The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) has announced an initiative to commercialize perovskite solar cells, aiming to move the technology beyond laboratory-scale performance and into large-area mass production.
GIST launched its “Strategic Research Group for the World’s First Commercialization of Perovskite Solar Cells,” marking the start of a coordinated effort to industrialize next-generation photovoltaic technology. The initiative is designed to establish a comprehensive research and development framework spanning materials, device engineering, module fabrication, process optimization, and real-world demonstration.
The newly formed research group aims to address existing bottlenecks by developing integrated solutions that bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial manufacturing. A central objective is the production of large-area modules (0.72 m²), alongside the development of scalable fabrication and demonstration processes required for commercialization.
The initiative brings together a consortium of leading Korean institutions, including Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), KEPCO Research Institute, Gwangju Technopark, and ReSell. This collaboration is intended to create a full-cycle ecosystem covering fundamental research, technology validation, and commercial product development.
According to group leader Prof. Lee Kwang-hee, the commercialization of perovskite solar cells represents a critical milestone in the global transition to renewable energy. The group plans to establish a comprehensive platform encompassing technology development, certification, standardization, industrialization, and investment to secure a competitive edge in the global market.
GIST President Lim Ki-chul emphasized the broader impact of the effort, noting that perovskite solar cells are expected to play a key role in accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral society. He highlighted that the project will leverage close collaboration between academia, industry, and government to ensure seamless, end-to-end R&D and commercialization.
