Photovoltaic Materials and Their Path toward Cleaner Energy

Abstract

Photovoltaic silicon converts sunlight in 95% of the operational commercial solar cells and has the potential to become a leading material in harvesting energy from renewable sources, but silicon can hardly convert clean energy due to technologies required for its reduction from sand and further purification. The implementation of the novel materials into photovoltaic systems depends on their conversion efficiency limited by the material's inherent properties, longevity dependent on internal stability, and ease of manufacturing process. A major challenge is discovering a multilayered set of different photovoltaic materials capable of converting clean energy from a wider spectra range since emerging materials and technologies such as dye‐sensitized and quantum dots suffer from low conversion efficiencies while perovskite and organic cells have short longevity in atmospheric conditions. Presently, improving technologies for commercialized materials and creating multijunction solar cells enhanced by new photovoltaic materials is a path toward cleaner energies. With the rapid development of the integrative technologies and challenges that photovoltaics for clean energy conversion are facing, the entire clean photovoltaic industry could arise by bottom‐up course as a part of integrative technologies rather than erecting large power plants.

Advancements in Photovoltaic Cell Materials: Silicon, Organic, and Perovskite Solar Cells

“…First-generation solar cells, notably those based on silicon, have shown remarkable durability, with some units still being operational decades after installation. This longevity is contrasted with the challenges that are faced by third-generation solar cells, particularly in maintaining internal stability over extended periods [ 121 ]. Technological advancements in the 21st century have brought significant developments in organic and hybrid photovoltaic research.…”

“…These newer types of solar cells offer advantages such as lower production costs and a reduced environmental impact. However, their market adoption is hindered by their vulnerability to environmental factors like atmospheric conditions and biological agents, which can lead to rapid degradation [ 121 ]. The degradation rates for silicon and thin-film solar cells have been extensively documented since their commercial inception over fifty years ago.…”

“…The degradation rates for silicon and thin-film solar cells have been extensively documented since their commercial inception over fifty years ago. Most manufacturers of photovoltaic modules offer warranties of 25 to 30 years, aligning with an expected power drop of less than 20% during that period [ 121 ]. Recent models of solar cells, manufactured post-2000, show varied but generally lower degradation rates across different types of silicon cells.…”

Parameter Extraction of Single, Double, and Triple‐Diode Photovoltaic Models Using the Weighted Leader Search Algorithm

“…In the process of generating electrical energy, PV systems have a wide range of versatile uses, from individual small power applications to commercial, industrial applications, due to the advantages of being a clean and green energy source since it does not produce harmful greenhouse gases, utilizing free raw materials, silent operation, ease of installation, low operating cost, low maintenance, not creating noise pollution, safe operation and customizable structure. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ] Due to these economic and environmental factors, PV power applications are a frequently preferred, promising, and modern technology being studied. [ 7 , 8 , 9 ] However, the initial cost, that is, the investment cost, of PV systems, which offer a long‐term clean solution to energy problems by converting solar energy into electrical energy, is high.…”