Electricity can be generated from solar energy thanks to photovoltaics (PV). It is a real success story, with prices for PV modules falling by 90 % between 2010 and 2020. In 2023, solar energy accounted for 12 % of Germany’s electricity consumption. However, a high level of investment alone will not be enough to increase this share to 30 % by 2030 as planned. Further technological advances are needed. This is something that Jülich scientists are working on.

Challenges

To date, solar cells have typically been based on silicon wafers. These have disadvantages, however, as their production involves a high level of energy consumption and they are difficult to dispose of or recycle. Furthermore, China has a near monopoly in the value chain. Another shortcoming is that crystalline silicon solar cells are not very flexible and are therefore difficult to integrate into building facades or vehicles.

Jülich approaches

That is why Jülich scientists are researching alternative technologies such as perovskite photovoltaics or organic photovoltaics. However, they are also working on a new generation of silicon wafer solar cells that can achieve particularly high efficiencies.

Solar panels should be modelled on nature and made for an eternal cycle: in a forest, the leaves fall from the trees – on the ground they decompose and thus provide the material for new plants.

Jülich research covers almost all stages of the value chain. The researchers search for and test new materials in the most efficient way possible. They develop new components and cost-effective manufacturing processes for the modules. They couple solar cells to storage units or electrolyzers and integrate them into a system. And ultimately, they also work on establishing a circular economy in photovoltaics and recycling processes.

Advantages of printable solar cells

Organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells are attractive alternatives to conventional silicon photovoltaics for a number of reasons. Firstly, the materials can be produced in an energy-efficient manner. Secondly, the resulting solar cells can be moulded into flexible shapes and can therefore be integrated into building facades and other surfaces that cannot be used for traditional silicon photovoltaics. Thirdly, the spectral range in which they absorb light can be adjusted, thus enabling the production of multi-junction solar cells with a particularly high efficiency, as well as cells that selectively allow light to pass through for crops to grow. And finally, perovskite solar cells, for example, can be recycled very efficiently.

Jülich researchers are working to improve printable organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells, particularly with regard to their industrial-scale production as well as their efficiency and lifespan in order to help them achieve a breakthrough in the mass market.

Further information

Helmholtz Energy

Photovoltaics and Wind Energy

As part of the “photovoltaics and wind energy” topic, Jülich researchers are investigating the next generations of solar cells and modules that will be significantly more efficient.

Institute

HI-ERN

The Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN) investigates and develops material- and process-based solutions for a climate-neutral, sustainable, and cost-effective utilization of renewable energies.

Institute

Photovoltaics

At the Institute of Energy, Materials and Devices - Photovoltaics (IMD-3), novel materials as well as innovative device architectures for sustainable photovoltaics based on thin films are investigated.

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