Perovskite-based solar cells developed for indoor use have shown a six-fold increase in efficiency over existing technologies. This also represents a huge step forward in durability.
New-generation solar cells, developed to power small electronic devices indoors, have produced six times more energy than current solutions thanks to perovskite technology. This technology has made great strides in both efficiency and durability, and it could eliminate the need to replace billions of batteries.
The Perovskite Revolution for Indoor Use
Devices like remote controls, keyboards, smoke detectors, and sensors in homes, offices, and factories are often in continuously lit areas. However, these devices’ power needs are typically met by batteries, and replacing them is costly, laborious, and environmentally harmful. This problem is growing with the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
This is where solar panels or solar cells that can convert indoor light into energy offer a solution. However, indoor solar cells on the market to date have not become widespread because they are either too expensive or not efficient enough.
An international team of researchers from China and Switzerland has now found a new solution to this problem. The developed perovskite-based solar cells offer higher efficiency and longer life than all commercial products currently on the market.
A Solution to Perovskite’s Biggest Disadvantage
Perovskite is a promising material, especially for outdoor solar panels, due to its low cost and ability to selectively absorb certain light wavelengths. However, the biggest obstacle to this technology has been that small defects in the material’s structure cause performance to degrade over time.
The research team solved this problem with a three-step chemical method. By adding rubidium chloride, they ensured that the perovskite crystals grew more regularly, reducing the number of defects. The stability was also increased by using two new organic ammonium salts to prevent the material’s ions from separating.
High Performance and Durability Achieved
In tests, the perovskite-based indoor solar cells were able to convert 37.6% of light with a brightness of around 1,000 lux (a well-lit office environment) into electricity. This rate is about six times higher than the best indoor solar cells on the market.
The new cells also showed impressive performance in durability tests. They retained 92% of their efficiency for over 100 days, while untreated cells saw their efficiency drop to 76%. Even under intense light at 55°C for 300 hours, the new cells continued to operate with 76% efficiency, while the control group’s efficiency dropped to 47%. The researchers state that these cells could power small electronic devices indoors for five years or more without interruption. The team has also started discussions with industry partners to move this technology into mass production and integrate it into commercial applications.
You Might Also Like;
- The End of Chatbots: Why 2026 is the Year of AI Agents (And What It Means for Your Job)
- Would You Choose a Robot Body or a Digital Mind?
- Nano Banana Pro: Free 4K Photo Upscaling Tool
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
