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Recent Advancement in Solar Physics: A Meta-Analysis of the Efficiency, Gradient Composition, and Interface Engineering of Perovskite Solar Cells
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Solar Physics
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly emerged as a leading photovoltaic technology, achieving unprecedented gains in power conversion efficiency (PCE) within just over a decade. This study presents a meta-analysis of recent advancements in PSC efficiency, examining key factors, fabrication methods, material choices, and challenges. The pooled results indicate that single-junction PSCs exhibit a mean PCE of 18–22%, while tandem perovskite–silicon architectures achieve efficiencies above 26%, surpassing many established photovoltaic technologies. Efficiency gains are largely attributed to compositional engineering, particularly mixed-cation and mixed-halide formulations, which enhance carrier lifetimes and optimize band gaps. Interface engineering and defect passivation contribute further by reducing non-radiative recombination, yielding incremental improvements of up to 1.5 percentage points. Fabrication methods significantly influence outcomes: solution-processed cells remain cost-effective but exhibit greater variability. Material selection also affects performance; hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites deliver the highest efficiencies, while lead-free alternatives, such as tin-based PSCs, show lower mean PCEs (12–14%) but improved environmental safety. However, major challenges persist, including instability under moisture, heat, and illumination stress, with many PSCs experiencing >20% efficiency loss within 1,000 hours. Additionally, the toxicity of lead and difficulties in scaling up defect-free large-area devices present barriers to commercialization. In conclusion, this meta-analysis highlights both the extraordinary progress and the unresolved limitations of PSCs. While they have demonstrated record efficiencies exceeding 25%, future research must address stability, scalability, and sustainability to enable the transition of PSCs from laboratory prototypes to commercially viable solar technologies.
Keywords
perovskite solar cell, power conversion efficiency, tandem solar cell, hybrid organic-inorganic PSC.
How to cite this paper
@article{1723060,
author = {Ebehita. O-O, N. A. A. Azeez, M. Umar},
title = {Recent Advancement in Solar Physics: A Meta-Analysis of the Efficiency, Gradient Composition, and Interface Engineering of Perovskite Solar Cells},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {3},
pages = {1475-1493},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1723060.pdf},
abstract = {Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly emerged as a leading photovoltaic technology, achieving unprecedented gains in power conversion efficiency (PCE) within just over a decade. This study presents a meta-analysis of recent advancements in PSC efficiency, examining key factors, fabrication methods, material choices, and challenges. The pooled results indicate that single-junction PSCs exhibit a mean PCE of 18–22%, while tandem perovskite–silicon architectures achieve efficiencies above 26%, surpassing many established photovoltaic technologies. Efficiency gains are largely attributed to compositional engineering, particularly mixed-cation and mixed-halide formulations, which enhance carrier lifetimes and optimize band gaps. Interface engineering and defect passivation contribute further by reducing non-radiative recombination, yielding incremental improvements of up to 1.5 percentage points. Fabrication methods significantly influence outcomes: solution-processed cells remain cost-effective but exhibit greater variability. Material selection also affects performance; hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites deliver the highest efficiencies, while lead-free alternatives, such as tin-based PSCs, show lower mean PCEs (12–14%) but improved environmental safety. However, major challenges persist, including instability under moisture, heat, and illumination stress, with many PSCs experiencing >20% efficiency loss within 1,000 hours. Additionally, the toxicity of lead and difficulties in scaling up defect-free large-area devices present barriers to commercialization. In conclusion, this meta-analysis highlights both the extraordinary progress and the unresolved limitations of PSCs. While they have demonstrated record efficiencies exceeding 25%, future research must address stability, scalability, and sustainability to enable the transition of PSCs from laboratory prototypes to commercially viable solar technologies.},
keywords = {perovskite solar cell, power conversion efficiency, tandem solar cell, hybrid organic-inorganic PSC.},
month = {September},
}