Photovoltaic (PV) technology will play a prominent role in a decarbonized and decentralized energy supply. To date, the PV market has been dominated by silicon technology, which features only a single absorber and is approaching its practical efficiency limit of approximately 27%. Next-generation photovoltaic technologies currently under development combine two or more absorber materials, with perovskite-silicon tandems in particular being viewed as highly promising. The potential efficiency of 42% and above promises a further reduction in the levelized cost of electricity and a reduction in the amount of land required for PV installations. For this reason, intensive research efforts are underway worldwide on this technology. A key requirement for new absorber materials is sufficient long-term stability, which still needs to be improved in perovskites.
The “NextGenPV” research consortium, funded by zukunft.niedersachsen, is investigating issues related to the development and application of the next generation of PV, with a particular focus on aspects relevant to Lower Saxony.
It focuses on three main research areas. The first area focuses specifically on the fundamentals and potential improvements in the stability of perovskites. The second area emphasizes the demonstration of possible solutions in highly efficient solar cells and modules. Furthermore, the project addresses environmental aspects, yield forecasts, and recycling, with a focus on applications in Lower Saxony.