Perovskite Solar Cells: Structure, Working Principle, Advantages, Efficiency & Future (2026)

 

Introduction

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are among the most promising next-generation photovoltaic technologies. They use a metal-halide perovskite absorber with an ABX3 crystal structure. Since 2009, their certified efficiency has rapidly increased from 3.8% to over 26%, making them one of the fastest-developing solar technologies.

Structure of Perovskite Solar Cell

1. Glass Substrate

Mechanical support and light entry.

2. Transparent Conductive Oxide (ITO/FTO)

Transparent front electrode

3. Electron Transport Layer (TiO2/SnO2)

Extracts electrons

4. Perovskite Absorber Layer

Absorbs sunlight and generates charge carriers.

5. Hole Transport Layer

Extracts holes while blocking electrons

6. Metal Back Contact (Au/Ag)

Collects holes and completes the circuit.

Salient Features

·        Laboratory efficiency exceeds 26%

·        Band gap: 1.2–2.3 eV

·        High absorption coefficient enables very thin films

·        Low-temperature fabrication can reduce manufacturing costs

·        Suitable for tandem solar cells

Advantages

·        High efficiency

·        Low manufacturing cost potential

·        Lightweight and thin-film

·        Excellent low-light performance

Disadvantages

·        Long-term stability challenges

·        Moisture and heat sensitivity

·        Lead toxicity concerns

Applications

Building-integrated photovoltaics, portable electronics, tandem silicon-perovskite modules, and space applications

Conclusion

Perovskite solar cells have emerged as a leading photovoltaic technology due to their exceptional efficiency and low-cost manufacturing potential. Continued research is expected to improve durability and accelerate commercialization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Perovskite Solar Cells?

Perovskite solar cells are next-generation photovoltaic devices that use metal-halide perovskite materials as the light-absorbing layer.

2. How do Perovskite Solar Cells work?

They absorb sunlight in the perovskite layer, generate electrons and holes, and transport them through ETL and HTL to produce electricity.

3. What is the efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells?

Laboratory-certified efficiencies have exceeded 26%.

4. What are the main layers?

Glass substrate, TCO, ETL, perovskite absorber, HTL, and metal back contact.

5. What are the advantages?

High efficiency, lightweight design, low-cost manufacturing potential, and tandem compatibility.

6. What are the disadvantages?

Moisture sensitivity, long-term stability issues, and lead-related concerns

7. Where are Perovskite Solar Cells used?

Building-integrated PV, tandem modules, portable electronics, and research applications

8. Can they replace silicon solar cells?

They are expected to complement silicon, especially in tandem solar cells.

9. Why are they important?

They promise higher efficiencies with potentially lower production costs.

10. What is the future scope?

Improved durability and commercial-scale production are expected to drive adoption.

 

 

FAME II Scheme Explained – Objectives, Incentives & Benefits

FAME II Scheme: Complete Guide to India’s Electric Vehicle Policy

The FAME II Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) is one of India’s most significant initiatives to promote electric mobility and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The scheme encourages the adoption of electric vehicles through financial incentives, charging infrastructure development, and support for domestic manufacturing.

The Government of India launched this scheme to accelerate the transition towards clean transportation while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the FAME II Scheme?

The FAME II Scheme is the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME India) programme. It was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 28 February 2019.

The scheme focuses on:

·        Promoting electric vehicles

·        Supporting EV manufacturing

·        Developing charging infrastructure

·        Reducing fuel imports

·        Encouraging sustainable transportation

Duration of FAME II Scheme

·        Launch Year: 2019

·        Duration: 5 Years

·        Total Budget Allocation: ₹10,000 Crore

·   Nodal Agencies: Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Objectives of the FAME II Scheme

The major objectives include:

·        Encourage faster adoption of electric vehicles.

·        Strengthen India’s EV manufacturing ecosystem.

·        Reduce dependence on imported crude oil.

·        Lower greenhouse gas emissions.

·        Improve urban air quality.

·        Develop nationwide EV charging infrastructure.

·        Generate employment in the clean energy sector.

Strategic Goals of FAME II

The government has set ambitious goals under the scheme:

·        Achieve 30% electric vehicle penetration by 2030.

