Perovskite Solar Cells Could Be the Future of Energy

[@UndecidedMF]

What do you think? Is perovskite going to take over the market? If you liked this video, be sure to check out The Future of Solid State Wind Energy - No More Blades: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH_TY2Swicp2esU

[@ChicagoBob123]

If they are sold at 50% less per watt with a 10 year warranty why wouldn't you buy them? The manufacturer could replace them twice since they cost 8 times less.

[@dudeistpreist5721]

Only if it's profitable.

[@samuelnicholls2546]

I worked on this technology in my first masters a couple of years ago, so of course I'm biased but I believe the encapsulation to protect from all kinds of degradation will be critical and as you say because of their less intensive processing they will be the future once the kinks are ironed out (not literally). Recyclability may be a more difficult problem but again there is headway being made on that front then toxicity and waste become much less of a problem. On the other hand with much cheaper materials there could be less incentive to recycle as there won't be much profit made from it. Perhaps we'll need government support of it.

[@DataSmithy]

@@orangehatmusic225 The "carbon footprint" of the manufacturing process refers to how much CO2 is put into the air by the manufacturing process, not how much carbon is in the product itself. In other words, how much energy does it take to make it. And for the most part (for now), that energy is comming from oil or natural gas, or coal. If we want to prevent (or mitigate) global warming, then we need to care about how much CO2 we put into the air.

[@eduardpertinez4767]

Some questions arise: a) what the 100% efficiency stands for? All photons spectrum? Only visible light? b) What percentage of all earth surface radiation by sun corresponds to visible light and/or that 100% efficiency? c) All that said.. can we expect to see multilayered perovskite cells that has efficiency higher that 100%? That would be cool.

[@RyuuKageDesu]

I've been looking forward to this tech for many years, now. One of the first articles I read about it, was how caffeine was included in the construction process, as a half joke, but actually made the structure better.

[@esecallum]

Sounds like more nonsense like non stick windows coatings. never seen a single one since 1975 on tomorrows world tv. Where can get I these. NOWHERE.

[@thebrowns5337]

You want fries with that?

[@filonin2]

@@esecallum There are literally dozens of products to make your windows non-stick on the market right now. Where have you been looking? Have you tried the internet?

[@esecallum]

@@filonin2 really? why so many window cleaners everywhere. the products you mention are so over priced and unreliable or wear off... this new solar panel is the same line of crap.

[@filonin2]

@@esecallum All non-stick window coatings don't work and are overpriced? Sounds like someone needs some mental professional attention. You're wrong, be quiet.

[@MrCurlay]

I’m speechless with how much research, analysis and supporting material you manage to cram into each episode and puns too. Fabulous channel. Thanks Matt.

[@nom6758]

@Sunday who asked?

[@MichaelBehrnsMiller]

Spot on. I tried to post about this on Reddit years ago and it was rejected as speculative or some such bs. Matt keep wrangling amazing information.

[@avasilla1351]

agree!

[@aurtisanminer2827]

“I guess I should have ‘led’ with that.”

[@CraigHarrison]

I just want one of these kinds of videos to be like "This thing got worked out, and it's better, and everyone is actually going to start using it".

[@RudeAlert]

I know right! Just once! Just once I'd like it to be something that's actually worked out and functional and ready to change the world RIGHT NOW.

[@nxman]

Then the channel wouldn't be called 'Undecided' 🤦‍♂️

[@wes9451]

@@RudeAlert If it's any consolation the tech is going commercial in rather short timelines. Keep an eye on graphene, we finally have some useful production methods, and it's really starting to go into everything where the use of lower quality sheets are useable. Once we can make mass consistent and pure sheets of the stuff it's game over for the norm in almost every industry. Till then it's good for mixing with other materials to add electrical condutivity, strength, and corrosion resistance.

[@curtisbme]

@@wes9451 lol.. Graphine is the poster child of Craig's complaint about these future possibilities videos vs reality.

[@JM-zb8ro]

Same bro. But how greedy the government and the elites are, we know this is wishful thinking.

[@jerelull9629]

We're sailors of a small cruising sailboat, so are off-the-grid much of the time. Wind provides direct propulsion some part of the time we are moving, while a 12 Watt Solar cell provides/most of our electricity. Perovskite seems very interesting as we *could* go for electric propulsion with more powerful solar cells. Thus perovskite formulations sound pretty interesting.I've found that cruisers, particularly sailors, are early-adopters; of solar and windmills for energy production, as primitive as the current windmills for 'individual' use currently are.

[@geekdomo]

We self installed 10.5KW on all of our buildings on our property. We did this over the past 4 years. I was banking on better panels for when its time to replace these in the next 20 years. These look promising

[@SamBassComedy]

Do you save a lot of money on power bills? How long for it to pay off for you?

[@geekdomo]

@@SamBassComedy It cost us out of pocket $8,000 roughly. The federal government and state govt refunded us 80% of the cost so around $1600 out of pocket. We have EVs so that is primarily where the electricity goes. In 4 years we have made just shy of 8 Megawatts of power. We staggered our installation (only doing 1 roof on our property a year). 8 Megawatts of power is around 1120 worth of electricity generated. We are almost ready to break even, sometime in the next year or so we will be free and clear of the initial costs.

[@Ottee2]

@@geekdomo , Nicely done. This is the dream.

[@brianjones7660]

get back to me when IT HAPPENS. Otherwise shut up already...thanks.

[@whirled_peas]

@@LUNA-fx2ud that’s a rather long to break even on a solar installation

[@wiretamer5710]

I live in Australia, and I've been off grid with solar PV for 30 years. If perovskite has a durability problem, the key is to limit its exposure to UV, to peek gathering times. The shade screen application solves this problem. But a simple motorised cover blind does also.

