Chile makes solar panels more efficient

Unbelievable? Not really! According to Change Inc. research shows that solar panels work ten percent better if the active ingredient of this kitchen ingredient is mixed with the crystals for solar cells

Sino-Swedish research even shows that capsaicin from peppers increases the efficiency with which solar cells convert sunlight into electricity by as much as ten percent. And that only with a pinch of chili! It is good to know that the tested solar panels use Perovskite solar cells. In theory, these crystals have a higher yield than the most commonly used silicon cells.

Why Perovskite solar cells?Perovskite solar cells are easier to make because it is made by “pouring out a liquid crystal mixture” (Change Inc.). However, this increases the vulnerability, making it less resistant to rain and sun. In the long run, it can therefore result in a decrease in efficiency.

However, if you mix the Perovskite mixture with lead and 0.1 percent capsaicin from peppers, the efficiency increases by 2%! According to the research, this has to do with the electrical properties of capsaicin that ensure that there is contact between the different layers of crystal and therefore electrons flow better through the material.

Then why don’t all solar panels have “spice”?Despite these positive results, capsaicin is unlikely to benefit every solar cell. Testing has now only been carried out with a less used and less environmentally friendly Perovskite solar cell. How capsaicin works as a natural material for environmentally friendly Perovskite solar cells is still unknown.

Research has yet to show whether this natural way of improving solar cells can be made more stable for commercial applications. In any case, we are keeping a close eye on this development and are looking forward to a red Dot solar panel with a little spice!