Solar photovoltaic
(PV) energy generation is highly dependent on
weather conditions and only applicable when the sun is shining during
the daytime, leading to a mismatch between demand and supply. Merging
PVs with battery storage is the straightforward route to counteract
the intermittent nature of solar generation. Capacity (or energy density),
overall efficiency, and stability at elevated temperatures are among
key battery performance metrics for an integrated PV–battery
system. The performance of high-capacity silicon (Si)/graphite (Gr)
anode and LiNi
0.6
Mn
0.2
Co
0.2
O
2
(NMC622) cathode cells at room temperature, 45, and 60 °C
working temperatures for PV modules are explored. The electrochemical
performance of both half and full cells are tested using a specially
formulated electrolyte, 1 M LiPF
6
in ethylene carbonate:
diethyl carbonate, with 5 wt % fluoroethylene carbonate, 2 wt % vinylene
carbonate, and 1 wt % (2-cyanoethyl)triethoxysilane. To demonstrate
solar charging, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are coupled to the developed
batteries, following the evaluation of each device. An overall efficiency
of 8.74% under standard PV test conditions is obtained for the PSC
charged lithium-ion battery via the direct-current–direct-current
converter, showing the promising applicability of silicon/graphite-based
anodes in the PV–battery integrated system.