[@stefaancodde6578]

Shade screens or cover blind limit the power of the cell. The problem is the durability . My solar cells are from 2009 so approx 12 years.

[@alfamaize]

So if the lifespan is considerably shorter, I hope that someone is looking into recycling the materials into new panels.

[@alfamaize]

@@rogerstarkey5390 Still, unless they have infinite lifespans, there will be more waste. Figure out how to reuse all of the materials going in....

[@ancapftw9113]

He did say the process that degrades them could be reversed, so you might just have to send your panels in for regeneration every 10 years.

[@alfamaize]

@@rogerstarkey5390 Well, that takes care of the silicon replacement. But what about the rest of the panel? If this becomes as cheap as that, then the market will balloon, and then there will end up being a replacement market like for light bulbs. As if we need even more waste due to short life span stuff.

[@inomad1313]

@@ancapftw9113 Or trade them in like an alternator and others can purchase the “refurbished” panels at a reduced price.

[@johnwang9914]

@@rogerstarkey5390 How thin the material is, adversely affects recycling. For example, aluminium is very recyclable but the aluminium in mylar is so thin that it is not practical to recycle the aluminium in mylar hence mylar products such as juice boxes are downgraded as aggregate in plastic structures rather than recycled.

[@markoverton5858]

Very interesting , we clean solar farms in uk for nearly 7 years now using a sun brush machine it’s very reliable , our biggest problem is the layout of the farms the access at the ends of panel runs etc , also the layout of the tables the most efficient set up is 4 high laying down thats about 4 to 5 mtr panel height this means a brush that needs a lighter tractor to carry it , this would translate to the ability to multi wash more than twice a year at conceivably single pence per panel opening up higher out put all year round ,some companies do already wash twice others don’t think wash is needed , there’s a lot to do particularly outing the early investors who refuse to wash, we have seen farms in very bad state of operation, on other hand many are getting there act together who value our reports after each wash and much appreciate there efforts to put things right 👍👍👍 to them it’s not all bad .

[@imjody]

Thank you to everyone that has made solar power possible, and to those who continue to make it even better as each month passes. And thank you Matt for this excellently-made video.

[@seanleith5312]

Solar Cells Could Be the Future of Energy? No. Never. Stop this nonsense.

[@mikelowery6732]

I think the most important advancements in solar technology are those that make them easier to make with more common elements especially moving away from lanthanides and difficult engineering processes that require large specialized factories like places that make silicon wafers. The easier they are to make, the more useful and adoptable they will be even if they don't last as long. I think non-poisonous will also be a necessity, so no lead...

[@predgington]

Even with a shorter lifespan sounds like they could be more cost-effective relatively soon for situations like solar farms where replacing panels would be a lot easier than say having panels either on a roof or part of the roof. I wonder how recyclable the panels will be?

[@ayandas874]

Shorter lifespan generally means larger negative environmental impact, so that has to be kept in mind, not just the cost.

[@fasddfadfgasdgs]

@Jamie problem is you are adding more carbon foot print by transporting them so they can be recycled or tossed out. Recycling would help more but I can bet they will not be recyclable and will just add to the trash heaps.

[@williameldridge9382]

@@fasddfadfgasdgs these materials our pulled OUT of the ground, there is zero harm in returning them to said ground. You are right about recycling being useless. ALL recycling is a scam. 90% of materials create more carbon output in their recycling process than they "save". Responsible disposal is INFINITELY better than recycling in almost all cases.

[@leandersearle5094]

If they're cheap, they won't be recyclable in practice. There needs to be a high enough price to mining and refining for recycling to be competitive.

[@SophiaAstatine]

@@williameldridge9382 Depends very much on what you mean by to the ground. Soil and solid rock are two different things. And you can't dig a hole in rock and seamlessly seal it off in the same manner it was originally.

[@sjl3137]

I actually work with some perovskite cells, in their native state they are stupidly hard to work with because they are extremely fragile and does not stick to anything well. Spotweld cracks it, solder comes right off. The pure forms are actually available relatively cheaply (under 100USD for a stack of 50 10cm x 5cm rectangles) even on e-bay but at least 80% will have fracture on arrival. These have a GREAT potential but as you mentioned, very few companies are packaging them but at a huge drop in efficiency. Right now the packaging is the biggest issue. Also one of the craziest advantage of perovskite cell is that it works fairly well when the piece is broken.

[@aleatza]

Even if they lasted 10 years instead of 20, if their carbon footprint (sum of greater efficiency and less impact during production ) was smaller than the silicon panels it would already be a victory.

[@Gamogamer]

Installation and Transport probably makes that difficult if they are notably shorter life

[@edbrackin]

Nope, 25 years guarantee for silicon. Don't forget installation, removal, multiple times for perovskite.

[@Neuralatrophy]

Add to that recyclability. If materials can be recovered, reconstiuted and remade into new cells it will be a win !

[@MrInjun382]

But it's not

[@SidneyCritic]

I don't know if it's really a problem with green-house in manufacturing because there is only about 1.25kg of silicon in 20 roof panels.

[@FBPrepping]

Matt, EXCELLENT video. I´m a metallurgist and appreciate all of this incredible information in all its splendor. Just diminishing the cost to a fraction of the silicon SPs will ditch the fact of not being so durable. Numbers will talk here. I believe that, indeed, there is a market for this, and a huge one. I´d love some of the manufacturers send me some of their products to test them in real world conditions in our extreme weather, with 10 Celsius degrees of temperature differential between night and day, 85% humidity 24/7 and 12 hours of sunlight.

[@MadMarWalker1]

“The problem is that in most of the halide perovskites lead can dissolve in water. This water solubility and solubility in other solvents is actually a great advantage, as it makes building perovskite solar panels simpler and inexpensive -- another perk along with their performance. But the water solubility of lead can become a real environmental and health hazard when the panel breaks or gets wet, e.g. when it rains.”

