Photovoltaics
Generating electricity from sunlight
Photovoltaics is one of humankind's most effective tools for mitigating climate change through low-cost, sustainable and fossil-free electricity generation. Our research at HZB spans the entire value chain, from novel materials, high-performance devices and manufacturing to consultancy for building integrated PV. A key area of advancement is multi-junction solar cell technology, which overcomes the efficiency limits of traditional cells by using a vertical stack of multiple light-absorbing layers. We increasingly concentrate on innovative materials such as metal halide perovskites, which outstanding properties pave the way for more affordable solar energy solutions. With our record-breaking materials, we are playing a leading R&D role in the global shift to clean electricity.
High-Performing Thin-Film Materials
Improving solar cells involves an in-depth search and study of novel materials. At HZB, we use state-of-the-art small- and large-scale infrastructures to discover and tailor desired properties. These include lossless conversion of sunlight into excited electrons, electrical conductivity combined with optical transparency, efficient electrons exchange, sustainable manufacturing, stability and novel properties such as flexibility and self-healing. Our current investigations focus on metal halide perovskites, ternary nitrides, chalcogenides, chalco-halide, silicon and phosphonic acids.
From Materials to Solar Cells
Selected materials are tailored and combined to make solar cells in devices ranging from 0.16 cm² to 18.2 × 18.2 cm². Modern electronic devices are interfaces which serve as test for the combination of materials and which we analyse in great detail. They are designed to improve the state-of-the-art on one or more of the following attributes: efficiency in converting sunlight to electricity, long-term stability, scalability and deployability. In the race for higher efficiency in particular, we have set several world-records, pushing the silicon-perovskite tandem concept over 30%, well beyond the theoretical limitations of mainstream silicon technologies (currently 29.4 %). Our efficiency achievements far surpass those of the best-known materials in this tandem configuration.
Understanding Structure-Property Relationships
Our research explores how material structures influence performance in solar energy and beyond. Using electron and nuclear spins as nanoscopic probes, we investigate defects that limit efficiency in solar cells and related energy materials. Advanced techniques like electron and nuclear magnetic resonance help us understand and optimize these materials. Additionally, we use neutron and X-ray diffraction to analyze atomic structures, providing deep insights into stability and functionality. This knowledge helps improve light harvesting, energy conversion, and long-term device performance.
Real-World Performance
Our PV research outcomes can reach society if they prove to be reliable and bankable. The Outdoor Performance Lab provides a comprehensive testing environment for devices from small cells (≤1 cm²), to minimodules (1 to 100s of cm²) to full-size industrial modules (m²) from partner companies. Our halide-perovskite solar cell measurement series, running since early 2021, are among the longest in the world. To demonstrate feasibility and carry out tests and measurements, we additionally operate a living laboratory for building-integrated PV in the form of a a 380 m2 integrated PV façade on the HZB site.
Co-Creation with Industrial Partners
In the past decade, our research activities have caused a surge of industrial adoption and interest in novel concepts. We are industrial partners for innovation and technology transfer. Our portfolio of previous and existing partner companies covers the full value chain including, equipment suppliers, and material suppliers. We have therefore built collaborative research spaces where industry and academia can join forces to drive technology development.
Advancing Solar Energy Together: Collaborative Research Projects
Collaboration is at the heart of our work. We take on leadership roles in international projects and are deeply connected within the German and global research landscape. Partnering with top researchers and industrial developers worldwide, we drive innovation through strong networks and interdisciplinary teamwork . By combining expertise across institutions, we accelerate developments in solar technology.
Contributing our knowledge to society
The surfaces of buildings offer large and unused potential that can be activated and used for decentralized power generation by installing photovoltaics. Our consultancy office BAIP bridges construction and photovoltaics, offering expert guidance on technologies, design, feasibility, and legal aspects. We support architects, planners, investors, and urban developers with product-neutral, tailored advice on building-integrated photovoltaics. Our consultants contribute to activate building surfaces for sustainable energy solutions in both new and existing structures.
Consultancy Office for Building-integrated Photovoltaics
Contact
Speaker of the Division Solar Energy
Experts
Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
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