environments, including Brussels' rainy climate, the arid desert of New Mexico, and the moderate conditions of Madrid and Freiburg.

This study was partially funded by the European Union through the TESTARE project. The detailed findings are published in the article ‘Diurnal Changes and Machine Learning Analysis of Perovskite Modules Based on Two Years of Outdoor Monitoring’ in 'ACS Energy Letters'.