The solar industry is constantly chasing after the next big thing, and right now, that thing is perovskites. These shiny little materials are being touted as the solution to all our solar energy woes, promising to make traditional silicon technology obsolete. But before we all jump on the bandwagon, let’s take a closer look at the reality behind this glittery facade.

Perovskites aren’t a new discovery. In fact, countless other companies have been trying to make non-silicon solar modules using these materials for years, with billions of dollars already invested. And yet, here we are, still waiting for the commercial debut promised by these startups. It’s like waiting for a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow – a lot of hype, but no tangible results.

The thing that gets me about this is the blind faith these companies and their CEOs have in the potential of perovskites, despite the lack of long-term stability data and the fact that insurers are not yet willing to cover these risky endeavors. But hey, why bother with minor details when we have low-cost printing processes and the promise of cheap solar panels? Because who needs reliability when you can chase after the next big thing?

But let’s not forget the real reason behind all this hype – money. These startups have raised millions, even billions, in funding from investors who are more interested in chasing trends than actually making a difference in the solar industry. And while they keep betting on the success of perovskites, the rest of us are left wondering if we should even bother with this fad.

So, let’s not get caught up in the glitter and glamour of perovskites. While they may have potential, the reality is that we need to focus on improving other aspects of solar technology instead of constantly chasing after shiny new materials. After all, when it comes to sustainable energy, reliable and tried-and-true beats fancy and untested any day.