[@Barskor1]

It also makes recycling them dead ass simple and cheap.

[@Mekuso8]

Sounds like you could just put a layer of glass or transparent plastic over it?

[@j________k]

@Daniel Miller silicone? Like Sylguard

[@loftsatsympaticodotc]

Sure lead CAN dissolve in water. You CAN be killed jumping into traffic, but- just don't DO it! The safety factor IS a controllable variable. starting with- you'll notice plumbers no longer melt lead over gasoline blow torches. ( I plumb AND have three). ;-)

[@whirled_peas]

@@loftsatsympaticodotc thanks for being sensible

[@MyMorsh]

every time you upload a video with your face it put smile on my face. always learning something new.

[@user-hl8tq8uw2b]

Matt it would be very interesting to determine the lifetime costs (says 25 years) of using any of these solar products to determine the tipping points of when it is more cost-effective to either stay the course with a given technology or switch to another. TOC is typically the holy grail in mass adoption. Thank you for providing a quality insight/education in every video.

[@iwonajarosz7806]

costs depend on the financiam system, the most important is safety. for that any money is worth to be paid

[@michaelandrews4783]

Our household solar setup in Australia paid for itself in around 4 years, worth EVERY cent.

[@charlypetra191]

Please don't apologize for getting too technical...embrace it and feed us more. Great content.

[@JamesRoyceDawson]

At this point, I'd say power storage is the major issue. Not so much the efficiency of solar cells. Still, it will be nice to have cheaper cells

[@hyperdrivee7922]

Valid point! Can’t argue that. Although the possibility of efficient cells could open more opportunities where current cells are useless. Like on vehicles?

[@claytonspann8032]

Great overview, first i've heard of Perovskite, as a current solar home owner, very interested in lower cost, higher performane system to motivate others to adopt

[@sriharyic5112]

Hai,i getting more information about new technology from you and youtube so keep it is helpful for my studies in small village

[@dann6067]

Are you from India?

[@KrissowskiM]

Matt - it’s a pity you failed to understand what is trully going on regarding perovskites and the factory in Poland. The girl you see at the factory opening ceremony (Olga Malinkiewicz) is a Polish scientist and a shareholder and founder of Saule - she made the breakthrough possible for perovskites to be produced commercially and Saule signed a contract with her to produce perovskites en masse - the condition was that the factory is built in Poland. Fixed it for you! Also first buildings in Warsaw and Lublin have been equipped with perovskites commercially - they can produce energy regardless of the angle that the sun is shining at them so they are much better than anything we’ve known and also as they are fully transparent - can be applied to windows of modern skyscrapers!

[@Collinator1000]

This tech looks like it would be an interesting way to reach a “temporary” or “inexpensive” market for field trials; phone chargers, eco-friendly RV enthusiasts, or young homeowners wanting to try solar for the first time without a massive investment. This leaves the long term/industrial market to the long lasting silicon panels while they work out some of the issues.

[@someonestolemyname]

Honestly it makes a good material for making short life span stuff, which is what companies do with electronics.

[@zweigackroyd7301]

Depends. If longevity came to say 30% of the longevity and stayed at 5% of the cost, it could be worth it for long-term/industrial uses. The combined increase in efficiency plus cost factor would make it economically attractive even with replacement.

[@miragept]

In solar systems the solar panel cost is already quite low, the installation is actually a large part of the cost, roof work is expensive generally. In europe one can buy a 380W EU made solar panel for 150€(almasolar i'm solar panel)

[@ambersmith6517]

@@miragept batt bank is the biggest cost if you install your self

[@fasddfadfgasdgs]

This sounds more like a scheme to make junk solar panels that won't last and will just consume the market while they kill off silicon solar panels. If something is break easily and can make a profit from it companies will choose that as that will be a better source of income vs a one and done deal.

[@humanistwriting5477]

Welll. Very cool I think tech that directly harvests solar energy into electricity has a constant issue, it always suffers from UV damage and electron migration ect, so a thin film tech like perovskite could see more widespread use even with a reduced lifespan because it can be easier to replace, becoming a simple chore done every few years with proper engineering. Something like a roller system with a stabilized paper leader just tape the new roll on, and crank the rollers till the old roll is off. And that can give it an large market advantage if the costs are low enough and if there is a core trade in to further reduce costs and reclaim the gold used. So perhaps it is far to soon to tell the future but in any future it seems this tech has a future at least in some applications.

[@derekmitchell209]

With such thin structures, I could see this having applications in aerospace. You could basically paint or laminate this onto the top side of the many electric aircraft that are under development. While it likely would not achieve a power balance, it would extend the range of these aircraft.

[@worthmor]

What does this link have to do with solar?

[@solstice1290]

@@worthmor Absolutely nothing, they are being posted by spam bots.

[@ArthursHD]

Heck, even yet could reduce fuel consumption by running stuff in the plane from solar PV

[@jeremygoodall7799]

A Japanese group put out a study they did on some perovskite cells that they exposed to a radiation source. They were trying to replicate the effects of long term radiation exposure similar to high orbit space flight. The Perovskite outperformed Silicon by a significant margin. I think we are likely to see these cells used on satellites before they see wide adoption on planes.

[@1975ma3x]

The inventor of modern technology for the production of flexible photovoltaic cells based on perovskites is Polish physicist Olga Malinkiewicz. The Polish company Saule Technologies, in May in Wrocław, launched the first factory of these panels.:)

[@agarceran]

Considering this can be "printed" I wonder if we could coat the outside of everyday objects like phones, laptops, planes, cars, etc, and then cover them with some kind of clear coat. Sure, maybe it will not last the entire life of a car, but maybe it would be a useful feature of more "disposable" electronics.

