Perovskite Panels That Run on Office Light Could End Battery Dependence for Everyday Devices
A new generation of solar cells, based on perovskite, can harvest electricity not only from sunlight but also from ordinary indoor illumination. A study published in Advanced Functional Materials shows that these cells can convert light into electricity even when illumination is weak, such as standard room lighting. This could enable many devices to operate without traditional batteries. Traditional silicon solar panels lose efficiency in indirect light, but perovskite elements break that limit. They demonstrate high energy conversion even under diffuse indoor illumination, challenging the assumption that sun is the only reliable energy source for solar devices. Modjtaba Abdi Jalebi, a lecturer in the Department of Energy Materials at University College London, argues that perovskite solar cells are the most promising replacement for conventional batteries—especially as the Internet of Things expands and more household devices rely on replaceable batteries.
The Chemistry Behind the Leap: Rubidium Chloride and Organic Salts Stabilize Perovskite
Microscopic defects in the perovskite structure can trap charges and undermine both efficiency and longevity. Researchers have tackled this by introducing a careful mix of additives. Rubidium chloride is used to promote a near-perfect crystal lattice, while organic salts DMOAI and PEACl stabilize the ionic composition, helping the material maintain performance over time. As the study’s lead author, Dr. Simina Huang, explains: “We use different strategies to remove microscopic damage, allowing electric charge to move freely.” This approach is likened to piecing a damaged cake back together so that every part fits and conducting paths remain open.
From Lab to Market: Performance Milestones and the Road Ahead
The new perovskite elements achieved a remarkable 37.6% energy conversion efficiency under lighting levels comparable to a standard office. Even after 100 days of operation, they retained 92% of their initial performance, while traditional silicon panels held about 76% in the same period. Experts emphasize the technology’s low production cost, which could enable manufacturing that resembles printing newspapers. This affordability could dramatically accelerate the rollout of high-efficiency solar panels for everyday devices. The big work now is scaling up and bringing these panels to the global market. If successful, they could power a wide range of electronics and significantly reduce our reliance on replaceable batteries.
