Research Areas

Aydin Research Group at LMU Munich is focusing on the development of multijunction solar cells, specifically perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells and all-perovskite tandem solar cells. 

Terrestrial Photovoltaics

Our research plan involves exploring different configurations of tandem solar cells, such as 2T and 4T setups, and the emerging concept such as beyond dual junction tandems (e.g., triple junctions) as well as bifacial tandems aimed at high energy yield and stability. Our group's primary focuses are (1) perovskite/silicon and (2) all-perovskite tandem solar cells, however, we are not bounded by these concepts.

Additionally, our group highlights the need for extensive testing protocols to ensure the long-term reliability of perovskite/silicon tandem modules, including specific aging tests defined by IEC and ISOS protocols like damp heat, thermal cycling, MPPT at elevated temperatures, and PID testing. Relatedly, we give high importance to the development of module packaging, and encapsulation, The group collaborates with various prestigious institutions, universities, consortia, and companies globally to advance the development and industrialization of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, aiming to achieve high efficiency and reliability for widespread adoption in the solar energy market.

Extraterrestrial Photovoltaics

Space photovoltaics involve the utilization of solar cells in outer space to generate electrical power. These photovoltaic systems are crucial for powering spacecraft and satellites, offering a reliable and sustainable energy source amidst the vastness of space. They play a vital role in enabling long-duration space missions, providing power for communication, navigation, scientific research, and various other functions essential for space exploration. 

So far, our space utilisation has been limited to only a few purposes, such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, and navigation. Therefore, the demand for PVs – the major power source of spacecraft – was limited. The recent privatization of the space sector has resulted in significant cost reductions (~23 times) for rocket launches in the last decade. One suite of technologies enabled by this transformation of the space sector is the mega satellite constellation projects (OneWeb, Starlink, and the European Union’s mega constellation) for broadband internet access. These projects plan to launch >100,000 satellites to low earth orbit (LEO) in space (17 times today’s total).

After the significant reduction in rocket launching costs, photovoltaic requirements change from high-cost-low demand to low-cost-high demand in this new space era. Dr. Aydin recently received a prestigious ERC Starting Grant to work in this direction. In this project, ultra-efficient multijunction perovskite-based tandem solar cells will be developed and realized in real space conditions. The potential outcomes of the project will make feasible several technological advancements for the benefit of humankind in the upcoming years.