Original Article

Simulation-based insights into light soaking and light-induced degradation in perovskite solar cells

¹ Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île-de-France (IPVF), Palaiseau, 91120, France
² Institut Photovoltaïque d'Île-de-France (IPVF), UMR 9006, CNRS, École Polytechnique, IP Paris, Chimie Paristech, PSL, Palaiseau, 91120, France
³ School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
⁴ EDF R&D, Palaiseau, 91120, France

^* e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 16 December 2025
Accepted: 11 May 2026
Published online: 11 June 2026

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells have achieved remarkable power conversion efficiencies, yet their long-term stability remains a critical challenge. Progress in understanding this issue can be supported by combining modelling and characterization of the experimental behaviour obtained during ageing. Degradation studies often rely on post-mortem analysis, which is time-intensive, costly, and requires expertise. Here, we present a modelling framework that provides insights into the underlying mechanisms using simple electrical measurements performed during ageing tests. Drift-diffusion and transfer-matrix simulations of the cell optoelectronic response are combined with a genetic algorithm to reproduce the measured JV characteristics. By tracking the evolution of correlations between electrical parameters (V_OC, J_SC and FF), simulated mechanisms are compared with experimental data, enabling discrimination between feasible pathways associated with performance improvement during light soaking and light-induced degradation. These mechanisms are simulated by varying material parameters such as charge-carrier mobilities, doping levels, defect concentrations in the absorber and at the perovskite/transport-layer interfaces, and parasitic resistances. Comparison between experiment and simulation distinguishes mechanisms that are consistent with the measured trajectories from those that are not, while highlighting plausible candidates associated with both performance improvement during light soaking and light-induced degradation, thereby providing new insights into perovskite solar cell stability.