Improving Solar Cell Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Developing New Solar Cell Materials

EasyChair Preprint no. 13806

Abstract

Solar energy has emerged as a promising renewable energy source that can help address the global challenge of climate change and fossil fuel depletion. However, the widespread adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has been hindered by the relatively high cost and moderate efficiency of traditional silicon-based solar cells. This has driven significant research efforts to develop new solar cell materials and device architectures that can improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in the development of novel solar cell materials aimed at enhancing the performance and affordability of PV systems. It explores promising material candidates such as perovskites, organic semiconductors, quantum dots, and III-V compound semiconductors, highlighting their unique properties, synthesis techniques, and integration into solar cell devices. The review also discusses strategies to optimize the material compositions, device structures, and manufacturing processes to boost energy conversion efficiency and reduce production costs.

Key areas of focus include light absorption, charge carrier transport, interface engineering, and scalable fabrication methods. The paper also examines the techno-economic tradeoffs and environmental considerations associated with the various material systems. Finally, it outlines the critical technical and commercial milestones required to accelerate the commercialization of these advanced solar cell technologies and enable their widespread deployment.

Overall, this review provides a comprehensive assessment of the latest developments in novel solar cell materials and their potential to revolutionize the solar PV industry by improving efficiency, affordability, and sustainability.

Keyphrases: Energy, Renewable, Solar

@Booklet{EasyChair:13806,
  author = {Kaledio Potter and Favour Olaoye},
  title = {Improving Solar Cell Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Developing New Solar Cell Materials},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint no. 13806},

  year = {EasyChair, 2024}}