One of the main disadvantages of solar energy lies in the variable efficiency of solar panels. The terms “solar panel efficiency” and “solar cell efficiency” refer to the amount of sunlight that each photovoltaic technology can convert into usable energy.Typically, solar cell efficiency ranges from 15 percent to 22 percent, depending on location, weather and other natural conditions, and the type of solar system used. Of course, there are systems that offer higher efficiency but are not widely used. In the last few years, advances in photovoltaic technology have helped increase these numbers.
Tomato pigment increases the efficiency of solar panels
One of the most incredible discoveries in this field in 2022 was that the pigment lycopene, which makes tomatoes red, increased the efficiency of perovskite-based solar cells from 20.57 percent to 23.62 percent.Lycopene is a natural antioxidant. Therefore, it inhibits oxidation, the chemical reaction responsible for free radical atoms. What do you say to this in Turkish? Lycopene makes the atoms produced by the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation more stable and protects from UV rays, reducing cell damage.
Knowing this function of lycopene, Chinese researchers thought that the pigment could reduce the degradation of perovskite solar panels produced by UV rays and increase their durability. In tests, it was discovered that lycopene increases the flow of electricity, thus increasing the efficiency of solar panels from 20.57 percent to 23.62 percent.
How efficient are today’s solar panels?
Although there is a general discourse among the public as solar panels, some types of solar panels perform better than others. Currently, most (about 90 percent) of commercial solar panels are silicon-based because it is a relatively cost-effective option. On the other hand, they do not require much maintenance and offer a lifespan of 20-25 years. However, silicon-based solar panels very rarely exceed 20-25 percent efficiency rates.
Amorphous silicon solar panels: One of the cheapest alternatives on the market, this type of solar panel contains thin films of a non-crystalline form of silicon called amorphous silicon (a-Si), which works as a semiconductor material. Solar cell efficiency is roughly 6-13 percent.
Polycrystalline silicon solar panels: These solar panels contain parts of a high-purity, polycrystalline form of silicon that are melted together into thin slices that make up solar cells. These silicon-based solar panels have many crystals that make it difficult for electrons to pass through. Therefore, the efficiency rate of this type of solar panel is usually around 13-16 percent.
Monocrystalline silicon solar panels: Composed of pure single-crystal silicon arranged into silicon wafers, these solar panels have a deep black color and an efficiency rating of roughly 17-24 percent. However, their production can be complex and expensive.
Perovskite solar panels: Perovskite solar panels made of compounds with perovskite structures as the light-absorbing layer are low-cost and more efficient than silicon-based solar panels. The efficiency rate of this type of solar panel is around 25 percent. However, they are easily degraded by moisture, heat, light and other factors. Due to their short lifetime, these solar panels are not very competitive in the market at the moment. Still, its other properties are promising and scientists continue to look for new ways to increase the stability, durability and efficiency of the panels. Perhaps the lycopene pigment can be beneficial in this regard in terms of durability.
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