Solar energy and photovoltaic technology articles from across Nature Portfolio

Waterproof flexible organic solar cells without compromising mechanical flexibility and conformability remains challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate in-situ growth of hole-transporting layer to strengthen interfacial and thermodynamic adhesion for better waterproofness in 3 μm-thick devices.

Ytterbium oxide buffer layer for use in perovskite solar cells yields a certified power conversion efficiency of more than 25%, which enhances stability across a wide variety of perovskite compositions.

The Yb³⁺ emissions from both the quantum cutting and nearly-pure infrared upconversion and excellent temperature detection were realized in Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped NaY(WO₄)₂ phosphors.

Luminescence solar concentrators are improved by using a laminated structure that creates a practically non-decaying optical ‘guard rail’ for light. Design rules enabled external quantum efficiencies as high as 45% for 450 nm light, yielding a device efficiency of 7.6%, probably useful for energy-harvesting windows.

Transition metal dichalcogenide-based photovoltaics offer the prospect of increased specific power compared to incumbent solar technologies but there are engineering challenges that come with integrating these materials into high-efficiency devices. Here, the authors develop a model to describe the relationship between material quality and the performance limits of single junction solar cells built with various transition metal dichalcogenides.

Unsubstantiated claims that fuel growing public concern over the toxicity of photovoltaic modules and their waste are slowing their deployment. Clarifying these issues will help to facilitate the decarbonization that our world depends on.

Homogenized AgBiS₂ nanocrystals with enhanced light absorption have helped realize an ultrathin solar cell with a certified efficiency of 8.85%.