Loss analysis in perovskite photovoltaic modules

Hybrid metal halide perovskite-based thin-film photovoltaics have the potential to become the next

generation of commercialized PV technology with certified power conversion efficiencies reaching 24%

on 0.1 cm2 area devices. Recent efforts in upscaling of this technology resulted in an efficiency of 12.6%

for 354 cm2 modules. Still, upscaling loss for perovskite-based photovoltaics is higher than for any other

PV technology. In this study, we investigate these upscaling losses, with a focus on layer inhomogeneities,

for devices with aperture area of 0.1, 4 and 100 cm2. With use of electro-luminescence, dark lock-in

thermography, micro photoluminescence spectroscopy and electron spectroscopy we analyze and group

layer inhomogeneities with minimal size of 10 m and compare loss mechanisms for radial and linear

deposition techniques. Analysis leads us to defining processing pitfalls, where understanding and control

of perovskite crystal formation plays the crucial role.