[@polarbearigloo]

You would need to solve the oxidization, or a multi level clear coat/ceramic. Then the conductors for the custom panel connecting the cells

[@marcschaeffer1584]

Lead coated cellphones... that sounds... iffy?

[@AnimilesYT]

Phones are often in someone's pocket and laptops are almost exclusively used inside. So I don't think it would be a good use of resources there. Cars could possibly be efficient enough, but the efficiency needs to go up more to make it a viable option. I think planes may be a good place to put them since they are generally outside. I'm not sure how they can make it safe enough from an overcharging point of view. I'm not ruling out the idea of coating everyday objects with these solar cells. But I think it would be more efficient to put them in places where they will generate power whenever there's enough light. And with better batteries in the future and more wireless charging I don't think that it would make much sense to coat everyday objects in these cells. But I don't mind if I'm proven wrong 😊

[@AnimilesYT]

@@marcschaeffer1584 In the future they may not contain lead, I think

[@robertl4522]

@@AnimilesYT yeah but I'd still like to have that option. Imagine you're stranded in the middle of nowhere, having a device that would charge itself by the sun would be useful.

[@williamgwyntreharne9966]

I want to hear about solar cells that will work in low light or cloudy conditions, also moonlight and also solar cells that can gather energy from radio waves.

[@yugbe]

Thank you for the information! I have been waiting on true multi spectrum solar cells for a long time, as had my brother (God rest his soul). Applying Perovskite solar shingles to every rooftop in America would be an option. With each cell having the ability to be replaced would be key (Or at least small segments), but only if we can keep the efficiency up over 80% for 20 years and the cost fairly low. It would also bring a much needed refresh to a trade craft that is starting to suffer here in the U.S

[@thomashealy9146]

You are talking over my head but thank you for introducing me to this subject. This awareness means that I will learn enough to value the use of these panels and that is the start to save our world!

[@samiurrahman4497]

My undergraduate thesis study was about "Simulation study of Perovskite-Perovskite tandem junction solar cell". Soon it will be publish in a journal. Perovskite solar cell has potential but the only major problem is it’s stability.

[@gordsnatcher6074]

The challenges and limitations listed in this video remind me a lot of early lithium batteries, but without the high cost. I remember the concerns of technicians (including myself) when presented with the first LiIon laptop batteries and their properties. Most of us were skeptical. Now, lithium dominates the battery market. Of course, I also remember the technologies that didn't work so well. NiCd, for example. In short... maybe perovskite could take over, if only for niche purposes like flexible panels, transparency or high efficiency applications. If not this, then probably some other technology. Between the plateau of silicone solar cells and the increasing demand for green energy the need for better solar tech is great, and nothing drives innovation like need.

[@commonmandenver7370]

these videos are awesome. wonderful insight. i find that the overly cautious fear of lead as an element in any paticular product a bit paranoid. its not going to harm you unless you enjoy licking your solar panels as a hobby.

[@haroldemmers3678]

A good question would be: How easy can it be recycled, and what are the energy costs for that?

[@insAneTunA]

Those machines for separating valuable materials from electronic waste already exist. They use mechanical force, and shaker decks, and water with additives, magnets, and all kind of different methods to separate the materials. They crush and mill everything to a fine powder, and while traveling through the machine various processes separate the materials in various stages. For example they can separate the lighter particles from the heavier particles by using a solution of water with soap that attaches to the lighter particles and that makes the lighter particles float, and then they skim of the lighter particles, and the heavier particles move on to the next process, and so on. It is one machine that does all the separation until all the various materials are separated from each other as much as possible. They do that because on average they can recover more gold out of one ton of E waste compared to a ton of gold ore. And then there is also the other valuable materials that are recovered from the E waste. Such as platinum and other precious metals, but also copper and less valuable materials, but that are still useful and profitable. And yes that machine consumes a lot of energy, but compared to the energy that is used to mine and refine new materials it is absolutely only a fraction of the total energy that is used for mining and refining new materials.

[@insAneTunA]

I know that a Duch company is very good at building these machines, but it is not a wide spread knowledge, because they don't really want to show how those machines work, because they don't want too many people to know that E waste is actually a very valuable product. I once watched a documentary about recycling E waste, and they even stated that at some point in time there will be so much E waste on a yearly bases that for some materials it will no longer be needed to mine for it in nature, if we make the processes that makes it possible to recover the valuable materials as efficient as possible with an infrastructure that makes it possible to do that. Meaning that it should be easy for people to offer their broken products to a recycling station, and so on. In my country you can offer your broken product to the delivery guy that brings you the new device that you bought online. Given the fact that it is a similar device. So if your TV is broken and you buy a new one they take your old TV if you want that. It is not obligated for the consumer to do that, but it is a service, and the delivery guy is obligated to offer that service.

[@insAneTunA]

It is called urban mining :-)

[@HengtimeConsult]

Very interesting and well researched video, great quality as always, Matt. BUT I sometimes have difficulties to cheer with the crowd and hail the glorious (potentially?) great discovery. I see a lot of problems here in the real application. And there is nothing near the efficiency to the old solar horse. Why don't we spend more time and ressources to work with the same enthusiasm on improving the weaknesses of Silicone: DIRTY, really ? Matt just put it this way without elaborating it further. Old fashioned silicone panels don't contain Lead or other really toxic stuff., like perovskite cells. Silicone is just dirty because the Chinese burn low grade and polluting coal to melt the cheap silicone then sell super cheap solar panels. Cleanly produced solar panels are not competitive on the market. We should use solar energy to make more solar panels. Build forward better. Efficiency, really? Where is the problem to pack a few more solar panels and enjoy something below 30% efficiency, but for really long time. Perovskite cells are a long way from being "lasting". We don't need thin, light and toxic throw-away cells which last just a few years, then replace. A nightmare. Future? A commercially adept as a fusion reactor. Similar multi-generation project.

