Sprayed solar cells: The next revolution in clean energy

Solar energy is at the heart of the global transition towards more sustainable energy sources. However, despite significant advances in the efficiency and accessibility of traditional solar panels, the need for more flexible and economical solutions has driven the development of new technologies. Among them, sprayed solar cells are emerging as one of the most promising.

What are sprayed solar cells?

Sprayed solar cells are an innovative technology that allows photovoltaic materials to be applied in the form of a spray onto various surfaces. Unlike conventional solar panels, which are made of rigid silicon cells, sprayed solar cells use liquid semiconductor materials that can be applied through a spraying or printing process. These materials can convert sunlight into electricity when deposited onto surfaces such as glass, plastic, metal or even textiles.

How do sprayed solar cells work?

The operating principle of sprayed solar cells is similar to that of traditional photovoltaic cells: they convert sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect. However, what differentiates this technology is the application method and the materials used.

· Photovoltaic materials: The most common materials used in sprayed solar cells include perovskites, quantum dots, and organic polymers. These materials have semiconducting properties that allow them to absorb sunlight and generate electrons, creating an electric current. Perovskites, in particular, have gained attention due to their high efficiency and low production costs.

· Spray application: The manufacturing process is one of the most innovative aspects of sprayed solar cells. Using spray or inkjet printing techniques, thin layers of photovoltaic material can be deposited onto almost any surface. This allows for faster and cheaper production compared to the manufacture of silicon solar panels.

· Versatility:The ability to apply solar cells to irregular or flexible surfaces opens up a range of possibilities for the integration of solar energy into urban environments, electronic devices and clothing, among others.

(Photo: Pongsakorn Kanjanaboos, Mahidol University)

Advantages of sprayed solar cells

Sprayed solar cells offer a number of benefits that could transform the solar industry and accelerate the adoption of clean energy worldwide.

1. Flexibility and adaptability: Unlike traditional solar panels, which are rigid and bulky, sprayed solar cells can be applied to curved, flexible or even moving surfaces. This makes them ideal for use in vehicles, wearable devices, building facades and smart clothing.

2. Low cost production: Manufacturing sprayed solar cells requires less energy and resources than silicon panels. In addition, the application process is faster and less expensive, which could significantly reduce the prices of solar energy and make it accessible to a greater number of people.

3. Lightness and ease of installation: Sprayed solar cells are much lighter than traditional panels, making them easier to transport and install. This is especially beneficial in remote areas or in applications where weight is a critical factor, such as on lightweight roofs or temporary structures.

4. Personalization and design:The ability to spray solar cells onto surfaces of different shapes and sizes allows for a high degree of customization. This is ideal for architectural projects looking to integrate solar power without compromising the aesthetics of the design.

Problems and future prospects

Despite their great potential, sprayed solar cells still face technical and scalability issues before becoming a widely adopted solar solution.

· Efficiency and durability: Although perovskites and other materials used in sprayed solar cells have shown high efficiencies in the lab, their long-term durability is still an issue. These materials can degrade over time or under harsh environmental conditions, affecting their performance.

· Long-term stability: Improving the stability of sprayed solar cells is crucial to their commercial success. Researchers are working on new material formulations and protecting the active layers through advanced encapsulations to extend the lifetime of these cells.

· Scalability of production: While the spray technique is promising, scaling up production to industrial levels is a challenge. Further advances in manufacturing methods are needed to ensure that sprayed solar cells can be produced in high volumes cost-effectively.