AVS e-Talk: Changing the Sun: Quantum Cutting Materials to Increase the Efficiencies and Lifetimes of Silicon Solar Cells

Lowering the cost of electricity from silicon solar modules to less than 2¢/kWh may be realized by increasing their efficiencies and improving their lifetimes. Both advances can be achieved by modifying the solar spectrum that enters the silicon solar cell by coating it with a quantum cutting material.

Quantum cutting materials convert each ultraviolet (UV) and blue photon absorbed at high energies to two near-infrared photons close to the silicon bandgap energy. This reduces UV exposure and heat generation, two factors that lower the operation life of photovoltaic systems while increasing power conversion efficiencies. Efficiencies exceeding the Shockley-Quessier limit become possible.

This e-talk will cover the recent progress in physical vapor deposition of quantum cutting halide perovskite thin films.