[@deandonald2761]

Investing is buying yourself a better future you don't have to work hard.

[@jamesonbilton2363]

@Kimberly Author What idea of investment one should be doing.

[@clintonj.johnson9879]

I'm a fan of crypto, I hold some few coins in my wallet.

[@jessieandres2306]

@Goodson Thomas Nura Carvalho.

[@jessieandres2306]

@Goodson Thomas fb name. 👆👆

[@jessieandres2306]

+➊➌➍➏➐⓿➍➌➎➍➌

[@daedalusdreamjournal5925]

an update on this technology, they manage to use tape like material to keep leakage of lead to beyond 99.9% retention. It would still be a problem over time but they are getting there. They have also achieved almost 30% efficiency for the next generation so perovskite might not be so far from commercial break now.

[@Forcemaster2000]

I love how you tell us that perovskite solar cells will be great, then you tell us about how there are tons of drawbacks and we're years away from seeing useful results!

[@vejet]

It's the future! But in the same way fusion energy is the future too lol

[@josefinigo7100]

Stop telling half truths boy...

[@theturdcurd2382]

Especially here in New York where it is sunny only one day in ten.

[@susanzhang8686]

Our company specializes in R & D and production of perovskite materials. From the current industrial production, perovskite materials such as MAPbI3, FAPbI3, CsPbBr3, etc. are cheaper than silicon. Perovskite solar energy is an ideal new energy

[@AshokKumar-mp1yk]

Am I the only one here feeling proud to hear just one instance of University from Jharkhand India? Just love your videos Matt

[@rockys7726]

Also refreshing that it's not somewhere in China who will eventually steal the tech and kick out the original IP producer.

[@zber9043]

We need you guys to get your university sector moving up and cranking out good research. All hands on deck to help us avoid climate change.

[@98Zai]

Considering India's position right next to the equator, it's imperative for all Indians that these problems get solved.. very soon!

[@langelihlexaba3141]

I love what i see, i am a reseacher focusing on perovskite. I can proudly say, now is the time for perovskite to SHINE!!!!!

[@MarcMallary]

Power density is a huge factor. The thin film would be great for solar powered bicycles and portable solar chargers. Bicycle tourers, bike packers and hikers have a big problem charging their devices without carrying a lot of extra weight.

[@remotecontrol1082]

Matt, thank you for all your videos. You are the source of all the info I want on leading tech, particularly with your overlying concern for the environment. I love this channel!!

[@pknight7572]

I've been lucky enough to have a tour of the research and development labs in South Wales near Swansea. There's some fine work going on there regarding solar power.

[@iondragonx]

Okay, so standard solar cells (silicon) practically require silver (Ag). On the other hand, the perovskite solar cell requires gold (Au). Nothing is easy.

[@Mike-kr5dn]

@@Vedexent_ commercial solar in eu including everything (mounts, inverters, transformer) is about 0.7$ / watt. Even lower if talking Gigawatt scale.

[@Mike-kr5dn]

@@rogerstarkey5390 commercial solar in eu including everything (mounts, inverters, transformer) is about 0.7$ / watt. Even lower if talking Gigawatt scale. So basically cost per watt just for the panels is around 0.50$

[@MarkRVillano]

IMHO increased performance, more than a decrease in overall cost will prove to be the tipping point at which perovskite completely replaces silicon as the primary component in solar cells. When it comes to conductivity and conversion, I feel as though silicon has reached it's ceiling, whereas perovskite might still have room to grow.

[@chuzzbot]

Solar panels right now are outside of many people's budgets. Anything that brings solar to the masses is to be welcomed.

[@bluebukkitdev8069]

Someone needs to make a video analyzing Matt's videos and determining how many ppm (puns per minute) they tend to run.

[@Charlie-Oooooo]

We should definitely review this technology again in 5-10 years, while some sales as well as further financial investment provide increased R&D to improve upon the technology. Maybe it will be ready for primetime by then.

[@terryvickers5986]

I think since perovskite cells are temperature sensitive, they could be improved by incorporating a solar water heating system to stabilize the temperature that the cell is subjected to.

[@crabbyr6929]

Well Matt I have an extremely difficult science question for you, How does the efficiency of any type of solar panel compare to the hydrocarbon cycle of self replicating plants? Mix sunlight water Co2 and soil, and an entire planet is storing energy without manufacturing required, however without abundant Co2 this proccess will cease, any thoughts?

[@JC-wl6xp]

Nice!!!

[@tonamiplayman4305]

Photosynthesis is actually less efficient at converting sunlight into energy about 3-6% compared to Solar panels in the 17-23% range. Plants don't need that much sunlight to covert soil nutrients and CO2 into energy stored in food, so evolved to only use a small percentage of it. Solar panels are specialized for a singular purpose of electricity generation and have been optimized for such. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photosynthetic_efficiency

[@crabbyr6929]

@@tonamiplayman4305 Wasn`t aware solar panels could self replicate, plants efficiency is dependant on available Co2 and its a multiple because they replicate, so 3 to 6 percent is for the individual not the collective amount which greatly exceeds solar panels

[@tonamiplayman4305]

@@crabbyr6929 Multiple research teams have calculated this to account for the energy generated from photons hitting the leaves and its low. Not because plants are poorly designed, just that they don't need that much. Most of the light is lost to reflection and moisture from the leaves.

