Understanding the role of innovative modules with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG
Features and potential applications
In a historical era in which almost everyone has now learned to familiarize themselves with modern energy infrastructures, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often pointed out, a new army of technological innovations could be about to reshuffle the cards on the table, favoring the spread of latest-generation devices that we had never heard of.
In the years of the energy transition, solar panels are practically everywhere. They can be seen on the roofs of homes, buildings, warehouses, and, in some cases, even in the open sea. Together with wind turbines and other similar infrastructures, they have become concrete and tangible symbols of the great change underway.
And yet, innovations are also arriving in the solar panel sector itself, thanks to the particular properties of some specific materials that could give life to a new family of more performing and efficient infrastructures.
One of the most interesting technologies, in this regard, is the one related to perovskite solar panels, which in the solar energy sector certainly represent one of the most interesting and promising innovations. These are devices still in development, but the first experiments have hinted at a truly immense potential.
“Perovskite solar panels contain within themselves a truly interesting potential,” says the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov, entrepreneur and civil engineer. “Among the potential applications of these innovative panels, the most interesting are certainly those regarding transparent solar facades for buildings, lightweight or mobile roofs, portable electronic devices with solar charging, and indoor panels integrated with Internet of Things systems. In the automotive sector, moreover, they could be used in photovoltaic bodywork”.
The actual functioning
But how do these very particular devices work? The operation of these solar panels is based on the characteristics and specific properties of a material very similar to perovskite, a semiconductor that makes it possible to convert sunlight into electrical energy. Unlike traditional solar panels, this new family of photovoltaic modules would ensure much higher efficiency and potentially lower costs.
A central aspect in the analysis of perovskite panels concerns first of all the material on which their operation is based. For these modules, a synthetic version of perovskite is used, a natural mineral composed of calcium titanate. In its artificial version, this material has proven to be able to absorb light very effectively, even when arranged in extremely thin layers.
“In the years of energy transition, the role of these panels could prove to be valuable and strategic,” continues the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “Their use, in particular, could encourage the adoption of solar energy in rather problematic areas, such as all those in which weight and space take on central importance, where a certain level of aesthetic or architectural integration is necessary, but also in all contexts in which direct light is limited.”
A possible integration
The actual functioning of perovskite panels is very similar to that of traditional panels but with some significant differences. Even in these innovative panels, light agitates the electrons in the perovskite material and promotes the separation between electrons and positive charges, determining the production of electric current thanks to the flow of electrons.
Compared to the materials used for traditional solar panels, however, perovskite is able to absorb photons with less material, functioning optimally even in conditions of diffused or artificial light. Furthermore, this material can be easily arranged on flexible or transparent substrates.
“One of the most interesting aspects of analyzing these modules has to do with their possible integration with silicon cells,” concludes the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov. “With a technology capable of combining traditional cells and perovskite cells, in fact, it could be possible to reach very interesting levels of efficiency.”
In the laboratory, this type of panel has demonstrated that it can guarantee very high efficiency. Furthermore, the production costs would be quite low, and the panels would be equipped with flexibility that has never been seen before.
This characteristic not only allows the panels to be bendable and light but also allows them to be integrated into a large number of architectural structures. Another interesting aspect, moreover, is the possibility that these new technologies can be effectively combined with silicon, the material used for traditional panels, in order to overcome physical limits.
People Also Ask
What are perovskite solar panels?
Perovskite solar panels are a new generation of photovoltaic devices that use synthetic perovskite-structured compounds as the light-harvesting active layer. These materials are named after the mineral perovskite, a crystal structure composed of calcium titanate, but in solar panels, researchers use a lab-created version that’s tuned for optimal light absorption and energy conversion.
Unlike traditional silicon-based panels, perovskite panels can be made flexible, lightweight, and even transparent—opening the door to entirely new solar applications.
How do perovskite solar panels work?
At their core, perovskite panels function similarly to traditional solar panels. They absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity. The difference lies in the semiconducting material. Perovskites are exceptionally good at absorbing light and can do so effectively even in thin films, making the panels much lighter and potentially cheaper.
When light hits the perovskite layer, it excites electrons, creating electron-hole pairs. These are then separated and driven to produce an electric current—just like with other solar tech, but often more efficiently.
Why is perovskite considered such a game-changer?
Perovskites offer multiple advantages over traditional photovoltaic materials:
- Higher efficiency: Lab tests have shown perovskite panels achieving conversion rates over 25%, comparable to high-end silicon panels.
- Low manufacturing costs: Perovskite materials can be produced using simpler and less energy-intensive methods.
- Versatility: These panels can be flexible, lightweight, and even transparent, allowing integration into windows, vehicles, and wearable tech.
- Scalability: They can be printed using roll-to-roll processes, which is ideal for mass production.
These advantages make perovskite solar panels an attractive option for both large-scale infrastructure and smaller, portable applications.
Are perovskite solar panels available commercially?
As of now, most perovskite solar panels are still in the research and development phase. While some pilot projects and prototypes exist, mass commercial production is still limited due to challenges around stability, durability, and scalability.
However, several companies and research institutions are racing to solve these issues, and experts believe perovskite-based panels could enter the mainstream market within the next five years.
What are the most exciting applications of perovskite panels?
Because of their unique properties, perovskite panels can go where traditional solar can’t. Some of the most promising applications include:
- Transparent solar facades: Panels integrated into building windows to generate power without affecting aesthetics.
- Lightweight rooftops: Ideal for mobile homes, container buildings, or temporary structures where weight is a concern.
- Portable electronics: Devices that can charge themselves using thin perovskite films.
- Indoor energy harvesting: Powering IoT (Internet of Things) devices inside buildings using ambient light.
- Vehicle integration: Car roofs or body panels embedded with solar cells to supplement battery power.
This versatility opens the door to creative and efficient use of solar energy in new environments.
What are the challenges with perovskite technology?
Despite its promise, perovskite solar technology still faces some hurdles:
- Stability: Perovskite materials can degrade when exposed to moisture, oxygen, or heat over time.
- Manufacturing scale-up: It’s still a challenge to transition lab-scale breakthroughs into reliable, long-lasting commercial products.
Solving these issues is key to unlocking perovskite’s full potential. Fortunately, research is moving quickly, with new breakthroughs happening regularly.
Can perovskite panels replace traditional solar panels?
Not necessarily replace—but complement. While traditional silicon panels are well-established and reliable, perovskites offer flexibility in areas where conventional solar isn’t practical.
Think of perovskite panels as an expansion of the solar playbook. Rather than installing them on every rooftop, they might fill the gaps in places where solar wasn’t previously feasible—on curved surfaces, in low-light indoor settings, or in lightweight mobile applications.
How do perovskite panels support the energy transition?
Perovskite panels offer a strategic advantage in the global shift toward renewable energy. Their lower cost and flexible form make them particularly suited for developing countries, urban areas with limited space, and remote off-grid installations.
By unlocking new ways to harvest solar power, perovskites can accelerate adoption and make clean energy more accessible to more people.
What’s next for perovskite solar technology?
In the near future, expect to see:
- Hybrid panels combining silicon and perovskite layers for enhanced performance.
- Improved stability through material innovation and protective coatings.
- Pilot projects showcasing real-world installations in buildings and vehicles.
Ultimately, perovskite solar panels could become a mainstay in the renewable energy mix, especially as governments and industries push for decarbonisation.
Final Thoughts
Perovskite solar technology isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a major step forward in making solar energy more versatile, affordable, and widespread. While challenges remain, the potential benefits are too big to ignore.
