The current efficiency of PERC cells has reached its peak, and the room for reduction in cost and energy consumption of silicon-based cells is getting smaller and smaller.
The theoretical conversion efficiency of perovskite cells is much higher than that of N-type cells. This has made perovskite cell technology greatly improved in recent years. Its photoelectric conversion efficiency continues to break through, and its peak value is close to the level of crystalline silicon cells.
Perovskite photovoltaic cells have attracted much attention due to their high efficiency and have emerged as a third-generation solar cell. They are regarded as a technology that may replace crystalline silicon cells in the future.
█ Perovskite cells belong to the third generation of solar cells:
In terms of policy, since 2020, our country has been promoting the development of photovoltaic technology. The 2021 "14th Five-Year Plan for Science and Technology Innovation in the Energy Sector" puts forward the goal of developing advanced photovoltaic technologies such as perovskite . In 2022, the "Technology-Supported Carbon Peak Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan (2022-2030)" jointly released by nine departments including the Ministry of Science and Technology also emphasized the importance of developing high-efficiency silicon-based photovoltaic cells, high-efficiency and stable perovskite and other technologies. sex.
In terms of policy, since 2020, our country has been promoting the development of photovoltaic technology.
The 2021 "14th Five-Year Plan for Science and Technology Innovation in the Energy Sector" puts forward the goal of developing advanced photovoltaic technologies such as perovskite.
In 2022, the "Technology-Supported Carbon Peak Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan (2022-2030)" jointly released by nine departments including the Ministry of Science and Technology also emphasized the importance of developing high-efficiency silicon-based photovoltaic cells, high-efficiency and stable perovskite and other technologies. sex.
Perovskite cells not only have a shorter preparation process and lower energy consumption than traditional crystalline silicon cells, but also have obvious cost advantages. Their application scenarios are also richer than crystalline silicon cells. Perovskite cells can be used as photovoltaic panels in ground power stations, and can also be used in various scenarios such as BIPV curtain walls and electric vehicles.
According to a report by Precedence Research, the global perovskite solar cell market size will be approximately US$60 million in 2021, and this number is expected to grow rapidly to US$7.2 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 31.8%.
Perovskite Cell Industry Overview
An important milestone in the development of perovskite solar cells was in 2009, when Japanese scientists Kojima and Miyasaka successfully introduced perovskite materials into dye-sensitized solar cells. This innovation achieved a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 3.8%, marking the official birth of perovskite solar cells.
█ Development history of perovskite electricity:
Perovskite cells have been developed for more than ten years, with their photoelectric conversion efficiency increasing by an average of 1.7% per year, and the laboratory single-junction conversion efficiency reached 25.8% in 2022.
Theoretically, the maximum conversion efficiency of single-junction perovskite cells is 33%, far exceeding the 29.4% theoretical limit of crystalline silicon cells. However, the maximum theoretical efficiency of the battery is limited by the Shockley-Queisser limit. Only solar tandem cells can break through this limit and obtain higher efficiency.
With the increase of absorbing materials with different bandgaps in stacked cells, the conversion efficiency will continue to improve. However, in practical applications, due to unavoidable parasitic absorption, the reasonable number of stacked layers is usually limited to between two and three layers. Laboratory Research and exploration in the industry are mainly focused on double-junction tandem batteries.
The manufacturing process of perovskite cells is mainly divided into eight steps, including preparation using PVD equipment, coating equipment, laser equipment and packaging equipment. The precise execution of these steps is critical to the performance and efficiency of perovskite cells and is a key component of ongoing research and optimization in this field.
█ Perovskite battery production process:
In the academic field, the number of patent applications for perovskite solar cells has shown rapid growth. Remarkably, 68% of patent applications come from China, ranking first in the world.
From the perspective of the industrial chain, the upstream of perovskite batteries mainly includes raw materials and equipment.
The raw materials cover key elements such as perovskite materials, TCO conductive glass, adhesive films and photovoltaic glass. The stability of materials, as the decisive factor in the stability of perovskite battery devices, has become the key to restricting their further development.
There are many perovskite cell manufacturers in the midstream of the industrial chain, and downstream application fields include photovoltaic industry, LED, BIPV and many other fields.
Perovskite battery market structure and leaders
Although the perovskite battery industry is still in the initial stage from 0 to 1, its industrialization process is continuing to accelerate.
Since the beginning of this year, a number of companies have put 100-megawatt production lines into production one after another. It is expected that bidding for GW-level equipment will be launched within this year, and in the next year, GW-level production lines are also expected to be launched.
Among the leading companies in perovskite cells, GCL Optoelectronics, Fiber Nano Optoelectronics and Electrode Optoelectronics are at the forefront of industrialization.
According to public data, GCL Optoelectronics’ perovskite large-area modules have the best performance. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of 1m×2m modules in its mass production line has reached 16%, and is expected to increase to 18% in 2023. Once this is achieved, its efficiency will be on par with crystalline silicon PERC modules.
Many companies are also actively planning. Wandu Solar has invested in the construction of a 200MW printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cell test line; Huaneng Clean Energy Institute's large-area module pilot test line has been put into production and will be launched in March. The first product was launched; Dazheng Micro-Nano also built a 10MW flexible perovskite pilot line.
It is worth mentioning that in recent years, leading photovoltaic companies such as LONGi Green Energy, JinkoSolar, Aixu Solar, Huasheng New Energy, Trina Solar, etc. have also entered the field of perovskite-crystalline silicon stacking, which will effectively To further promote the industrial development of laminated batteries.
In terms of production technology, the component production process of perovskite solar cells includes deposition of a transparent conductive layer (TCO), deposition of an electron transport layer (ETL), deposition of a perovskite layer, deposition of a hole transport layer (HTL), preparation of back cells, and components Compared with crystalline silicon solar cells, the preparation process of packaging and other steps is greatly simplified.
In terms of equipment, the production of perovskite cells mainly relies on PVD equipment, coating equipment, laser facilities and packaging equipment. Relevant manufacturers including Jiejia Weichuang, Maiwei Co., Ltd., Jingshan Light Machinery and many other companies are actively deploying to promote the rapid development of the perovskite battery industry.
Conclusion
Continuous advancement of technology will be the key to promoting the industrialization of perovskite cells. At present, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of perovskite cells has reached a level comparable to that of crystalline silicon cells, and its manufacturing cost is lower, which will lay a solid foundation for its large-scale application.
As the world attaches greater importance to environmental protection and renewable energy, market demand will continue to grow. Whether in the photovoltaic industry, LED field, or in new application fields such as BIPV, perovskite cells have broad market prospects. Especially in some products that require high performance, low cost and lightweight, perovskite batteries have incomparable advantages.
Under the guidance of policies and driven by the market, perovskite batteries are expected to shine in the future energy field.