Perovskite solar tested at over 5,000 m altitude

Japanese building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar module manufacturer Monochrome has announced that its perovskite solar technology will undergo an extreme-environment field trial at an altitude of more than 5,000 meters in Pakistan.

The company’s perovskite prototype will be used by Japanese alpine climber Yudai Suzuki during an expedition to the K2 Base Camp/Concordia area in Pakistan’s Karakoram region, at an altitude of approximately 5,150 meters.

The prototype will not simply be transported to the mountain for testing. It will be integrated into the expedition’s power system and used to support practical applications, including satellite communications and equipment charging.

“In the world of mountaineering, gear must be more than just lightweight and user-friendly; it is crucial that it functions reliably without fail, no matter how harsh the conditions,” Suzuki said in a press release issued by Monochrome. “I am very excited to see how this next-generation energy technology performs in an environment fraught with such uncertainty.”

The field trial is intended to collect performance data on the prototype, including its durability and power-generation characteristics, under demanding off-grid conditions, Monochrome said. The company added that these characteristics are also important for materials intended for building applications.

Following the expedition, Monochrome plans to recover the prototype and assess its power-generation data and any signs of physical deterioration. The initial evaluation is expected to be completed within approximately six months.

Monochrome did not disclose further technical details about the perovskite cell technology, including its cell architecture, efficiency, materials or manufacturing partner.

The company currently produces BIPV products based on crystalline-silicon technology. Its existing product portfolio includes roof- and wall-integrated photovoltaic systems.