A hybrid energy harvesting system that simultaneously generates electrical energy and chemical energy with an increased overall energy conversion efficiency is designed. A photovoltaic system together with photosynthesis-executing plants forms the system. The photosynthesis-executing plants are placed directly behind or under the solar cells, but the presence of the solar cells does not affect the photosynthesis process of the plant. The spectral characteristics of the solar cells are tuned to allow for optimal plant growth. To achieve the required spectral absorption, the solar cells are tailored by using a high-band-gap (1.95 eV) mixed-halide perovskite. A guide on how to achieve an efficient hybrid energy-harvesting system is introduced. Furthermore, the suggested solar module enables a simple manufacturing process, which is consistent with the fabrication of most thin-film solar modules.
Keywords: engineered band gap; perovskites; photosynthesis; photovoltaics; solar modules; transparent solar cell.