Photovoltaic energy issues
Nanostructures for inorganic photovoltaic cells

Initially developed in the context of space conquest or for military purposes, photovoltaic devices have evolved in the space of just a few decades from small backup power generators to massive electricity production facilities. Historically, the first reason was purely strategic: in regions where electricity grids are unstable, small photovoltaic power plants coupled with storage facilities make for greater energy independence and greater resilience to power cuts. Since the mid-2000s, a second reason has emerged: the imperative to produce low-carbon electricity to mitigate climate change.

In fact, in 2018, 73% of the greenhouse gases emitted by human activities came from the production and use of energy.