[@crabbyr6929]

@@tonamiplayman4305 You seem to be missing the point of everything I said. Solar panels do not replicate, Solar panels are not edible and solar panels do not depend on abundant Co2. However we are totally dependant on plants, Which due to their ability to replicate and produce hydrocarbons, their energy capture dwarfs solar panels and probably always will, As long as Co2 levels dont fall too l;ow, Then we asphyxiate plants and kill ourselves

[@milanmikic3551]

Drago mi je poslušati o napretku i te tehnologije za korištenju solarne energije

[@sanjuansteve]

Let's put solar panels on every home, business and covered parking rooftop and switch to electric vehicles making nearly everything we do solar powered while completely decentralizing our power supply and empowering everyone as power generation owners. Solar power is CHEAPER and electric vehicles are soon to be CHEAPER to make and already are considerably CHEAPER to maintain and operate, especially if charged from your own solar power. A 3-5 year ROI (return on investment) for a solar array that will generate power for decades is a no-brainer and the panels can even be made locally too. #EndFossilFuels #SwitchToSolar #SwitchToElectric #GreenNewDeal #EmpowerEveryone

[@johnjay6370]

The math does not add up! Solar panels will not be efficient enough to charge a car and power a air conditioner. Its just physics. Solar has a place, but it is not for major power gird energy, well at least in most States or places around the world. There are places that Solar will work, but those places are small compared to the rest of the world. Nuclear is the only real option other than coal for powering the electric grid. All those wind farms are a drop in the bucket compared to what a Nuclear plant can do... It is just political now... If we get the fusion reactor to work, ALL OTHER ENERGY SOURCES ARE USELESS!!!

[@sanjuansteve]

@Sod White We have to end citizens united, get ALL money out from controlling our politicians and switch to a ranked choice popular vote for an actual democracy of, by, and for the people. #DEMEXIT #StillSandersPlatform #TooFarLeft Education is a good investment from an individual, family, community or national perspective and tuition free education will reduce the burden from the root on our medical expenses too for example. Healthcare for all is actually CHEAPER with the insurance industry off of the table along with most of the time lost due to billing among many other reasons. A universal basic income (UBI) is CHEAPER than all of the thousands of individual federal, state and local social safety net programs including things like Social Security and unemployment insurance, etc with all of their budgets, overhead expenses and inefficiencies eliminating the humiliating need for people to lose time to prove their poverty to qualify for aid. Internet for all is a great and necessary investment to give everyone the opportunity to study, search for work, work remotely, etc online. Solar power is CHEAPER and electric vehicles are soon to be CHEAPER to make and already are considerably CHEAPER to maintain and operate, especially if charged from your own solar power. What do you think will happen to crime rates, peace and equality in general after we launch universal healthcare, a universal basic income, universal education and internet for all, raising the starting point of capitalism from zero, we’ll let you die with no money, to a level of life with dignity, reducing societal daily fears on a massive scale and freeing us to welcome the automation revolution with open arms rather than with fear and great harm? 😃 #EqualityMovement #BLM Call me overly positive, but I think we’re leaving the era of ‘greed is good’ and celebrating wealth and entering an #EraOfAltruism and equality. Let’s #AutomateEverything and #SkipToAbundance.

[@sanjuansteve]

@@johnjay6370 Oh grow up you ridiculous fossil fuels TROLL!! Of course most homes can go 100% solar power with less than half of their roof space, including vehicle charging. And of course most businesses can also get to 100% solar powered, including the use of solar covered parking, including electric vehicle charging. Idiot / troll.

[@johnjay6370]

@@sanjuansteve Nope! Do the math my friend!!! The lie of Solar and wind turbines. Nuclear is by far the cleanest and BEST solution. IF they get Fusion working Solar, wind, coal, fission Nuclear will all be dated and not needed. We should be throwing our money in nuclear not green tech, because it is not really green...

[@johnjay6370]

@@sanjuansteve kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKLToYV5aJyCnas

[@rexmyers991]

Thanks for making a very complex subject (somewhat) understandable. At age 78 my head absorbs knowledge like concrete absorbs water - not. But, again, thanks.

[@up4open763]

If this is used on short-survival items (seasonal party items for instance) if they are in parity to silicon in cost per watt and watt per size, they have a marketable use. The question to long term value is the stabilization of that efficiency loss. 20% loss in 2 years is harsh compared to Si, but loss is normally a curve, not a line. And this would be my suggestion for your next video on this type of discussion; ask if anyone has anyone charted a flow loss curve over time and show that, so that replacement expectations can be compared to known types. Good topic, great field to work in for those looking at what to do in life. Research here applies to Fusion tech as well.

[@TheHenirik]

lead is also used in all cars and trucks, even electric ones. the car itself may even be lead free but you have pounds/kilos of it in the 12v battery (or batteries for trucks and buses)

[@PaulMurrayCanberra]

If it can't last as long as silicon, then we are looking at a situation where it's usual to get your solar panels re-layered every few years. Which is perfectly fine, especially if the re-layering company also manages recycling and anything toxic. So that's what they should be looking to design. A modular system where you cycle out the panels. Ring up the company, they take your old ones, clip in some new ones, and back to the shop for reconditioning. Or even better - the franchisee who does the installation work ships the old panels back to the parent company and clips in some new ones, ad the parent company deals with the slurry.

[@johnwang9914]

When concerned about the 20% efficiency of commercial photovoltaic cells, remember that the photosynthesis of modern plants are between 0.5% to 1% efficient and only a small fraction of biomass gets trapped geologically to form fossil fuels over millions of years.

[@the_roadbites]

Except plants do it all with pure organic self replicating materials and can fix CO2 without needing heat. Photosynthesis is really clever evolution.

[@johnwang9914]

@@the_roadbites Sure photosynthesis figuratively grows in trees but remember, if you are expecting photosynthesis to provide the energy that we use, we already have that in fossil fuels. Are you really insisting we just continue with fossil fuel use? I'm simply saying the efficiency of solar photovoltaics isn't as terrible as people seem to think it is, it's actually quite impressive compared to our current method of using energy from the Sun which is fossil fuels.

