The Rise Of Perovskite Solar Cells, The Fall Of Fossil Fuels – CleanTechnica

Advancements in Perovskite Solar Technology and Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Aligning Solar Innovation with Global Sustainability

• This report details recent developments in perovskite solar cell technology, a critical innovation for achieving global energy and climate objectives.
• The emergence of high-efficiency, cost-effective perovskite photovoltaics directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Technological Progress in Perovskite Photovoltaics

Historical Context and Efficiency Gains

1. The first perovskite solar cell was developed in 2009 with a solar conversion efficiency of 3.8%.
2. In just over a decade, research has propelled efficiency rates into double digits, demonstrating a rapid innovation cycle that surpasses the historical development pace of traditional silicon cells.
3. This accelerated progress is pivotal for increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, a key target of SDG 7.

Overcoming Material Challenges through Innovation

• A primary obstacle to the commercialization of perovskite cells has been their inherent fragility and lack of long-term durability.
• A key innovation addressing this is the development of tandem solar cells, which layer perovskite materials onto traditional silicon.
• This hybrid approach enhances durability and leverages the strengths of both materials to achieve higher solar conversion efficiencies, contributing to SDG 9 by fostering sustainable industrial innovation.

Case Study: Swift Solar’s Tandem Perovskite Technology

Contribution to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

• US-based startup Swift Solar is developing tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells projected to generate up to 30% more power than conventional silicon panels.
• By combining less expensive perovskite materials with silicon, this technology aims to lower the overall cost of solar energy, making clean power more accessible and affordable.
• The technology’s lightweight and flexible properties expand the potential applications for solar power, furthering the goal of universal access to modern energy.

Application in Resilient Infrastructure (SDG 9 & SDG 11)

1. Swift Solar’s technology was recently tested by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) during the “Cyber Fortress” exercise.
2. The perovskite tandem panels were integrated into a mobile, hybrid microgrid designed by Resilient Energy & Infrastructure.
3. The exercise demonstrated the technology’s capacity to enhance energy resilience for critical infrastructure, a core component of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
4. Dr. Andre Slonopas of the U.S. Army noted that this technology can address the increasing power demands of modern operations and improve overall readiness.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Goals (SDG 17)

• The collaboration between Swift Solar, Resilient Energy & Infrastructure, and the DoD exemplifies a successful public-private partnership (SDG 17).
• This partnership accelerates the deployment of advanced clean energy solutions for both defense and civilian applications, demonstrating a model for achieving sustainable development through cross-sector cooperation.

Scaling Manufacturing and Broader Market Impact

• Swift Solar plans to scale its manufacturing capabilities, indicating a transition from laboratory innovation to commercial production.
• Beyond defense, potential applications include utility-scale power generation, satellite operations, and telecommunications, which will further advance SDG 7 and SDG 13.
• The continued development and deployment of perovskite solar technology represent a significant step toward a sustainable, low-carbon energy system, reinforcing global climate action efforts.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on perovskite solar cells directly and indirectly connects to several Sustainable Development Goals. The primary focus on advancing solar power technology links to goals concerning energy, innovation, infrastructure, and climate action.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The text revolves around the development of a new, more efficient, and potentially cheaper solar cell technology (perovskites). It emphasizes that “Solar power is now the fastest, most economical way to introduce more kilowatts into the US grid” and that innovators are trying to “push the cost of solar cells down even farther,” directly addressing the goal of affordable and clean energy for all.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article is a case study in technological innovation. It details the “rapid pace of innovation” in perovskite solar cells, from their first creation in 2009 to their current high-efficiency state. It also discusses the work of startups like Swift Solar to solve engineering challenges and “scale up its manufacturing systems,” which relates to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article’s focus on creating resilient energy systems connects to this goal. The deployment of Swift Solar’s technology in a “hybrid microgrid” for a “critical infrastructure cyber defense exercise” highlights the importance of resilient infrastructure. The article notes that the objective is to address issues with “antiquated centralized systems” and move towards “more modern, resilient… distributed systems-of-systems,” which is key to making communities and infrastructure inclusive, safe, and resilient.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By focusing on a technology that improves solar power, the article inherently addresses climate action. Solar energy is a key alternative to fossil fuels. The text notes that “solar is already competitive with fossil fuels in many markets globally,” and the advancement of perovskite technology is part of a broader effort to accelerate the transition to clean energy, which is a fundamental strategy for combating climate change and its impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s discussion of perovskite solar technology, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   The entire article supports this target. The development of more efficient and less expensive solar cells, like the perovskite tandems that can “generate up to 30% more power,” is crucial for increasing the adoption and share of solar (a renewable energy source) in the overall energy mix.

2. Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

   The article mentions the international nature of this research, noting that the first perovskite solar cell was developed by “a team of researchers in Japan” and that today “researchers around the world are routinely hitting double digits for perovskite solar conversion efficiency.” The Cyber Fortress exercise also included “representatives from other countries, including Finland, Sweden, Latvia,” demonstrating international observation and potential cooperation on energy resilience technology.

3. Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

   The development and deployment of perovskite solar cells represent the “greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.” The article discusses integrating this technology into microgrids to replace “legacy, inefficient, and antiquated centralized systems,” which is a direct example of upgrading infrastructure for sustainability and resilience.

4. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… and encourage innovation.

   The article is a testament to this target. It describes the journey of perovskite solar cells from a lab discovery with “a solar conversion efficiency of 3.8%” in 2009 to a marketable technology with a “potential of more than 30%.” The work of the startup Swift Solar in solving durability issues and ramping up manufacturing exemplifies the process of enhancing research and upgrading technological capabilities.

5. Target 11.b: By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards… mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and disaster risk reduction…

   The use of perovskite solar panels in a “critical infrastructure cyber defense exercise” directly relates to disaster risk reduction (in this case, a cyberattack on the power grid). The development of mobile, resilient microgrids is a key strategy for adapting to threats, including those exacerbated by climate change, and ensuring energy security for critical operations.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator: Solar Conversion Efficiency (%)

  This is a direct, quantitative indicator for Targets 7.2 and 9.5. The article provides specific data points, stating the efficiency of the first cell was “3.8% in 2009” and that Swift Solar’s technology has a potential of “more than 30%.” This metric tracks the improvement and effectiveness of the clean energy technology.

• Indicator: Cost of Solar Technology

  This is a key indicator for Target 7.2 (increasing the share of renewables). While no specific dollar amounts are given, the article repeatedly refers to cost reduction as a primary driver. It mentions “accelerating cycles of falling costs,” the effort to “push the cost of solar cells down even farther,” and that tandem cells are “less expensive than silicon alone.” Progress can be measured by tracking the price per watt of this new technology.

• Indicator: Rate of Technology Adoption and Deployment

  This indicator is relevant for Targets 9.4 and 11.b. The article provides a specific example of adoption: the use of Swift Solar’s panels in the “Defense Department’s annual Cyber Fortress exercise.” Future progress could be measured by the number of microgrids or military/civilian operations that deploy this technology.

• Indicator: Investment in Manufacturing and Scale-up

  This is an indicator for Target 9.4. The article implies progress by stating that Swift Solar has “plans to scale up its manufacturing systems over the next two years.” Tracking the level of private and public investment in manufacturing facilities for new clean technologies like perovskite cells would be a measure of progress.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: cleantechnica.com