What Are Perovskite Solar Cells? A Simple Guide for Beginners

Published: 17 Dec 2025

Solar energy technology is advancing rapidly, and one of the most talked-about innovations today is the perovskite solar cell. Scientists, energy experts, and even major solar companies believe this technology could change how we generate clean electricity.

This article explains perovskite solar cells in simple, clear, and easy-to-understand English—no technical background required.

Table of Content

What Are Perovskite Solar Cells?

Perovskite solar cells are a new type of solar cell that uses a special material called perovskite to convert sunlight into electricity.

Instead of using only silicon (as traditional solar panels do), these cells use a perovskite crystal structure that absorbs sunlight extremely well.

In simple words:
Perovskite solar cells are lighter, cheaper, and potentially more efficient than traditional solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells compared to traditional silicon solar cells

What Does “Perovskite” Mean?

Perovskite is not one single material.
It describes a crystal structure that can be made from different chemical combinations.

This structure allows the material to:

Absorb more sunlight
Convert light into electricity more efficiently
It can be produced at lower temperatures

That’s why perovskite solar cell technology is considered next-generation solar technology.

How Do Perovskite Solar Cells Work?

Perovskite solar cells work in a way similar to regular solar cells:

Sunlight hits the perovskite layer
The material absorbs light very efficiently
Electrons are released
These electrons flow through a circuit
Electricity is produced

The key difference:
Perovskite materials absorb sunlight better than silicon, even in low-light conditions.

How perovskite solar cells generate electricity

Why Are Perovskite Solar Cells Important?

Perovskite solar cells are significant because they can address some major issues of traditional solar panels.

They offer:

Higher efficiency
Lower production costs
Flexible and lightweight designs
Better performance in cloudy or indoor light

This makes them a strong candidate for the future of solar energy.

Advantages of Perovskite Solar Cells

Here are the main advantages explained:

✅ High Efficiency

Perovskite solar cells have reached over 25% efficiency in labs—and tandem versions can exceed 30%.

✅ Lower Cost

They can be manufactured using cheaper materials and simpler processes compared to silicon.

✅ Lightweight & Flexible

One of the biggest advantages of perovskite solar cells is their flexibility.
Unlike traditional silicon panels, perovskite layers can be applied to thin, bendable surfaces.
This makes them ideal for windows, curved buildings, and wearable technology.
Learn more about this technology in our detailed guide on flexible solar panels

Perovskite layers are thin and can be applied to:

Flexible panels
Windows
Curved surfaces

✅ Works in Low Light

They perform better than silicon in:

Cloudy weather
Early morning or evening light
Indoor conditions

Disadvantages of Perovskite Solar Cells

Despite their promise, perovskite solar cells still face challenges:

❌ Stability Issues

They can degrade faster when exposed to:

Heat
Moisture
UV radiation

❌ Shorter Lifespan

Silicon panels last 25–30 years.
Perovskite cells currently have a much shorter lifespan.

❌ Lead Content

Many perovskite materials contain lead, raising environmental concerns (though recycling solutions are being developed).

Perovskite Solar Cells vs Silicon Solar Cells

Here is a table in which you can see a comparison between perovskite solar cells and silicon solar cells in different features like efficiency, cost, weight, flexibility, lifespan, and commercial use.

Feature	Perovskite Solar Cells	Silicon Solar Cells
Efficiency	Very high (25–30%+)	High (20–22%)
Cost	Lower (potentially)	Higher
Weight	Lightweight	Heavy
Flexibility	Flexible	Rigid
Lifespan	Shorter (for now)	25–30 years
Commercial Use	Limited	Widely used

Perovskite solar cells vs silicon solar cells comparison

Bottom line:
Perovskite solar cells are not replacing silicon yet—but they may soon work together.

What Are Tandem Solar Cells?

Tandem solar cells combine:

Perovskite layer + silicon layer

This allows the panel to capture more parts of sunlight, dramatically increasing efficiency.

Many experts believe perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells are the future of commercial solar panels.

Perovskite silicon tandem solar cells explained

Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells

Lab efficiency: 25–30%+
Tandem cells: 30–33%
Traditional silicon: 20–22%

This efficiency advantage is why perovskite solar cells are considered a breakthrough in solar technology.

Are Perovskite Solar Panels Available Today?

At the moment:

Limited commercial products exist
Mostly used in research and pilot projects

However, major companies are working to bring them to market within the next few years.

When Will Perovskite Solar Cells Be Commercially Available?

Experts predict:

Small-scale products: very soon
Large rooftop & utility panels: within 3–5 years

As durability improves, mass adoption will follow.

Are Perovskite Solar Cells Safe?

The main concern is lead content.
However:

The amount of lead is small
Recycling systems are being developed
New lead-free perovskite materials are under research

Overall, experts believe risks can be managed safely.

Future of Perovskite Solar Cells

The future looks very promising.

Perovskite solar cells could:

Reduce solar energy costs globally
Enable solar windows and building-integrated panels
Make solar power more accessible
Help accelerate the transition to clean energy

They are widely seen as one of the most important renewable energy innovations today.

FAQs About Perovskite Solar Cells (People Also Ask)

These frequently asked questions cover what perovskite solar cells are, how they work, and when they may become widely available.

What are perovskite solar cells in simple words?

Perovskite solar cells are a new type of solar cell that uses a perovskite material layer to turn sunlight into electricity. They can be lighter, cheaper, and potentially more efficient than traditional silicon solar cells.

Are perovskite solar cells better than silicon?

In lab tests, perovskite solar cells can reach higher efficiency than standard silicon cells. However, silicon is still better for long-term durability and real-world lifespan, which is why perovskite is not replacing silicon yet.

What is the biggest problem with perovskite solar cells?

The biggest challenge is stability. Perovskite materials can degrade faster when exposed to moisture, heat, and UV light, which can shorten the lifespan compared to silicon panels.

How efficient are perovskite solar cells?

Perovskite solar cells have achieved about 25%+ efficiency in laboratories, and perovskite–silicon tandem cells can exceed 30%. Standard commercial silicon panels are usually around 20–22% efficient.

Are perovskite solar panels available to buy?

Availability is still limited. Some early commercial products and pilot projects exist, but most perovskite solar panels are still in the research and scaling phase.

When will perovskite solar cells be commercially available?

Small-scale products are expected first, while large rooftop and utility-scale panels are commonly predicted within the next 3–5 years, depending on durability improvements and manufacturing scale-up.

What are tandem solar cells?

Tandem solar cells stack two materials—often a perovskite layer on top of a silicon layer—so the panel can capture more of the sunlight spectrum. This is one of the main ways solar efficiency can go beyond what silicon alone can achieve.

Why do perovskite solar cells work better in low light?

Perovskite materials absorb light strongly and can perform well even when sunlight is weaker, such as on cloudy days, mornings/evenings, or indoors—often better than silicon in these conditions.

Final Thoughts

Perovskite solar cells explained simply:
They are a powerful new solar technology that could make solar energy cheaper, lighter, and more efficient.

While challenges remain, ongoing research and investment suggest that perovskite solar cells may shape the future of solar power.