Australian company Halocell uses the first graphene to produce indoor photovoltaic cells

In particular, the coating is likely to be used in Halocell’s upcoming indoor perovskite solar cell module, its first commercially available product. This module can charge various small electronic devices with renewable energy.

Graphene is an alternative option for solar cells with various enhancement features. For example, due to graphene’s exceptional electrical conductivity and thermal properties, there is great potential to improve energy conversion efficiency.

For this reason, graphene-reinforced modules are five times more efficient than conventional silicon solar cells, the manufacturer claims. First Graphene also found that these solar cells are more cost-effective and can reduce production costs by more than 80% by eliminating costly conductive materials such as gold and silver.

Halocell claimed that the first commercially available perovskite solar cell module for indoor applications is imminent.

The aim of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is to support the development of ultra-low-cost photovoltaic systems in the country to help develop renewable energy. ARENA argues that a “30-30-30” solar approach, equivalent to solar module efficiency of 30% and an installation cost of 30 cents per watt by 2030, could help Australia become a renewable energy superpower. It would also mean achieving a stabilized cost of electricity below A$20 ($13.75) per megawatt hour by 2030.

Graphene formulas will enable the use of roll-to-roll dispersion, which is a fast, scalable and cost-effective technique for producing photovoltaic cells. This technique is being researched and developed in cooperation between First Graphene, Halocell Energy and Queensland University of Technology.

Paul Moonie, CEO of Halocell Energy, welcomed the supply agreement with First Graphene, stating that it represents a “significant step forward for Halocell in developing state-of-the-art photovoltaic cells.”

“By leveraging First Graphene’s advanced graphene formulations, we can optimize particle size and surface chemistry, increasing the efficiency and scalability of our solar cells. Integrating these locally supplied materials into our roll-2-roll manufacturing process enables cost-effective, rapid production that will be a game-changer for the solar industry in Australia,” Moonie added.