Perovskite, the energy of the future
It oil is a fossil fuel that is not renewable and, therefore, finite, which depend on too much when it comes to generating power. That is why, for decades scientists are investigating new sources of energy based on unlimited resources, like the wind, the Sun, the heat from the interior of the Earth, biomass (organic matter), water... and in how to use them to ensure that they are effective, economic and non-polluting. Renewable energy sources, despite being sustainable and ecological, have against the high costs, because the technology needed for their generation is expensive, and prices are much higher than of the fossil fuels, so it can not compete with them. However, this could change in the case of solar energy thanks to the use of perovskite, a mineral of Group IV of oxides, much cheaper to obtain and use than the Silicon - which is used up to now for making cells solar-, and it is very efficient.
Currently, solar panels cost about 56 cents per watt, while so they are competitive against fossil fuels, the Department of energy of the United States estimates that they should cost about 37 cents per watt. According to this agency, using perovskite cost per watt would be between 7.5 and 15 euro cents.
The advantages of perovskite solar cells are based on are very easy and cheap to manufacture, and that its efficiency is similar or superior to the that are used now to produce solar panels.
However, the perovskite to become the energy of the future depends on some variables. Thus, silicon solar cells are getting cheaper, which could discourage investors, who do not wish to risk in the development of a new technology that would not be competitive at the end. And another factor against which contains a small amount of lead, which is toxic, so you will have to check their degree of toxicity, so this won't be an obstacle to its marketing.
Currently, solar panels cost about 56 cents per watt, while so they are competitive against fossil fuels, the Department of energy of the United States estimates that they should cost about 37 cents per watt. According to this agency, using perovskite cost per watt would be between 7.5 and 15 euro cents.
Pros and cons of the perovskite
Researchers began to test the perovskite to develop solar cells in 2009, but until 2012 have not achieved their aim: to prove efficient. New perovskite cells made electricity 15% of the energy of the sunlight that would absorb. And experts say, moreover, that it is very possible that its efficiency reaches 20 or 25%, which is what has been achieved for the moment in the laboratory with the most common cells - and more faces-available now.The advantages of perovskite solar cells are based on are very easy and cheap to manufacture, and that its efficiency is similar or superior to the that are used now to produce solar panels.
However, the perovskite to become the energy of the future depends on some variables. Thus, silicon solar cells are getting cheaper, which could discourage investors, who do not wish to risk in the development of a new technology that would not be competitive at the end. And another factor against which contains a small amount of lead, which is toxic, so you will have to check their degree of toxicity, so this won't be an obstacle to its marketing.
Article contributed for educational purposes