Tracing the history of photovoltaics one can identify key innovations along the way including the development of the diffused silicon solar cell, the emergence of higher efficiency silicon solar cells such as heterojunction, and the emergence of thin film materials. The latest perovskites have emerged as the best option for future high efficiency. These advances when combined with productivity improvements have dramatically driven down the cost of PV-generated energy. The investment profile tells a very different story. Global events have distorted the motivation to decarbonize with energy security toppling the climate crisis for investments. We will comment on how this may impact the drive to net zero. For completeness, the investment needed to scale perovskite technology will be presented.

Tracing the history of photovoltaics one can identify key innovations along the way including the development of the diffused silicon solar cell, the emergence of higher efficiency silicon solar cells such as heterojunction, and the emergence of thin film materials. The latest perovskites have emerged as the best option for future high efficiency. These advances when combined with productivity improvements have dramatically driven down the cost of PV-generated energy. The investment profile tells a very different story. Global events have distorted the motivation to decarbonize with energy security toppling the climate crisis for investments. We will comment on how this may impact the drive to net zero. For completeness, the investment needed to scale perovskite technology will be presented.