Mexico has witnessed significant advancements in the field of solar energy, but it still lags behind in adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as those utilizing Perovskita solar panels. Meanwhile, countries like Australia are pushing the boundaries of innovation with Kesterita solar panels, which offer a more efficient and sustainable alternative.
Perovskita Solar Panel: High Efficiency, Significant Challenges
Perovskita is a highly promising material for the production of solar panels due to its ability to convert sunlight into electricity with high efficiency, reaching up to 40%. However, this material poses significant challenges, including instability in high-heat or humid climates, which reduces its durability. Moreover, Perovskita contains lead, a toxic substance that can be harmful to the environment if it leaks. Although countries like China have begun marketing Perovskita solar panels, their adoption remains limited, and Mexico, despite having ample sunlight, is far from leveraging this technology due to these challenges.
Kesterita: An Ecological and Sustainable Alternative
Research has unveiled alternative materials like Kesterita, a mineral composed of copper, zinc, tin, and sulfur, which offers a promising option. Kesterita is devoid of toxic substances like lead and is abundant, making it an attractive choice for solar panels. Recently, a team of Australian researchers achieved a breakthrough by creating Kesterita solar panels with an efficiency of 13.2%, surpassing the previous threshold of 11%. This advancement was made possible through a process known as Passivation, which utilizes hydrogen to reduce material defects.
Advantages of Kesterita Over Perovskita
Kesterita has several advantages over Perovskita, primarily in terms of stability and sustainability. Unlike Perovskita, Kesterita is free from toxic materials and has a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process. The materials required for Kesterita, such as copper, zinc, tin, and sulfur, are not only abundant but also cheaper. As Kesterita’s efficiency improves, solar panels based on this material could offer a perfect solution for areas with limited space, such as Mexico, where efficient land use is crucial. Additionally, Kesterita has the potential to be combined with other technologies, like tandem solar panels, to further enhance efficiency. While Mexico has not yet embraced Perovskita solar panels, the global push towards more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, as exemplified by Kesterita, continues to advance, potentially paving the way for a significant leap in solar energy technology.