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New Advances in Material, Performance and Design of Solar Cells

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "D2: Electrochem: Batteries, Fuel Cells, Capacitors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 August 2026 | Viewed by 13595

Editors


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Guest Editor
Materials and Generation Technologies Department, RSE, Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico, Via Callegari 21, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
Interests: materials chemistry; III-V compound semiconductors, multi-junction solar cells; X-ray diffraction; atomic force microscopy; X-ray absorption spectroscopy

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Materials and Generation Technologies Department, RSE, Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico, Via Callegari 21, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
Interests: optoelectronics; energy engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to gather insightful papers on recent advancements regarding the “New Advances in Material, Performance and Design of Solar Cells”.

In recent years, the growing energy demand, together with the need to tackle carbon dioxide reduction targets, has boosted research aimed at identifying sustainable, efficient and large-scale-application strategies. Photovoltaic technologies have attracted vivid attention due to the inexhaustibility of its source, and many efforts have been dedicated to improve performances and reduce costs, with focuses on both materials and conceptual designs. The main challenges deal with (i) chemical formulation, (ii) synthetic and post-process approach, and (iii) adaptation to the different environmental conditions, such as spatial, urban, building, agricultural and offshore. This Special Issue welcomes contributions ranging from frontier studies, including novel promising materials, synthesis and characterization techniques, to applied research considering industrial interests.

We therefore encourage works focused on, but not be limited to, the following aspects:

  • Novel photovoltaic materials (both inorganic and organic);
  • Novel conversion approaches;
  • Multijunction and tandem solar cells;
  • Innovative concentrators;
  • Technology cost reduction;
  • Synthetic pathways;
  • Post-processing methods;
  • Characterization techniques;
  • Theoretical and computational modelling;
  • Space or terrestrial applications;
  • Building and architectural implementation;
  • Reliability and implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment .

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Elisabetta Achilli
Dr. Mario V. Imperatore
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • solar cells
  • synthesis
  • materials
  • post processing
  • simulations
  • characterization
  • application

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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33 pages, 3736 KB  
Article
Modelling of Selected Algorithms for Maximum Power Point Tracking in Photovoltaic Panels
by Grzegorz Trzmiel, Jarosław Jajczyk, Jan Szulta, Norbert Chamier-Gliszczynski and Waldemar Woźniak
Energies 2025, 18(19), 5223; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18195223 - 1 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1154
Abstract
The main focus of this article is the simulation and analysis of the operating principles of selected maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for photovoltaic panels, as well as a comparison of various techniques used to address this challenge. The article discusses the [...] Read more.
The main focus of this article is the simulation and analysis of the operating principles of selected maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for photovoltaic panels, as well as a comparison of various techniques used to address this challenge. The article discusses the underlying rationale for the necessity of identifying the operating point at which a photovoltaic panel delivers maximum power. In addition to the theoretical description, the algorithms were classified, and in the simulation section, the most popular and widely used MPPT algorithms were implemented and compared in the MATLAB 24.11 (R2024a) environment. The application of appropriate solutions among the modelled and tested algorithms enables improved efficiency of photovoltaic cells within panels or larger photovoltaic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Material, Performance and Design of Solar Cells)
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Review

