Progress and challenges on scaling up of perovskite solar cell technology

Since the first application of a metal halide perovskite (PVK) absorber in a solar cell, these materials have drawn a great deal of attention in the photovoltaic (PV) community, showing exceptional rapid progress in power conversion efficiency. The potential advantages of low-cost, high efficiency, easy processability, and wide range of applications make PVK solar cells (PSCs) a desirable candidate for future uptake in the PV market over traditional semiconductors such as silicon. Furthermore, PVK thin-film technology holds a concrete potential to closely approach the theoretical efficiency limit for single-junction solar cells via unique control of the optoelectronic properties. However, for a disruptive breakthrough of PVK technology from fundamental research to industry, systematic research efforts are required to unravel the poor long-term stability and to reach a reliable large area fabrication process. In this review, we examine in detail recent progress on large-scale PSCs and we discuss challenges for commercialization touching upon the following aspects: material properties, fabrication technology, and industrialization challenges. Besides, the long-term stability and efficiency of large-area PSCs as well as PVK-based two-terminal tandem devices are discussed. In addition, strategies for PSC upscaling are further studied for scalable deposition technologies. Finally, we review the most recent literature on costs and environmental assessment.Photovoltaic Materials and DevicesChemE/Opto-electronic Material