Solar cells previously manufactured with lead can now be made using tin. Researchers at Northwestern University have developed the first efficient perovskite solar cell using tin instead of lead to convert light energy into electricity.
The new cell can be manufactured without the use of hazardous materials or high-tech chemical processes, making it more environmentally safe and cost effective.
The tin cell has been touted “the next big thing in photovoltaics”. Mercouri G. Kanatzidis, leader of the research project, predicts it has the potential to overtake its lead equivalent in power conversion efficiency.
Currently the tin cell is 5.73% efficient compared with about 15% for lead.
Read more at Northwestern University