Ultra-stable, highly efficient, low-cost perovskite photovoltaics with minimised environmental impact

Project Information

DIAMOND

Grant agreement ID: 101084124

DOI

10.3030/101084124

Project closed

EC signature date 5 October 2022

Start date 1 December 2022

End date 30 November 2025

Funded under

• Climate, Energy and Mobility

Total cost

€ 5 115 876,00

EU contribution

€ 5 115 876,00

Coordinated by

FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DIAMOND (Ultra-stable, highly efficient, low-cost perovskite photovoltaics with minimised environmental impact)

Reporting period: 2022-12-01 to 2024-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The European transition to an environmentally friendly and economic energy infrastructure mandates disruptive innovations of sustainable energy technologies. DIAMOND aims to upgrade the “golden triangle” to assess the market potential of photovoltaics – cost, efficiency, and stability – to a golden diamond, including the factor sustainability, setting a key focus on low environmental impact of novel perovskite PV technologies. The transition from academic research towards a clean, European PV industry is achieved by the project’s approach to advance low cost, highly efficient PSC with the lowest as possible environmental impact, making perovskites PV durable as a "diamond". To reach this goal, the DIAMOND approach targets 4 objectives: Stability, efficiency, up-scaling and sustainability.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In this project, we achieved a significant milestone by reaching a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.07% with an n-i-p perovskite solar cell. For Sn/Pb-based low band-gap perovskites, we attained a PCE of 19.5%, with potential improvements expected to increase this to 21% upon the implementation of passivation strategies and anti-reflection coatings. Additionally, a carbon-based perovskite solar cell (C-PSC) demonstrated a PCE of 19.4% through direct carbon paste deposition. Our development of a high-throughput maximum power point tracking system enhanced our capability to conduct extensive ageing experiments, crucial for improving long-term stability. Scaling efforts were successful, achieving a PCE of 23.28% on mini-modules of 29 cm² and 16.13% on larger modules of 201 cm². Sustainable initiatives led to the creation of fully printed C-PSC modules, with ongoing improvements aimed at increasing their efficiency. The project also made headway in reducing environmental impact through including lead sequestration strategies and the avoidance of critical materials.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

There are three key results beyond the state of the art.

Exceptional Efficiency in n-i-p Single Junctions: We achieved a groundbreaking power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.07% in n-i-p single junction perovskite solar cells. This performance not only surpasses existing standards but also sets a new benchmark for efficiency in solar cell technology, highlighting our project’s forefront position in photovoltaic research.

Innovative Hermetic Glass Frit Sealing: Our project pioneered the application of hermetic glass frit sealing to perovskite solar cells, providing a way to unprecedented stability. This innovation marks a significant advancement in the longevity and durability of solar cells, addressing a major challenge in the field of perovskite photovoltaics.

High Throughput Ageing Electronics: We have developed high throughput ageing electronics that accelerate the testing and development process, particularly focusing on stability enhancements. This technology allows for rapid iteration and optimization, significantly speeding up the time from laboratory research to market-ready solar cell technologies.