Advances in High-Efficiency Solar Photovoltaic Materials: A Comprehensive Review of Perovskite and Tandem Cell Technologies

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a revolutionary photovoltaic technology due to their exceptional power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), tunable optoelectronic properties, and low-cost fabrication methods. Over the past decade, significant advancements have been made in efficiency optimization, stability improvements, tandem architectures, light management strategies, and industrial scalability, making PSCs a strong contender against traditional silicon photovoltaics. This systematic review examines 164 peer-reviewed studies, encompassing the latest developments in material engineering, device architecture innovations, lifecycle assessment, and commercialization pathways. The findings highlight that perovskite PV efficiencies have surpassed 25% in single-junction cells and exceeded 29% in perovskite-silicon tandem configurations, positioning them as a next-generation photovoltaic solution. However, stability challenges remain a primary obstacle, with environmental stressors such as moisture, UV exposure, thermal instability, and ion migration contributing to performance degradation. Recent research has addressed these concerns through advanced encapsulation techniques, defect passivation strategies, and two-dimensional (2D) perovskite surface modifications, significantly improving operational longevity. Additionally, light management techniques, including anti-reflective coatings, photonic crystal structures, and plasmonic nanoparticles, have enhanced optical absorption and charge carrier dynamics, further optimizing device performance. From a sustainability perspective, perovskite solar cells demonstrate a significantly lower carbon footprint and an energy payback time (EPBT) of less than one year, making them an environmentally favorable alternative to silicon-based photovoltaics. Despite their low-temperature processing advantages and cost-effectiveness, challenges related to lead toxicity, recyclability, and large-scale production consistency must be resolved for commercial viability. The economic feasibility assessment within the reviewed literature suggests that the cost per watt (CPW) of PSCs is expected to decline below 0. 30/W, making them highly competitive with CdTe and CIGS thin-film photovoltaics. Pilot-scale production and real-world performance testing have demonstrated promising efficiency retention under outdoor conditions, reinforcing their industrial feasibility. Moving forward, collaborative efforts among academia, industry leaders, and policymakers will be essential to standardizing manufacturing processes, improving material sustainability, and ensuring long-term operational stability. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent progress, existing challenges, and potential research directions, offering valuable insights for researchers, engineers, and industry stakeholders working toward the commercialization of high-efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells.