Sunday, August 10, 2025
Science
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
No Result
View All Result
Scienmag
No Result
View All Result
Home Science News Technology and Engineering

Next-Gen Solar Cells: Lighter and More Flexible Achieve Record-Breaking Efficiency!

April 9, 2025
in Technology and Engineering
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Photo 1
66
SHARES
598
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT

The quest for efficient solar energy solutions has taken a significant leap forward with the recent groundbreaking advancement by the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER). The research team at KIER, led by Dr. Inyoung Jeong, has introduced a new generation of ultra-lightweight flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells, achieving an unprecedented power conversion efficiency of 23.64%. This figure stands as the highest efficiency ever recorded for flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells, positioning them at the forefront of renewable energy technologies.

Perovskite solar cells represent a revolutionary approach in the realm of photovoltaic technology. They exhibit remarkable light-absorbing capabilities, which make them a solid contender to overcome the limitations of conventional crystalline silicon solar cells. While silicon-based cells dominate the market due to their affordability and widespread manufacturing capabilities, they have begun to plateau in efficiency as they reach their theoretical limits. In contrast, tandem solar cells that pair silicon with perovskite materials have emerged as promising alternatives, significantly enhancing overall energy conversion rates.

The unique composition of tandem solar cells allows for greater versatility in application, particularly in sectors where the adaptability and lightweight properties of solar panels are essential. Traditional perovskite/silicon cells, despite achieving efficiency rates as high as 34.6%, face challenges concerning weight and damage susceptibility. These problems hinder their application in contexts such as aerospace and automotive industries, where weight considerations and structural integrity are critical.

ADVERTISEMENT

In an effort to address these challenges, the innovative work by the KIER research team has led to the development of flexible thin-film perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells. CIGS, known for being lightweight and flexible, is particularly suitable for integration into curved surfaces represented in modern architecture, vehicles, and other innovative applications. However, previous iterations suffered from lower efficiency rates and complex manufacturing processes, creating barriers to market readiness.

The KIER team’s novel approach involved a simple lift-off process. This methodology entails coating a polyimide layer onto a glass substrate before fabricating the perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cell atop the polyimide. The lift-off process allows for stable and uniform layer deposition which leads to significantly higher reproducibility and efficiency compared to traditional methods. The rigid glass substrate utilized in this process enhances the stability during fabrication and ultimately contributes to the performance improvement of the solar cells.

Moreover, the team identified a critical improvement mechanism during the fabrication process that involves managing the diffusion of alkali metals from the glass substrate into the CIGS layer. Excessive diffusion of potassium, in particular, can introduce defects in the absorber layer, negatively impacting the overall efficiency of the solar cells. To combat this issue, the researchers leveraged computational science to predict that the polyimide layer could effectively suppress potassium diffusion, resulting in fewer defects and a marked increase in performance.

Not only did the innovative fabrication process contribute to efficiency gains, but it also provided the new cells with outstanding durability. The research team undertook rigorous mechanical testing, performing 100,000 bending cycles to evaluate the resilience of the solar cells. Impressively, the cells maintained an efficiency of 97.7% post-testing, showcasing their robustness and suitability for challenging real-world applications.

Dr. Inyoung Jeong emphasized the significance of this achievement, noting that it lays the groundwork for future advancements toward a goal of achieving 30% efficiency in ultralight flexible solar cells. The implications of this work are vast, with the potential to expand applications in renewable energy, particularly in highly portable and adaptable modules.

Dr. Kihwan Kim, another prominent figure in the research, highlighted the power-to-weight ratio associated with the new solar cells, stating it is approximately ten times greater than traditional perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. This breakthrough promises to enable innovative applications in demanding environments, such as in building exteriors and on vehicles, where every gram counts, and efficiency is paramount.

The research results were published in the prestigious journal Joule, which underscores the high impact of this discovery on the field of energy and materials science. This accomplishment was made possible through a collaborative effort involving distinguished scholars like Professor Tae Kyung Lee of Gyeongsang National University and Professor Hae-Jin Kim of Yonsei University, showcasing the strength of collaborative research in driving technological advancements.

As renewable energy solutions continue to shape a sustainable future, the ultra-lightweight flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells developed by KIER serve as a formidable step toward overcoming existing barriers in solar cell technology. Their impressive efficiency, durability, and lightweight nature present an exciting prospect for the future of energy generation, particularly as industries strive for greener alternatives in a world increasingly reliant on sustainable solutions.