[@macroman91]

Even with the small efficiencies of photosynthesis, forests are often 10-20 degrees cooler than the surrounding farmland. It makes you wonder if high efficiency solar cells will eventually have an effect on the local climate, as silicon absorbs energy in IR bands quite well.

[@johnwang9914]

@@macroman91 Most vegetation on Earth is green because they purposely reflect green light. There's actually too much light intensity in sunlight for the most common form of photosynthesis in use and as most of the energy of sunlight is green (yes, we really have a green sun), it is green that is reflected and hence not absorbed to become heat. Vegetation does have less albedo than say snow and ice but it does reflect far more energy than a lack of vegetation and that reflection is more likely to be the reason for cooler temperatures, not the relatively small percentage of energy converted to chemically stored energy by photosynthesis.

[@calebmauer1751]

@@macroman91 In addition to what John Wang said, the energy carried down the wires would make it cooler by the solar panel, but it just comes out somewhere else when the electricity is used, so if you're using the energy locally it would have no net effect.

[@namikaze.minato]

im working on a research and habitation centre on the moon, and was considering the viability of perovskite over silicon solar panels for energy generation. seeing as temperatures are very low at its poles(moon) and the lack of a atmosphere allowing for almost direct sunlight, the yield would be insane. furthermore, factors such as lead poisoning would not matter with this being completely offsite. the drastically reduced weight of PV would also greatly help the amount that could be carried as payload. (opposed to virgin Si panels) coming to the damage and maintainance aspect, i assumed the replacement factors trump the repair aspects. although i would like to reduce my net wastage, this seems to be the best option in terms of efficiency and workability. i would love some and any insights you guys might have

[@RayAntonelli2020]

I'd like to see follow up videos when someone finally figures this out and starts delivering perovskite solar cells.

[@snoozeyoulose9416]

Peroskite could be used for essentially short term or throw away solar material for gadgets and embedded novel means in the low cost solar power bank market. It could be hybridized with silicon for greater longevity but as it stands, the increased cost would make it near irrelevant unless the tech is able to move ahead with greater efficiency outcomes. This could be the right vehicle to bring solar into everyday items, clothing and tools, especially if the tech leaps beyond it's present manufacturing negatives.

[@cameronbowes7813]

Solar is that one thing besides probably fusion that people could expect real efficiency improvements from further research. Meanwhile people can replace some coal with wood pellets, use mechanical heat storage for heat in cold places, and generally reduce industrial activity by recycling, replacing, or reusing metals and not investing in further infrastructure projects until the people of said localities really improve their educational achievement to deserve it.

[@chrismanspeaker9372]

Been doing R&D on this material for a few years now. It is made huge strides and many companies are attempting to commercialize it. Should be in some products soon. And yes, most if not all of it can be recycled.

[@ChristiaanRock]

Love it, Would you consider doing a video on TerraPower . Not just the reactor but all the other cool stuff they're doing.

[@dariusdareme]

I should have just LEAD with that. Good one. I also appreciate that you didn't say "pun intended", which always ruins the joke.

[@kdn1982]

Do not forget about CdTe solar panels from First Solar. No silicon, made in US, very low carbon and water footprint, recyclable, low cost pew watt, small payback time, great energy yield and stability (25 years of stability measurements at NREL).

[@ayubshaikh9156]

Very good speech ,……. Eco friendly energy sources need lot of attention

[@paulrossano]

Great info as always - thank you! Sounds like a great alternative to Silicon. Would love to see an update on where this technology is now!

[@ericmehoke8362]

Nice video. I was previously unaware of the current state of solar tech. Now I am informed. Cheaper, more efficient, less poisonous, less durable. Way to go scientists and engineers. Keep going.

[@shanekbromley]

Thank you for your time and the research that you put into your videos. Exactly how many times did you have to re-record "oxide perovskites" 2:09, before you could say it with a straight face? I had to back up the video when I heard that tongue twister.

[@flagship1701e]

After watching "Planet of the Humans" on Amazon Prime, I don't know what to think about all the supposed "Green" energy. THANK YOU for calling attention to the inefficiencies and huge manufacturing footprint of silicon cells. This technology seems like a real alternative.

[@bobsnabby2298]

When building huge solar power plants, the biggest factor is the durability and how long they will last in use. More efficient?, just add more Silicon cells to compensate or solar tracking which will add 40% to power outcome.

[@rathernotdisclose8064]

Tech industry starting to feel like the gaming industry; "This game is gonna be really super cool we promise, but its still in alpha/beta/early access and wont be available for 2 years from whenever you see this message even if you see it 2 years after its posted"

[@dragonminz602]

@Undecided with Matt Farrell Speaking of ceap solar cells: Dye-sensitized solar cell or Grätzel-Zelle (graetzel cells) are shure worth a video.

[@thetangieman3426]

After watching your agrivoltaics video I came here. Seems like this technology would be ideal for agrivoltaic panels. The elements are brutal, especially in the great plains and parts of the west coast; lower cost panels seem ideal in areas where damage from the weather might be inevitable.

[@francispereira2296]

I saw that stability is being improved by groups working all at round the world. The tunable band gap and tandem layers of 4 which I read somewhere makes this technology highly flexible. I think of TVs which has shorter life spans but no one cares as they want the latest. So my take is repay product in 5 years and give 5-7 years free electric production. Then replace with better version.

[@deilusi]

use such solar panels to power small things, like lamps in garden which dont last more than 2 years on its own, and you will see the potential. Imagine a small cell on your car on hood and roof, that can charge your car by 4-5% by standing in the sun while you work. all mobile usages that in general don't last as long as house is a good place for this tech. this might create another group of items with integrated chargers. like backpack maybe with tiny battery, solar panel and wireless charger spot, so you won't have to worry about charging your headphones maybe phone. Being lightweight & cheap gives a lot of options.

