Korea Electric Power Corp. (KEPCO) said on Oct. 21 that it has developed a flat-type perovskite solar cell with the world's best photoelectric conversion efficiency.
KEPRI, a R&D subsidiary of KEPCO, succeeded in producing perovskite solar cell with 20.4 percent in photoelectric conversion efficiency, the highest level in the world, by surpassing the 20.1 percent efficiency of flat solar cells announced so far.
Unlike silicon solar cells that require high temperature production processes of 1,000°C or higher, perovskite solar cells have lower production costs as they can be produced through processes of 400°C or less, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency that converts light into electricity is similar to that of silicon solar cells, drawing attention as the next generation of solar cells.
In addition, it can be applied to all-in-one solar cells installed on exterior of buildings such as building walls and balconies with translucent and light features. This eco-friendly power generation is suitable for Korea, which lacks land to install solar energy and has many high-rise buildings.
"Perovskite solar cells will be easily installed and will be attached to portable electronic devices in the future," said a KEPRI official, adding, "We will make more efforts to improve efficiency in order to commercialize perovskite solar cells in the future and contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the renewable energy industry in Korea."
