Bottom-Up Cost Modeling for Perovskite Solar Modules: A Roadmap to Feasible Manufacturing

Perovskite Solar Cell

As the race to produce efficient and affordable solar energy intensifies, scientists from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have developed a sophisticated techno-economic model to evaluate the manufacturing costs of perovskite solar modules. This framework aims to assess the feasibility and scalability of perovskite technology in a highly competitive photovoltaic (PV) market. Read the original article on PV Magazine.

A Comprehensive Framework for Cost Analysis

The model integrates principles from both PV manufacturing and chemical process industries, considering factors such as labor scaling, waste treatment, automation, and production capacity. It compiles a detailed database of materials, including perovskite absorbers, transparent conducting oxide (TCO) substrates, electron transport layers (ETLs), hole transport layers (HTLs), and electrodes.

While highly detailed, the model currently doesn’t account for certain complexities like surface passivation and other advanced surface treatments. Nonetheless, it provides a valuable tool for projecting manufacturing costs and potential bottlenecks.

Evaluating the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)

One of the key metrics used in the analysis is the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), calculated using solar irradiation data from Valais, Switzerland. Sensitivity analyses revealed that factors such as solar irradiance, module capital expenditure (CapEx), and module efficiency play critical roles in determining LCOE outcomes.

For example, a 20% change in solar irradiance could alter the LCOE by -15.7% to +25.5%. In contrast, variations in the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) impact the LCOE by approximately 7-8%.

Competitive Prospects for Perovskite PV

The analysis showed that, under optimal conditions, perovskite solar modules could achieve an LCOE as low as $0.051/kWh. This would make them competitive in Switzerland’s market, where conventional utility-scale PV projects average around $0.057/kWh—provided perovskite modules reach over 24% efficiency with a 20-year lifespan.

However, under high-cost manufacturing scenarios, even the most efficient perovskite modules would struggle to compete against established PV technologies.

A Pathway to Scalable, Sustainable Solar

By identifying cost drivers and scalability challenges, this research provides a crucial roadmap for companies and policymakers looking to accelerate the adoption of perovskite solar technology. The findings underscore the importance of low-cost materials, optimized manufacturing processes, and high module efficiencies in achieving market competitiveness.

To learn more about this study, visit PV Magazine.

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Hashtags: #MaterialsScience #PerovskiteSolarCells #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #TechnoEconomicAnalysis #QuantumServerNetworks #PWmat

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