Materials Science World Congress

Among the future solar energy technologies, flexible perovskite solar cells in the foreground appear promising for transforming photovoltaic harvesting in wearable electronics, portable devices, and building-integrated photovoltaics. Flexible perovskite solar cells have an advantage over traditional silicon-based solar cells in that it is a thin, lightweight material compared with the rigid silicon/ silicon dioxide used in classical solar cells. This flexibility opens up a whole new range of applications where conventional solar cells would be impractically quite cumbersome.

One of the classes of materials perovskites gets attention recently for their high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity, possessing a specific crystal structure known as perovskite. Its good absorption of light and charge transport ability makes it comparable with, if not better, silicon-based solar cells.

Combinations of these materials on flexible, lightweight substrates such as plastic films have given rise to flexible perovskite solar cells maintaining excellent energy conversion performance while offering improved versatility and adaptability.

A very interesting usage of flexible perovskite solar cells would be found in wearable electronics. The future of wearable technology is about demanding sources of power that are light enough and portable enough to be incorporated into clothing or accessories. Flexible perovskite solar cells can, therefore, be printed onto textiles or even embedded into wearable devices and could provide a renewable source of continuous power for devices such as fitness trackers, smartwatches, and health monitoring systems. Finally, wearable technology and portable solar chargers are also promising applications for flexible perovskite solar cells. They could easily be carried in foldable and rollable solar panels for application in remote locations or any outdoor adventure like camping, where it could be used as a convenient charging device.

Because of its flexibility and light weight, perovskite solar cells are highly suitable for portable power solutions that are carried around and deployed in various environmental conditions.

BIPV uses flexible perovskite solar cells as well in benefitting from the same, and this can build curved shape solar panels or even directly integrate into windows, walls, and roofing materials. This will then be giving more flexibility to architects and engineers in the design of energy-efficient buildings. The BIPV systems with a base of perovskite ensure optimal generation efficiency of energy since they allow buildings to generate clean energy while blending with the architectural landscape.

Although perovskite solar cells hold promising properties, flexible forms of them introduce problems mainly associated with stability in moisture and thermal conditions. However, improvements in protective coatings and encapsulation techniques are addressing issues regarding long-term durability.

Thus, flexible perovskite solar cells are one of the state-of-the-art developments achieved so far in solar energy technology. It is suitable for diverse applications in different forms because it is light, efficient, and adaptable. Thus, that purpose for which they are being researched-from powering wearable devices to buildings-represents the future of renewable energy in an increasingly portable and flexible world.