The fast penetration of electrification in rural areas calls for the development of competitive decentralized approaches. A promising solution is represented by low-cost and compact integrated solar flow batteries; however, obtaining high energy conversion performance and long device lifetime simultaneously in these systems has been challenging. Here, we use high-efficiency perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells and redox flow batteries based on robust BTMAP-Vi/NMe-TEMPO redox couples to realize a high-performance and stable solar flow battery device. Numerical analysis methods enable the rational design of both components, achieving an optimal voltage match. These efforts led to a solar-to-output electricity efficiency of 20.1% for solar flow batteries, as well as improved device lifetime, solar power conversion utilization ratio and capacity utilization rate. The conceptual design strategy presented here also suggests general future optimization approaches for integrated solar energy conversion and storage systems.
In the News:
- Merging solar cell and liquid battery produces efficient, long-lasting solar storage, UW-Madison News, 2020.
- Solar+battery in one device sets new efficiency standard, Ars Technica, 2020.
- Solar Flow Battery: Single Device Generates, Stores and Redelivers Renewable Electricity From the Sun,SciTech Daily, 2020.
- New long-lasting solar-flow battery sets efficiency record, UPI, 2020.
- Exploring potential of solar-flow batteries, Cosmos, 2020.
- Chemists advance solar energy storage aimed at global challenges, TechXplore, 2020.
- Redox flow battery powered by perovskite solar cells, PV Magazine, 2020.
- Solar-Flow Battery Achieves 20% Conversion of Energy From Sun, Battery Power, 2020.