LONDON, UK – Researchers have achieved a significant advancement in perovskite solar cell technology, demonstrating that the addition of a simple salt can elevate power conversion efficiency to 22.3%. This breakthrough, recently reported by a team at University College London (UCL), offers a straightforward and effective method to enhance both the performance and stability of these promising next-generation solar cells, addressing key requirements for their commercial viability.
A Leap Forward for Perovskite Technology
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered considerable attention in the photovoltaic industry due to their rapid efficiency improvements and potential for low-cost manufacturing. However, challenges related to stability and defect management have historically hindered their widespread adoption.
The UCL team’s research highlights that incorporating a specific, simple salt during the manufacturing process significantly improves the quality of the perovskite material. This leads to solar cells that not only perform better but also exhibit enhanced stability, crucial for long-term real-world applications. The achieved efficiency of 22.3% for a mixed tin-lead perovskite material is notably close to the best reported for this class of materials. For context, the most efficient silicon solar cells in laboratory settings reach around 27% efficiency, while typical commercial rooftop panels operate at about 22%.
The Mechanism Behind the Enhancement
While the precise salt additive was not explicitly detailed in some initial reports, previous research has explored how various ionic additives, including salts of cesium and rubidium, can improve perovskite solar cell performance. These additives can influence the crystallization process, passivate defects at grain boundaries, and modify internal ionic defects within the perovskite films, all of which contribute to reduced non-radiative recombination and improved charge extraction.
By achieving greater uniformity in the chemical and structural composition, these additives eliminate “weak links” that can act as “dead zones” and reduce current and voltage output. This precise regulation of the perovskite film’s microstructure is key to unlocking higher efficiencies and greater stability.
The Broader Landscape of Perovskite Advancements
This development comes amidst a flurry of innovations in perovskite solar cell research:
Pushing Efficiency Records
Recent years have seen remarkable progress in perovskite solar cell efficiency. In 2025, the University of Science and Technology of China set a certified record for a single-junction perovskite solar cell at 26.7%. For perovskite-silicon tandem cells, LONGi Solar achieved an impressive 34.85% efficiency in April 2025, surpassing the Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction silicon solar cells. Another breakthrough earlier in 2025 saw researchers achieve 31.16% efficiency in a perovskite solar cell by integrating a novel layered design combining two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) perovskite materials.
Enhancing Stability for Commercial Viability
Beyond efficiency, stability remains a critical focus. Researchers are tackling hidden degradation pathways and developing strategies to improve the longevity of these devices. For instance, a team from the University of Surrey and Imperial College London developed a strategy resulting in lead-tin perovskite solar cells with over 23% efficiency and a 66% longer lifetime. Chinese scientists have also made strides in identifying key instability mechanisms and developing devices capable of operating for an unprecedented 3,670 hours by encasing the perovskite material in a graphene-polymer “protective suit.”
Diversifying Applications
The unique properties of perovskites, such as being ultra-thin, flexible, and lightweight, open possibilities for integration into unconventional surfaces like clothing and windows. Furthermore, breakthroughs are paving the way for indoor perovskite solar cells that can power Internet of Things (IoT) devices, offering a battery-free future for billions of small wireless devices.
Future Outlook
The continuous advancements in perovskite solar cell technology, particularly in boosting efficiency through simple additives and addressing long-standing stability issues, underscore its potential to revolutionize the solar industry. As researchers continue to refine materials and fabrication techniques, perovskite-based solar panels are moving closer to mainstream deployment, promising more accessible, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions globally. The ability to create higher performing and more stable cells through straightforward methods like salt additives is a crucial step towards their commercial success and widespread adoption.