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25 pages, 11070 KB  
Review
Beyond CdS: Buffer Layers, Front Interfaces and Junction Engineering in p-Type Thin-Film Solar Cells
by Stefano Pasini, Sara Russo, Muhammad Kashif and Alessio Bosio
Energies 2026, 19(15), 3484; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19153484 - 24 Jul 2026
Viewed by 221
Abstract
Cadmium sulfide has been widely used as a conventional n-type window/buffer layer or heterojunction partner in several p-type thin-film solar cells, including CdTe/CdSeTe-, chalcopyrite-, kesterite-, antimony chalcogenide-, tin sulfide- and iron pyrite-based devices. Its success is related to its ability to form suitable [...] Read more.
Cadmium sulfide has been widely used as a conventional n-type window/buffer layer or heterojunction partner in several p-type thin-film solar cells, including CdTe/CdSeTe-, chalcopyrite-, kesterite-, antimony chalcogenide-, tin sulfide- and iron pyrite-based devices. Its success is related to its ability to form suitable heterojunctions, partially passivate absorber surfaces and provide favorable electronic selectivity. However, the parasitic absorption associated with the relatively narrow band gap of CdS, the toxicity and waste-management issues related to cadmium-containing auxiliary layers and the need for improved band alignment have motivated extensive research on CdS-free window and buffer layers. This review summarizes the main efforts devoted to replacing CdS in thin-film solar cells based on absorbers such as CdTe/CdSeTe, CIS, CIGS, CZTS, CZTSe, CZTSSe, Sb2S3, Sb2Se3, Sb2(S,Se)3, SnS and FeS2. The most investigated alternative materials, including Zn(O,S), ZnS, In2S3, ZnMgO, ZnSnO, TiO2, SnO2 and SnS2, are discussed with emphasis on their optical properties, band alignment, interface quality, deposition methods and impact on device performance. The analysis highlights that CdS replacement cannot be treated as a universal material substitution problem. Instead, each absorber and device architecture requires a specific front-interface design, where chemical compatibility, conduction band offset, defect passivation, optical transparency and process-induced interfacial modifications play a decisive role. CdS-free approaches are relatively mature for CdTe/CdSeTe- and CIGS-based solar cells, whereas kesterite absorbers, antimony chalcogenides and SnS still require further interface engineering. In FeS2, by contrast, buffer-layer substitution remains secondary to the control of intrinsic surface and bulk electronic defects. This review provides a concise comparison of the most relevant CdS-free front/window materials and identifies key challenges for the future design of sustainable thin-film solar cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Material, Performance and Design of Solar Cells)
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58 pages, 6750 KB  
Review
Application of Agrivoltaic Technology for the Synergistic Integration of Agricultural Production and Electricity Generation
by Dorota Bugała, Artur Bugała, Grzegorz Trzmiel, Andrzej Tomczewski, Leszek Kasprzyk, Jarosław Jajczyk, Dariusz Kurz, Damian Głuchy, Norbert Chamier-Gliszczynski, Agnieszka Kurdyś-Kujawska and Waldemar Woźniak
Energies 2026, 19(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/en19010102 - 24 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1958
Abstract
The growing global demand for food and energy requires land-use strategies that support agricultural production and renewable energy generation. Agrivoltaic (APV) systems allow farmland to be used for both agriculture and solar power generation. The aim of this study is to critically synthesize [...] Read more.
The growing global demand for food and energy requires land-use strategies that support agricultural production and renewable energy generation. Agrivoltaic (APV) systems allow farmland to be used for both agriculture and solar power generation. The aim of this study is to critically synthesize the interactions between the key dimensions of APV implementation—technical, agronomic, legal, and economic—in order to create a multidimensional framework for designing an APV optimization model. The analysis covers APV system topologies, appropriate types of photovoltaic modules, installation geometry, shading conditions, and micro-environmental impacts. The paper categorizes quantitative indicators and critical thresholds that define trade-offs between energy production and crop yields, including a discussion of shade-tolerant crops (such as lettuce, clover, grapevines, and hops) that are most compatible with APV. Quantitative aspects were integrated in detail through a review of mathematical approaches used to predict yields (including exponential-linear, logistic, Gompertz, and GENECROP models). These models are key to quantitatively assessing the impact of photovoltaic modules on the light balance, thus enabling the simultaneous estimation of energy efficiency and yields. Technical solutions that enhance synthesis, such as dynamic tracking systems, which can increase energy production by up to 25–30% while optimizing light availability for crops, are also discussed. Additionally, the study examines regional legal frameworks and the economic factors influencing APV deployment, highlighting key challenges such as land use classification, grid connection limitations, investment costs and the absence of harmonised APV policies in many countries. It has been shown that APV systems can increase water retention, mitigate wind erosion, strengthen crop resilience to extreme weather conditions, and reduce the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) compared to small rooftop PV systems. A key contribution of the work is the creation of a coherent analytical design framework that integrates technical, agronomic, legal and economic requirements as the most important input parameters for the APV system optimization model. This indicates that wider implementation of APV requires clear regulatory definitions, standardized design criteria, and dedicated support mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Material, Performance and Design of Solar Cells)
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26 pages, 2010 KB  
Review
Development of High-Efficiency and High-Stability Perovskite Solar Cells with Space Environmental Resistance
by Donghwan Yun, Youngchae Cho, Hyeseon Shin and Gi-Hwan Kim
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3378; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133378 - 27 Jun 2025
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8857
Abstract
The rapid growth of the private space industry has intensified the demand for lightweight, efficient, and cost-effective photovoltaic technologies. Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer high power conversion efficiency (PCE), mechanical flexibility, and low-temperature solution processability, making them strong candidates for next-generation [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of the private space industry has intensified the demand for lightweight, efficient, and cost-effective photovoltaic technologies. Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer high power conversion efficiency (PCE), mechanical flexibility, and low-temperature solution processability, making them strong candidates for next-generation space power systems. However, exposure to extreme thermal cycling, high-energy radiation, vacuum, and ultraviolet light in space leads to severe degradation. This study addresses these challenges by introducing three key design strategies: self-healing perovskite compositions that recover from radiation-induced damage, gradient buffer layers that mitigate mechanical stress caused by thermal expansion mismatch, and advanced encapsulation that serves as a multifunctional barrier against space environmental stressors. These approaches enhance device resilience and operational stability in space. The design strategies discussed in this review are expected to support long-term power generation for low-cost satellites, high-altitude platforms, and deep-space missions. Additionally, insights gained from this research are applicable to terrestrial environments with high radiation or temperature extremes. Perovskite solar cells represent a transformative solution for space photovoltaics, offering a pathway toward scalable, flexible, and radiation-tolerant energy systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Advances in Material, Performance and Design of Solar Cells)
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