Investigating the Balance between Power Conversion Efficiency and Average Visible Transmittance for Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract

The raising demand for sustainable energy in architecture has increased interest in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), with semi-transparent perovskite cells (PSCs) emerging as an option. This research focuses on the critical balance between efficiency (PCE) and average visible transmittance (AVT) necessary for the development of semi-transparent PSCs. Through comprehensive investigation, two perovskites, MAPbI₃ and MAPbBr₃, are examined for their respective advantages of high PCE and transparency. A series of simulations are conducted to analyze the impact of perovskite thickness on the properties of the PSC. The study analyzes the compatibility of different charge transport layers with perovskites to enhance carrier flow and reduce recombination at heterojunction. Furthermore, the effect of the work-function of transparent conductive oxide electrode on the performance of the PSCs is investigated. The findings show that an optimal range of perovskite thickness that achieves PCE of over 10% while maintaining an AVT above 20% offers a viable solution for BIPV. For applications where visual transparency is crucial, the SnO₂/MAPbBr₃/CuSCN presents a compelling choice with AVT of 29.2% along with PCE of 10.72% at 440 nm thickness. In contrast, for applications requiring higher PCE, the SnO₂/MAPbI₃/CuSCN stands out with the PCE of 19.22% and AVT of 20% at 250 nm thickness.