With ongoing efforts to refine manufacturing processes and enhance the stability of these solar cells, the KIER research team aims to fortify the competitiveness of the renewable energy sector. This breakthrough not only contributes to advancing solar technology but also signals the potential for widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions across various industries, ensuring a sustainable energy future.

The study not only sheds light on the technical advancements in solar technology but also holds promise for spurring innovations that can lead to more efficient, adaptable, and sustainable energy practices globally. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities of combining cutting-edge materials and technologies, the future of solar energy looks bright, offering endless opportunities for innovation in the pursuit of clean energy.

Subject of Research: Development of ultra-lightweight flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells
Article Title: Flexible and lightweight perovskite/Cu(In,Ga)Se2 tandem solar cells
News Publication Date: 19-Mar-2025
Web References: DOI link
References: Joule Journal, March 2025
Image Credits: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH(KIER)

Keywords

solar energy, perovskite cells, CIGS, renewable energy, efficiency, lightweight technology, advanced materials, energy research, photovoltaic technology.

Tags: Advanced Photovoltaic Technologyenergy conversion efficiencyFlexible Solar TechnologyHigh Efficiency Solar PanelsKorea Institute of Energy ResearchLightweight Renewable Energy SolutionsNext-Gen Solar CellsPerovskite Solar Cell BenefitsPerovskite Tandem Solar CellsSolar Panel ApplicationsSolar Power InnovationsSustainable Solar Energy
Share26Tweet17
Previous Post

Securing Safety in Vehicle-Mounted Wireless Power Transfer through Magnetic Field Management

Next Post

Revolutionizing Power Distribution: Innovative Strategies for Integrating Renewable Energy

Related Posts

blank
Technology and Engineering

Enhancing Lithium Storage in Zn3Mo2O9 with Carbon Coating

August 10, 2025
blank
Technology and Engineering

Corticosterone and 17OH Progesterone in Preterm Infants

August 10, 2025
blank
Technology and Engineering

Bayesian Analysis Reveals Exercise Benefits Executive Function in ADHD

August 9, 2025
blank
Technology and Engineering

Emergency Transport’s Effect on Pediatric Cardiac Arrest

August 9, 2025
blank
Technology and Engineering

Bioinformatics Uncovers Biomarkers for Childhood Lupus Nephritis

August 9, 2025
blank
Technology and Engineering

Cross-Vendor Diagnostic Imaging Revolutionized by Federated Learning

August 9, 2025
Next Post
Radial distribution systems performance enhancement through RE (Renewable Energy) integration and comprehensive contingency ranking analysis

Revolutionizing Power Distribution: Innovative Strategies for Integrating Renewable Energy

  • Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    27531 shares
    Share 11009 Tweet 6881
  • University of Seville Breaks 120-Year-Old Mystery, Revises a Key Einstein Concept

    944 shares
    Share 378 Tweet 236
  • Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance

    641 shares
    Share 256 Tweet 160
  • Researchers record first-ever images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike

    507 shares
    Share 203 Tweet 127
  • Warm seawater speeding up melting of ‘Doomsday Glacier,’ scientists warn

    310 shares
    Share 124 Tweet 78
Science

Embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with Scienmag.com—your ultimate source for cutting-edge breakthroughs. Immerse yourself in a world where curiosity knows no limits and tomorrow’s possibilities become today’s reality!

RECENT NEWS

  • Unlocking the Universe: Laser Interferometer Space Antenna
  • Here are a few options, all within 8 words:

    • LHC Hunts First Two Families’ Squarks
    • Squark Search: First Two Families Found?
    • LHC Probes Squarks: First Two Families
    • First Two Families’ Squarks: LHC Hunt
  • Uranium Complex Converts Dinitrogen to Ammonia Catalytically
  • Future Ground-Based mm/Sub-mm VLBI: Physics Breakthroughs Ahead

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Athmospheric
  • Biology
  • Bussines
  • Cancer
  • Chemistry
  • Climate
  • Earth Science
  • Marine
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Pediatry
  • Policy
  • Psychology & Psychiatry
  • Science Education
  • Social Science
  • Space
  • Technology and Engineering

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,860 other subscribers

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Discover more from Science

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading