Solar power made up 11% of U.S. renewable electricity generation in 2023, and the industry is set to grow 75% by the end of 2025. This projected expansion and positive future is largely driven by advancements in technology within the sector.
1. Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
Solar cells, the crucial components of solar panels that actually convert sunlight into electricity, are getting major upgrades. Scientists are using a material called perovskite to improve solar cell energy efficiency.
The new perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell takes into account both production and recycling processes, making for a highly efficient and sustainable end product.
2. Chalcogenide perovskite solar cell
One big drawback of typical perovskite-based solar cells is that they break down under the extreme heat of the sun, rendering them useless as reliable solar energy generators.
Researchers believe they may have come up with a solution to that problem: a slightly different material, chalcogenide perovskite, which is much more durable and less toxic than halide perovskite.
3. Protecting perovskite
In another effort to address highly efficient yet quick-to-corrode perovskite solar cells, some scientists are working on protecting perovskite with…more perovskite.
Rather than adding a film or changing the chemical composition of the material, they hope a two-dimensional layer of perovskite atop the 3D energy-generating layer provides protection and stability.
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4. Vertical alignment
Other than the solar cells themselves, another hurdle in the way of "perfect" solar energy production is the arrangement of solar panels.
One startup is using an innovative vertical alignment of solar panels in the harsh conditions of Norway to mitigate the obvious problem that arises when panels are covered in thick layers of snow.
5. Solar-hydrogen power
Tech startup SunHydrogen is working on combining solar and hydrogen power in a way never done before.
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Energy independence ⚡ Though other devices use solar power to create the electricity that separates hydrogen from water, SunHydrogen skips the conversion step and starts the electrolysis process directly from the panels. This has the potential to make hydrogen power a cleaner energy source and broaden the uses for solar energy.
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