A team of innovative researchers just released a study demonstrating how alumina nanoparticles can extend solar panel life tenfold. As the global community approaches its goal to hit net-zero carbon emissions in the next few decades, there is a strong push to get renewables in the market. Renewable energy options like wind turbines and solar panels offer a reliable, clean energy solution. However, these devices aren’t perfect, and their performance degrades over time.
Types of Solar Panels
Solar panel technology continues to evolve. Today, there are four main types of solar panels in the market: PERC, monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. These options have their pros and cons in terms of efficiency, life expectancy, size, and durability.
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell)
PERC solar panels integrate a dual-layer design to maximize efficiency. Notably, this style of solar panel can achieve +20% efficiency using this setup. It offers medium durability and life expectancy. However, it’s the most expensive option on the list, making it not ideal for most homeowners.
Monocrystalline
Monocrystalline panels are another expensive option that produces 20% efficiency. This panel utilizes silicon crystal as its base material. The setup provides the longest life expectancy of the four options, but it also adds to the overall cost of these panels.
Source – ACS
Polycrystalline
Polycrystalline panels are built by melting silicon fragments together. This approach lowers manufacturing costs, making this option more affordable. However, these units are larger than their counterparts and are less efficient. In most instances, they average 15% efficiency.
Thin-film Panels
Thin-film panels offer the lowest efficiency, but offer the most flexibility and affordability. These are the panels you see on RVs and other areas where space is limited. Thin film panels can be made from a variety of materials. Two common options are CdTe (Cadmium Telluride) and a-Si (Amorphous Silicon).
Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs)
Perovskite Solar Cells are the most advanced type of solar panel used today. These silicon-based panels provide high efficiency from a lightweight compact form. To accomplish this task, they incorporate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to improve performance without driving prices up.
Problems with PSCs
PSCs still have many drawbacks. For one, they suffer from iodine leakage like other panel options. The generation of molecular iodine occurs over time due to chemical reactions within these materials, furthering the degradation processes and reducing performance.
Alumina Nanoparticles Study
Recognizing the lack of understanding of the influence of molecular modifiers on the nanoscale electrical and electronic properties of the perovskite and device stability, engineers from the University of Surrey put forth a novel method to improve life expectancy and performance of these devices.
The report “Improved stability and electronic homogeneity in perovskite solar cells via a nanoengineered buried oxide interlayer“1 published in EES Solar unveils the inner workings of these materials during the degradation process, enabling engineers to better understand surface modifiers and how they can be utilized to improve future devices. As part of the study, the team began by testing the durability of the main solar panel types against each other.
PFN–Br
This polymer electrolyte is commonly used in PSCs. It offers reliable performance and medium life expectancy. The team decided to utilize this material as it’s seen as the most advanced in today’s market.
Alumina (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles
The engineers developed alumina (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles as part of their research. These tiny particles were designed to trap iodine that releases within the solar panel over time. The goal was to prevent iodine from escaping into the rest of the cell and degrading performance.
2D Perovskites
To accomplish the task, the engineers created a 2d perovskite barrier against moisture. This barrier worked to prevent any outside materials from entering the panel that induced degradation. This strategy increased the panel’s reliability and durability.
Alumina Nanoparticles Test
In order to test their theory, the engineers needed to put the panels in real-world conditions. As part of the testing phase, the team crafted severe heat and moisture scenarios. The panels were then put into these areas and tested. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the team carefully tracked the progress of degrading cells under stressful conditions.
Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
From there, engineers used a Kelvin Probe Force microscope to monitor the influence of the modifiers on the surface and the electronic homogeneity of fresh and degraded samples. The KPF microscope was used to analyze the surface electronic homogeneity of perovskite films. This helped researchers understand how alumina nanoparticles contribute to improved stability and reduced degradation, rather than directly observing their operation.
Stability Testing
Stability testing involved seeing how the encapsulated moisture barrier layer held up under intense conditions. The devices were periodically tested after each exposure cycle. This strategy made it easier for scientists to do direct comparisons of each cell.
Alumina Nanoparticles Test Results
The test results demonstrate a lot of promise for this technology. For one, the cells built with alumina nanoparticles produced more energy and could be made lighter. These devices demonstrated high performance with minimal power production degradation registered over 1,530 hours of testing.
Specifically, the nanoparticle-infused units demonstrated 10x longer life expectancy than predecessors. The engineers found the Al₂O₃ nanoparticles contributed to a more uniform perovskite structure as well. This enhanced architecture provided fewer defects and boosted electrical connectivity.
Impressively, the nanoparticles created a 2d protective coating that kept moisture from entering the units. Tests showed a low water permeation rate of approximately 4 × 10−3 g per m2 per day. As such, the new units are better suited for adverse weather conditions and permanent installations.
Alumina Nanoparticles Benefits
There’s a long list of benefits that make alumina nanoparticles a wise replacement for other options. For one, they provide high efficiency from a small form factor. Those with limited places, like urban rooftops, will get more from these panels.
Longer Life Expectancy
Adding solar to your home or business isn’t cheap. It’s common for a system to cost more than $50k. Any technology that can improve the life expectancy of these devices and reduce the costs is sure to see quick adoption in the market.
Cheaper to Build
Another main benefit of creating Alumina nanoparticle panels is that they cost less to manufacture when considering their potential increase in lifespan. As solar panels become more advanced, the trend has been for newer versions to cost substantially more than their predecessors. This latest scientific breakthrough could reverse that trend and allow manufacturers to offer better products for less.
Alumina Nanoparticles Researchers
The Alumina Nanoparticles study was put forth by a team of engineers from the University of Surrey. It lists W. Hashini K. Perera as the main author, alongside a team of collaborators from the National Physical Laboratory and the University of Sheffield. Now, the team seeks to further their research into enhancing solar panels with the goal to refine the tech enough to produce commercial products within 2-5 years.
Companies Leading the Solar Panel Market
The race to clean energy has led to the rise of several notable solar panel manufacturers and market players. From those developing new technology to the workers installing the panels, the sector continues to expand. Here’s a company that is positioned to leverage any major breakthrough in solar tech and increase returns.
First Solar Inc. (FSLR +5.97%) entered the market in 1999 with the goal to provide reliable solar systems to the global market. Notably, the company was rebranded from Solar Cells as part of the firm’s pivot towards photovoltaic cells (PV). Currently, the company is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, and offers a wide selection of solar energy solutions.
Notably, First Solar is the only major US solar systems provider that doesn’t utilize Chinese manufacturing. The company creates its thin film cadmium telluride (CdTe) panels in the US. Also, First Solar was among the first companies to provide reliable cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar modules to the market.
First Solar, Inc. (FSLR +5.97%)
Those seeking exposure to the solar sector should do more research into First Solar. The company has a good reputation. Also, its market positioning would allow it to introduce new technologies like alumina nanoparticles to improve its products’ performance. As such, First Solar is considered by many as a “Strong Buy.”
Latest on First Solar Inc.
Alumina Nanoparticles Make Solar Panels More Resilient
The need to reduce dependencies on fossil fuels has led to a surge in solar panel installations over the last decade. This latest research could help further solar system adoption by reducing costs and improving performance and life expectancy. As such, this team deserves praise for opening the door to future innovations.
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Studies Referenced:
1. Perera, W. H. K., Woodgate, T. J., Kim, D. K., Kilbride, R. C., Masteghin, M. G., Smith, C. T. G., Hinder, S. J., Wood, S., Jayawardena, K. D. G. I., & Silva, S. R. P. (2025). Improved stability and electronic homogeneity in perovskite solar cells via a nanoengineered buried oxide interlayer. EES Solar. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4el00029c