[@mrrolandlawrence]

americas version of "just have a think" . great content as always :)

[@nowonmetube]

I want those transparent glass panels on smartphone screens. Edit: But the panels point INWARDS not outwards, in that way it captures the light from the screen (which drains the battery the most) with over 30% efficiency, so you have a phone that lasts longer.

[@charbelkhalil1586]

It's a hope for the future in particular in sunny areas/places

[@billbobby2646]

Thank You for All your great and excellent work in educating the Average Layman. That's what builds A Great Society.

[@fgregerfeaxcwfeffece]

If it's just cheap and unproblematic (i.e. the mentioned toxicity problem needs to be sorted out) enough efficiency becomes less of a concern for stationary use on privately owned buildings. I mean if 2 times as big installation only costs half as much and the resources aren't a problem or even easily recyclable why not just replace the modules every 5-10 years? Sure the the maintenance requirement is a downside in itself. But the spread out cost is an advantage.

[@coresoft99]

the reason why we afrent seeing this on the market is they want to be the only one to have this techology so there is no competition on the market. Thus when these come out, they will costs thousands of dollars.

[@darynteleu2266]

skyscraper with solar panels and 10-storey greenhouses with transparent solar panels in a checkerboard pattern and the sun is visible to everyone🤔cool 👍😊😊😊

[@aeebeecee3737]

I don’t see so positive to solar industry yet, compare to new wind energy techs btw, info is gold, thanks for you to keep providing high quality info in future.

[@danielschwarz9774]

This vid makes one have a wonder, about the efficiency and complexity of the common leaf of a plant. itself. It grows and heals itself continuously, using light, making energy.

[@justanotherdayinthelife9841]

There have been studies put forth demonstrating the possible encapsulation and a lifetime success of a possible 25 yrs. With basically the same process for regular solar panels. When we use graphene for a part of this encapsulation process we could vastly affect thebdurability for parovskites.

[@dig1035]

This is one of your best! Longtime listener, thumbs up and subscribed! Still like Eufy cameras? Thanks so much for not spouting global warming hogwash! Tremendous respect and appreciation for that!!!

[@BDSLAYER5379]

I like the idea of Perovskite solar cells, but as you stated their longevity compared to conventional solar cells is in question. If they could guarantee a five to ten year lifespan and an infrastructure (mounting and housing) that allowed for a relatively easy swap of the panels internals, then i think the cost benefit is there. we all talk about the lifespan of conventional solar being 25+ years, that's great and all, but most roofs in the NE need replacing before that. Why would it be an issue to know that you need to replace the internals of the panels in five to ten years, if the system cost so much less to begin with.

[@yalkn2073]

The stability problem makes it so that silicon panels are more eco friendly over the long term

[@viplavbisen6583]

Just Amazing!!!! The way you explain and the topics you choose!!!! Definitely worth the time!! I have gained sooooo much from these videos during this quarantine and lock down situation. Thank you so much

[@richardsandberg835]

At 30% efficient, then assuming 1000 watts per square meter from the sun (very high), the 1 square meter panel will generate 300 watts (not much). Seeing that efficiency must equal 100%, there is 70% unaccounted for. Some of this can be accounted for by light reflecting off of the panel. However, the rest can be accounted for as wasted heat. Being very simplistic, you can say that for ev3ry 300watts generated as electricity, there will 700 watts generated as wasted heat. You are heating the atmosphere around your home. If that heats up your home you will then use more air conditioning to cool you home. So where is the advantage? It does reduce the cost for the local utilities because the power is distributed over a large area, and the home owner is responsible for any break downs.

[@RonZe-qj2qx]

How can we invest in it ? Let us know which company is leading and best and when they are going public

[@sandorkonya]

I would be really interested in the use of perovskite material in the x-ray detector technology...

[@HorzaPanda]

It does sound like these will get significantly better as they get manufactured more, I imagine a lot of the kinks that need ironing out will only really be known about and fixed when we start producing a ton of these

[@markbooth3066]

Back in the late 90's and early naughties, I worked on control systems for Solar panel scribing machines. We built a prototype machine for manufacturing CdTe solar panels (Cad-tel as we'd say), and it was quite scary. More design effort went into the extraction & filtration system, than went into the laser scribing system itself. The material ablated from those panels was definitely not something you'd want to get anywhere near your lungs. *8') At the time, all people in the industry talked about was getting the cost of panels down to below a "dollar per watt", and many people thought thin film was the only way to do that. Of course rapid growth, economics of scale and market share combined to mean that crystalline silicon cells were able to drop in price much faster than these upstart thin film technologies. I'm no longer in the industry, but I doubt there is scope for many more cost reductions with c-Si solar cells, so a technology which offers a 10x cost reduction is really interesting. Maybe the time for thin film is finally here. We also did some work on prototype machines for making panels suitable for building integrated PV (BIPV) projects, which have additional constraints compared to traditional panels. The impression we got was that the big problem was not making the panels, but getting architects and clients to consider them, and huge logistical problems of wiring them all together and integrating this wiring with the fabric of the building. With lower volumes and lower efficiencies at the time, I guess that these BIPV panels couldn't compete on cost with c-Si cells, and since c-Si cells couldn't be used for BIPV, people weren't encouraged to go the BIPV routes. With cheaper BIPV alternatives coming onto the market though, we could see a significant rise there too.

[@Afrocanuk]

Saule Technologies Perovskite photovoltaic glass looks like a good alternative for high-rise wall curtains.

[@kajetanwojnarowski2693]

Imma give You a scoop about those panels. The first building using them as windows is already being built. The technology is finished, and they were looking for a way to enter the market. Everything is going well.