Towards enabling stable lead halide perovskite solar cells; interplay between structural, environmental, and thermal stability

Metal halide perovskite solar cells are rapidly becoming increasingly competitive with conventional PV technologies. While their efficiencies have been often touted as exceptional, they have received a lot of criticism for an apparent lack of stability. This perspective describes some of the most pressing stability concerns facing perovskite solar cells, and describes some of the recent advances made in this area. We will demonstrate that the solutions to the areas of structural, thermal, and environmental stability are closely linked, and that rational design of the perovskite and careful encapsulation can result in efficient and stable perovskite solar cells. We will conclude with some very promising results, demonstrating perovskite solar cells passing an IEC damp heat stability test. Rational design approaches bring perovskite solar cells closer to meeting industrial stability criteria.