Technoeconomic analysis of perovskite photovoltaic manufacturing for powering telecommunications Towers

Abstract

In recent years, metal halide perovskite solar cells have gained traction as a potential competitor to the mature silicon-based solar cells in terms of both cost and performance. Being a young technology, however, means little is known about its true market value. In order to understand this, it is important to both get an accurate estimate of manufacturing cost and explore potential applications. In this thesis, we develop a Monte Carlo cost analysis method and apply it towards a realistic perovskite module manufacturing sequence today. We determine a nominal cost estimate of $101.7/m2, which for a 15% efficient module comes out to $0.68/W. Compared to silicon, which hovers around $0.40/W, this is rather competitive, since most of the installed system cost comes from non-module components such as installation labor and racking. With the lightweight and flexible form factor of perovskite solar modules, new applications become possible. One such application is the installation of perovskite photovoltaics (PV) vertically on telecommunications towers. Since such towers cannot support the weight of conventional silicon PV, this is a potential market for perovskite PV that silicon cannot satisfy. Using HOMER microgrid simulation software, we determine that it is financially feasible to install vertical PV in countries with high diesel prices and low grid reliability, such as India.