Solar batteries present an emerging class of devices which enable simultaneous energy conversion and energy storage in one single device. This high level of integration enables new energy storage concepts ranging from short-term solar energy buffers to light-enhanced batteries, thus opening up exciting vistas for decentralized energy storage.
The first groundbreaking solar battery concept of combined solar energy harvesting and storage was investigated in 1976 by Hodes, Manassen, and Cahen, consisting of a Cd–Se polycrystalline chalcogenide photoanode, capable of light absorption and photogenerated electron transfer to the S 2– /S redox couple in the electrolyte.
Hence, the development of materials with superior properties, such as higher efficiency, lower cost, and improved durability, can significantly enhance the performance of solar panels and enable the creation of new, more efficient photovoltaic devices. This review discusses recent progress in the field of materials for solar photovoltaic devices.
By performing both light absorption and charge storage, bifunctional materials enable the most recent and highest level of material integration in solar batteries. To conclude, bifunctional materials are the most recent development in solar battery research.
The journey of photovoltaic (PV) cell technology is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. From the early days of solar energy exploration to the sophisticated systems of today, the evolution of PV cells has been marked by groundbreaking advancements in materials and manufacturing processes.
The prototype consists of two photovoltaic systems with energy storage using batteries operating at different voltages. The design of these systems involves the arrangement of different components such as photovoltaic panels, inverters, charge controllers, storage systems, protections, and wiring for DC and AC, among others.