Solar Energy Harvesting: Innovations in Photovoltaic Materials
Mwende Wairimu G.
School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda
ABSTRACT
Solar energy utilisation, mostly via photovoltaic (PV) technology, offers a hopeful resolution to worldwide energy issues arising from the limited availability of fossil fuels and the ecological harm they do. This review investigates new advancements in photovoltaic materials, highlighting their significance in surpassing the constraints of conventional silicon-based technology. The paper analyse the progress made in organic photovoltaics, quantum dot-sensitized solar cells, and perovskite solar cells, emphasising their capacity to achieve very high efficiency, low cost, and scalability. This paper also examines the use of nanostructured materials into hybrid systems, with a specific emphasis on their capacity to improve energy conversion efficiency and promote stability. The review continues by acknowledging the obstacles related to long-term stability, manufacturing, and cost, and suggests future avenues for research and development to enhance the feasibility and ubiquity of solar energy as an energy technology.
Keywords: Solar energy harvesting, Photovoltaic materials, Organic photovoltaics (OPVs), Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), Perovskite solar cells (PSC).