Perovskite Solar Cells: Manufacturing and Strategic Needs

Why Are Perovskite Solar Cells in the News?

China proposed adding perovskite and tandem module technologies to its export-control list on 16 October. This has raised concerns for India's solar manufacturing ambitions.

Key Highlights of the Perovskite Solar Cells News

• Perovskite solar cells use metal-halide crystals and are three orders of magnitude thinner than silicon wafers.

• China's export-control list includes perovskite and tandem module technologies exceeding specific efficiency thresholds.

• India lacks polysilicon manufacturing capacity and imports most solar wafers and related machinery.

• Perovskite cells face durability issues due to moisture-induced degradation of light-absorbing materials.

• Domestic production of high-purity inputs like iodide salts and lead iodide is necessary for supply chain independence.

• Indian researchers and companies are developing scalable perovskite manufacturing and testing facilities.

Tandem Modules and Solar Manufacturing: Basics to Know

• Perovskite solar cells: Photovoltaic cells using metal-halide perovskite crystals, offering high efficiency and thin active layers.

• Tandem modules: Solar cells combining perovskite and silicon layers to enhance electricity generation from the same area.

• Encapsulation: A protective layer that shields perovskite cells from moisture and heat, improving durability.

• Active area efficiency: The proportion of sunlight converted into electricity in the functional area of a solar cell.

Perovskite Solar Cells Explained

Thin Layers and High Efficiency

• Perovskite cells require active layers only a few hundred nanometres thick, making them highly efficient in power generation.

• Tandem modules, combining perovskite and silicon, generate more electricity from the same area compared to standalone silicon cells.

Challenges in Durability and Materials

• Moisture degrades perovskite materials, unlike silicon panels that last 25-30 years.

• Heat-resistant encapsulation and standards for orbital conditions are still under development.

India's Dependence on Imports

• India imports high-purity inputs like iodide salts, lead iodide, and transparent conductive oxide-coated glass.

• Domestic manufacturing of these materials is essential for a self-reliant solar supply chain.

Domestic Research and Development

• Indian companies like P3C Technology & Solutions have scaled perovskite cells to mini-modules with 17-18% efficiency.

• Institutions like IIT Bombay and IISc Bengaluru are advancing perovskite-silicon tandem research and scalable fabrication.

Significance of Perovskite Solar Cells for India

• Perovskites can enhance India's solar energy output, especially in applications like windows and spacecraft.

• Developing domestic manufacturing ensures strategic autonomy amid global supply chain disruptions.

• UPSC could test this under renewable energy, self-reliance, or technology-based questions in GS-III.

• Reducing import dependence aligns with India's goal of becoming a global solar manufacturing hub.

Challenges in Solar Manufacturing

• India lacks polysilicon manufacturing capacity and relies on imports for wafers and machinery.

• Durability issues, such as moisture and heat resistance, limit perovskite cell lifespan.

• High-performing perovskite formulations contain lead, raising environmental concerns.

• Absence of national testing facilities and certification standards hinders commercial adoption.

Way Forward for Solar Manufacturing in India

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy should support pilot and megawatt-scale production lines and national testing facilities.

• Incentives for domestic production of high-purity materials like iodide salts and lead iodide are essential.

• Researchers and manufacturers must focus on improving durability and developing lead-free alternatives.

• Public demonstrations on buildings can build trust and accelerate commercial adoption.