A perspective on the use of perovskite luminophores for solar windows

Abstract

Perovskite (PRV) luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) use PRV materials to concentrate and convert sunlight into electricity. LSCs are made up of a flat plate or sheet of glass or plastic that contains a layer of luminescent PRV material. When sunlight enters the LSC, the PRV material absorbs the light and emits it at a longer wavelength. This emitted light is then trapped inside the LSC by total internal reflection, and it travels to the edges of the plate where it is collected by photovoltaic (PV) solar cells (SCs). The use of PRV materials in LSCs offers several advantages over other materials. PRV materials are highly efficient at converting light into electricity. They are also flexible, low-cost, and easy to manufacture, making them a promising candidate for large-scale solar energy applications. However, PRV materials have some challenges preventing their adoption. They are sensitive to moisture or heat and can degrade quickly over time. This significantly limits their lifespan and stability. Research on PRV is mostly focused on making them more stable and durable, but finding ways to improve the manufacturing process to reduce costs and increase efficiency is also relevant. While the opportunities offered by PRV materials for the specific application to LCSs are certainly interesting, the challenges make the prospect of a commercial product very unlikely in the short term.