From lab to reality: how non-AM1.5 conditions shape the future of perovskite and organic solar cells

Abstract

The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of perovskite and organic photovoltaic (PV) devices under AM1.5 standard test conditions have improved rapidly, but their real-world energy yield remains poorly characterised. This study explores the competitiveness of emerging PV technologies compared to silicon-based PVs by integrating device-specific performance data into energy yield models using historical climate datasets from locations around the world. Our analysis demonstrates that favourable temperature coefficients and spectral responses allow perovskite and organic PVs to achieve higher energy yields in certain climates than their AM1.5 ratings would predict. Indeed, the changes in performance due to real world operation is similar in magnitude to the incremental improvement in record cell efficiencies under AM1.5 conditions. These advantages narrow performance gaps or even achieve parity with silicon PVs in some specific climate regions, and our findings indicate that, in certain equatorial regions, perovskite PVs can already achieve near parity with silicon PVs under real operating conditions by narrowing the STC gap from about 4.8% to 1.5%. Our findings underscore the critical need for comprehensive non-AM1.5 characterisation to improve energy yield predictions, optimise device design for real-world conditions, and enhance the competitiveness of emerging PV technologies.