Outlook and Challenges of Perovskite Solar Cells toward Terawatt-Scale Photovoltaic Module Technology

Rapid development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) during the past several years has made this photovoltaic (PV) technology a serious contender for potential large-scale deployment on the terawatt scale in the PV market. To successfully transition PSC technology from the laboratory to industry scale, substantial efforts need to focus on scalable fabrication of high-performance perovskite modules with minimum negative environmental impact. Here, we provide an overview of the current research and our perspective regarding PSC technology toward future large-scale manufacturing and deployment. Several key challenges discussed are (1) a scalable process for large-area perovskite module fabrication; (2) less hazardous chemical routes for PSC fabrication; and (3) suitable perovskite module designs for different applications. Perovskite solar cells based on organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have emerged as a low-cost and high-efficiency thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology that holds the potential to compete in the PV market. Developing scalable processes with solution deposition (e.g., blade, slot die, and spray coating) enables continuous roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet processing with flexible or rigid substrates that can be used for future terawatt-scale production of perovskite solar modules. Scaling up from laboratory-scale device fabrication based on spin coating to scalable deposition suitable for an industry setting generally requires re-evaluation/re-design of many factors associated with device fabrication and characterization. Here, we provide our perspective regarding large-scale manufacturing and deployment of perovskite PV technology. We discuss challenges in three key areas: (1) a scalable process for large-area perovskite module fabrication; (2) less hazardous chemical routes for perovskite solar cell fabrication; and (3) suitable perovskite module designs for different applications. Advances along these key areas are crucial to the success of perovskite PV technology in the future. This perspective provides insights into perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology toward future large-scale manufacturing and deployment. Three challenges discussed are: (1) a scalable process for large-area perovskite module fabrication; (2) less hazardous chemical routes for PSC fabrication; and (3) suitable perovskite module designs for different applications.