Bifacial solar cells (BFSCs) are designed to enhance electrical power generation per unit area compared to traditional monofacial cells. They accomplish this by capturing sunlight from both the front and rear surfaces.

Our world is facing an environmental crisis that is driving scientists to research green and smart solutions in terms of the use of renewable energy sources and low polluting technologies. In this framework, photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most worthy of interest. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are innovative PV devices known for their encouraging features of low cost and easy fabrication, good response to diffuse light and colour tunability. All these features make DSSCs technology suitable for being applied to the so-called agrovoltaic field, taking into account their dual role of filtering light and supporting energy needs. In this project, we used 40 DSSC Z-series connected modules with the aim of combining the devices’ high conversion efficiency, transparency and robustness in order to test them in a greenhouse. A maximum conversion efficiency of 3.9% on a 221 cm² active area was achieved with a transparency in the module’s aperture (312.9 cm²) area of 35%. Moreover, different modules were stressed at two different temperature conditions, 60 °C and 85 °C, and under light soaking at the maximum power point, showing a strong and robust stability for 1000 h. We assembled the fabricated modules to form ten panels to filter the light from the roof of the greenhouse. We carried out panel measurements in outdoor and greenhouse environments in both sunny and cloudy conditions to find clear trends in efficiency behaviour. A maximum panel efficiency in outdoor conditions of 3.83% was obtained in clear and sunny sky conditions.

Efficient semi‐transparent solar cells can extend the adoption of photovoltaics beyond standard utility‐scale, commercial, or residential applications. Halide perovskites are particularly suitable in this respect owing to their tunable bandgap. The main drawbacks in the development of transparent perovskite solar cells are the high open‐circuit voltage (V_oc) deficit and the difficulties in depositing high‐quality thin films over large area substrates, given the low solubility of bromide and chloride precursors. In this work, passivation strategies are developed for the high bandgap Br perovskite able to reduce charge recombination and consequently improve the V_oc. The study demonstrates 1 cm² perovskite solar cells with V_oc up to 1.73 V (1.83 eV Quasi Fermi Level Splitting) and a PCE of 8.1%. The average visible transmittance (AVT) exceeds 70% by means of a bifacial light management and a record light utilization efficiency (LUE) of 5.72 is achieved. Moreover, the potential use of the technology is evaluated toward Internet of Things (IoT) application owing to a bifaciality factor of 87% along with 17% PCE under indoor lighting. Finally, the up‐scaling is demonstrated by fabricating 20 cm² active area modules with PCE of 7.3% and V_oc per cell up to 1.65 V.

The extensive use of perovskites as light absorbers calls for a deeper understanding of the interaction of these materials with light. Here, the evolution of the chemical and optoelectronic properties of formamidinium lead tri‐bromide (FAPbBr₃) films is tracked under the soft X‐ray beam of a high‐brilliance synchrotron source by photoemission spectroscopy and micro‐photoluminescence. Two contrasting processes are at play during the irradiation. The degradation of the material manifests with the formation of Pb⁰ metallic clusters, loss of gaseous Br₂, decrease and shift of the photoluminescence emission. The recovery of the photoluminescence signal for prolonged beam exposure times is ascribed to self‐healing of FAPbBr₃, thanks to the re‐oxidation of Pb⁰ and migration of FA⁺ and Br⁻ ions. This scenario is validated on FAPbBr₃ films treated by Ar⁺ ion sputtering. The degradation/self‐healing effect, which is previously reported for irradiation up to the ultraviolet regime, has the potential of extending the lifetime of X‐ray detectors based on perovskites.

The use of traditional Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is limited due to the use of toxic and non-environmentally safe solvents. In this review, water is proposed as a viable alternative to developing green chemistry and sustainable materials for DSSCs. However, water-based DSSCs (WBDSSCs) require improvement in their photovoltaic parameters. The detachment of dye molecules from the semiconductor and the poor solubility of iodine in water are the primary reasons for their low efficiency. This review analyzes the best results achieved by 100% aqueous electrolytes containing synthetic, organic, and natural dyes to identify the best conditions to overcome these limitations. Developing a suitable photoanode/electrolyte interface and finding a compromise in the choice of dye are the main research goals in the coming years. WBDSSCs can contribute significantly to producing clean energy using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, here we report the state of the art of the emerging technology of underwater dye-sensitized solar cells, which are a promising technology for generating renewable energy in aquatic environments. Recent advancements in material science and device engineering have shown promising results in enhancing their efficiency and durability. Further research and development can make these devices a viable alternative for sustainable energy generation in a wide range of underwater applications.