Performance and Hysteresis Characterization of Building-Integrated Halide Perovskite Solar Modules. A Multiscale Computational Study

Abstract

This thesis investigates the performance and hysteresis behaviour of building-integrated halide perovskite solar modules (BIPV PSCs) under various environmental conditions. With perovskite solar cells emerging as promising third-generation photovoltaic technology due to their high efficiency, scalability, and relatively low production costs, their integration into building surfaces offers significant potential for renewable energy generation. However, the real-world application of BIPV PSCs is hindered by environmental sensitivity, such as susceptibility to temperature fluctuations, moisture, and UV exposure, which can degrade efficiency and stability over time.
The study focuses on a case building located in Córdoba, Spain, and uses a multiscale computational modelling framework to assess the impact of environmental factors—wind speed, solar irradiance, and ambient temperature—on the thermal, electrical, and optical performance of perovskite modules at different scales (cell, module, and building). By simulating two distinct periods, January and July, the research captures seasonal effects on module performance, with simulations indicating how higher solar intensity and ambient temperatures in summer influence both efficiency and hysteresis characteristics.
At the cell scale, the Optical-Electrical-Thermal (OET) model was applied to examine perovskite layers' response to sunlight absorption, charge transport, and heat dissipation. Module-scale modelling then captured the scaling impact, such as cell-to-module losses due to resistive and interconnective inefficiencies. Lastly, the building-scale modelling quantified forced convective heat transfer and solar radiation impact on energy output, factoring in variable facade orientations and seasonal conditions. Results reveal distinct hysteresis patterns, showing higher hysteresis factors in winter compared to summer across all building orientations, with noticeable peaks on South, East, and West facades. Seasonal differences were evident in critical performance metrics such as power conversion efficiency (PCE), short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and fill factor (FF). In particular, PCE was observed to fluctuate significantly, with peak values occurring during optimal solar irradiance conditions, though efficiency dropped under extreme temperatures and high wind speeds, which introduced additional convective losses. Short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) also varied with seasonal changes, exhibiting lower values in winter due to reduced sunlight intensity. Fill factor (FF), which indicates the quality of the solar cell’s output characteristics, was found to be sensitive to both resistive losses at the module scale and environmental factors, resulting in FF declines in fluctuating wind and temperature conditions.
At the module scale, power losses due to resistive effects and cell-to-module interconnect inefficiencies were significant, further reducing PCE and overall energy output. These resistive losses were particularly pronounced at higher temperatures and during peak irradiance, suggesting that while building-integrated perovskite modules can achieve high efficiencies under certain conditions, environmental resilience improvements are needed for consistent performance. This study’s findings underscore that while BIPV PSCs offer substantial potential for enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, challenges such as hysteresis, power losses, and environmental resilience must be addressed to unlock their full viability in real-world applications.

Popular Abstract

Buildings are responsible for a significant portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce this environmental impact, the construction sector must turn toward renewable energy technologies that can be integrated into buildings. One of the most promising solutions is Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), where PV can become part of the building envelope itself, such as façades, windows or roofs. Among emerging photovoltaic technologies, perovskite solar cells are getting significant attention due to their high efficiency, low manufacturing cost, lightweight structure, and ability to work under different light conditions.

Despite their rapid technological development, perovskite solar cells still face important challenges before they can be widely used in real buildings. Their performance is highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, solar radiation, wind, humidity, and UV exposure. In addition, a phenomenon called hysteresis occurs in these solar cells, where the electrical performance changes depending on how the voltage is scanned during operation. This instability makes it difficult to accurately determine the real efficiency of the cells and creates uncertainty regarding their long-term reliability in outdoor conditions.






This study investigates how environmental conditions influence the performance and hysteresis behaviour of building-integrated halide perovskite solar modules. The research focuses on a case-study building located in Córdoba, Spain, where simulations were performed during winter and summer periods to evaluate seasonal effects.

A multiscale computational framework was used to analyse the solar modules at three different scales: cell scale, module scale, and building scale.
At the cell scale, the research studied how sunlight absorption, electrical charge transport, and heat generation affect the operation of the perovskite solar cells. At the module scale, the study examined how performance losses appear when small laboratory cells are interconnected into larger solar modules. Finally, at the building scale, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and solar radiation models were used to simulate realistic outdoor conditions, including wind flow, façade orientation, ambient temperature, and solar irradiance.

The results show that environmental conditions strongly affect the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar modules. Higher solar irradiance generally improved electricity generation, while excessive temperatures and strong wind conditions increased thermal and convective








losses, reducing the overall efficiency of the
modules. Seasonal differences were also observed. In addition, important photovoltaic parameters such as power conversion efficiency (PCE), open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), and fill factor (FF) varied significantly depending on weather conditions and façade orientation.

The study also shows that scaling up from individual solar cells to larger modules introduces additional power losses caused by electrical resistance and interconnection inefficiencies. These losses become more pronounced under high temperatures and intense solar radiation, demonstrating the need for improved module design and better environmental resilience.

Overall, this research demonstrates that building-integrated perovskite solar cells have significant potential to contribute to sustainable and energy-efficient buildings. However, there are challenges such us hysteresis, thermal stability, environmental degradation, and scalability which must be addressed before these technologies can be fully commercialized and reliably integrated into future buildings. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for improving the design, durability, and real-world performance of next-generation photovoltaic systems and support the ongoing transition toward climate-neutral buildings and renewable energy integration.

• author: Morales Semper, Alberto
• supervisor: Maning Liu
• organization: Division of Energy and Building Design
• course: AEBM01 20241
• year: 2026
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• language: English
• id: 9232715
• date added to LUP: 2026-06-08 11:51:57
• date last changed: 2026-06-08 11:51:57