·        Increase investment in EV manufacturing and research.

·        Electrify public transport, including buses and three-wheelers.

·        Promote indigenous manufacturing through localization.

·        Position India as a global EV manufacturing hub.

Vehicle Deployment Targets

The FAME II Scheme supports large-scale deployment of electric vehicles across multiple categories.

Vehicle Category	Target
Electric Buses	7,090
Electric Three-Wheelers	5,00,000
Electric Four-Wheelers	35,000
Electric Two-Wheelers	10,00,000
Total Vehicles	Approximately 15.4 lakh

 

Charging Infrastructure Targets

To support EV adoption, the scheme includes extensive charging infrastructure development.

Key targets include:

·        Around 2,700 public charging stations

·        Charging station every 3 km in major cities

·        Charging station every 25 km on highways

·        Fast-charging corridors on major expressways

·        Smart grid-connected charging stations

Financial Allocation under FAME II

The ₹10,000 crore budget is distributed as follows:

Category	Allocation
Demand Incentives	₹8,596 Crore
Charging Infrastructure	₹1,000 Crore
Administration & Capacity Building	Remaining Budget

 FAME II Incentive Structure

Eligible electric vehicle buyers receive upfront subsidies based on battery capacity.

Electric Two-Wheelers (e-2W)

·        ₹15,000 per kWh

·        Maximum subsidy: ₹40,000

·        Minimum 40% localization required

Electric Three-Wheelers (e-3W)

·        ₹10,000 per kWh

·        Maximum subsidy: ₹50,000

·        Commercial vehicles only

Electric Four-Wheelers (e-4W)

·        ₹10,000 per kWh

·        Maximum subsidy: ₹1.5 lakh

·        Commercial and fleet vehicles only

Electric Buses

·        Up to ₹50 lakh subsidy per bus

·        Applicable for government procurement

Localization Requirements

The scheme encourages domestic manufacturing.

Major localization requirements include:

·        Motors

·        Motor Controllers

·        On-board Chargers

·        Battery Packs

·        Locally manufactured EV components

Vehicles failing to meet localization norms are not eligible for incentives.

Additional Benefits of FAME II Scheme

The policy also offers several additional benefits:

·        GST on EVs reduced from 12% to 5%

·        GST on EV chargers reduced to 5%

·        Income tax deduction up to ₹1.5 lakh under Section 80EEB

·        Road tax exemption in many states

·        Priority procurement of EVs by government departments

·        Financial support for charging infrastructure

Expected Impact of FAME II

The scheme is expected to create significant environmental and economic benefits.

Fuel Savings

Approximately 9.5 billion litres of fuel savings.

Reduction in Carbon Emissions

Around 2.5 crore tonnes of CO2 emissions expected to be reduced.

Employment Generation

Approximately 10 lakh direct and indirect jobs.

Foreign Exchange Savings

Reduction in crude oil imports leading to substantial foreign exchange savings.

Industry Growth

Private investment of over ₹50,000 crore expected in India’s EV ecosystem.

Advantages of the FAME II Scheme

·        Faster EV adoption

·        Cleaner environment

·        Lower fuel imports

·        Reduced pollution

·        Increased employment

·        Improved charging infrastructure

·        Growth of domestic EV manufacturing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the full form of FAME II?

FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India.

Who launched the FAME II Scheme?

The Government of India launched the FAME II Scheme under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

What is the budget of the FAME II Scheme?

The total financial outlay is ₹10,000 crore.

Who can receive FAME II incentives?

Eligible buyers of approved electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and electric buses that satisfy localization requirements.

What is the main objective of the FAME II Scheme?

The primary objective is to accelerate electric vehicle adoption while promoting clean transportation and domestic EV manufacturing.

Conclusion

The FAME II Scheme represents a major milestone in India’s transition toward sustainable transportation. Through financial incentives, charging infrastructure, localization requirements, and manufacturing support, the scheme aims to accelerate EV adoption across the country. As India moves toward its clean energy goals, FAME II continues to play a vital role in reducing emissions, creating employment, and building a strong electric mobility ecosystem.

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