The EU-funded LUMINOSITY project is advancing the industrialization of flexible perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology, with a strong focus on scalability, sustainability, and real-world deployment. Coordinated by TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research), the project brings together leading European research institutes, universities, and industrial partners to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale innovation and large-scale manufacturing.
LUMINOSITY - short for “Large area uniform industry compatible perovskite solar cell technology” - aims to enable commercially viable production of flexible perovskite photovoltaics using established industrial processes. Central to this effort is the adoption of roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing, targeting module efficiencies above 20% over areas exceeding 900 cm², while advancing the technology readiness level (TRL) to 7.
The project focuses on developing uniform large-area absorber layers, transport layers, and contacts, alongside improving both intrinsic and extrinsic stability of perovskite devices. It also integrates eco-design principles, including life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis, to ensure long-term sustainability and cost competitiveness.
LUMINOSITY’s approach is based on metal-halide perovskites and indium-free device architectures. The resulting modules are fabricated on flexible aluminum foil substrates and can be made semi-transparent through selective removal of the foil, opening new application possibilities.
A key objective is closing the efficiency gap between small-area lab devices and large-area modules. The project has demonstrated that scaling from millimeter-scale cells to modules hundreds of square centimeters in size can be achieved with only minimal performance losses, validating the viability of R2R-compatible materials and processes.
In a recent milestone, LUMINOSITY has delivered what is said to be the world’s first electrically functioning flexible perovskite solar roof tile. Developed by TNO, the innovation integrates a flexible perovskite module onto a curved composite roofing element, demonstrating the technology’s suitability for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).
The curved solar tile achieved a power conversion efficiency of 12.4%, while individual flexible modules reached up to 13.8% prior to integration. Importantly, the bending required for curved applications resulted in only minimal efficiency losses, confirming the robustness of the technology.
This development addresses a key limitation of conventional photovoltaics: their rigidity and limited integration into complex architectural designs. Flexible perovskite modules enable energy generation on curved surfaces and aesthetically sensitive environments, such as urban buildings and heritage sites, without requiring additional land use.
According to Ilker Dogan, Senior Scientist at TNO Solar, this represents a first-of-its-kind achievement in the field of perovskite photovoltaics. The technology also demonstrates compatibility with industrial-scale R2R manufacturing, reinforcing its commercial potential.
LUMINOSITY outlines a complete innovation pathway, progressing from lab-scale devices to 10 × 10 cm modules and ultimately to fully integrated products such as solar roof tiles. The project’s results highlight the feasibility of producing high-performance perovskite modules using scalable, industry-compatible methods.
Beyond technical achievements, the project aims to:
- Increase device lifetime and efficiency while reducing environmental impact
- Expand application scenarios through novel device architectures
- Strengthen Europe’s photovoltaic manufacturing base
- Support energy security and accelerate renewable energy adoption
To further accelerate commercialization, TNO has launched a spin-off company, Perovion Technologies, focused on bringing flexible perovskite solutions to market.
The LUMINOSITY consortium includes a network of European partners: TNO, HZB, Fraunhofer, CNR-ISM, TU Eindhoven, Lund University, TU Delft, AMIRES, InfinityPV, VON ARDENNE, Universiteit Hasselt, LPKF, CUT, and EMPA.
Moving forward, the project will focus on improving module lifetime, reliability, and manufacturability to enable market-ready products. With its demonstrated scalability and unique application potential, LUMINOSITY represents a significant step toward the widespread adoption of flexible perovskite photovoltaics in building-integrated and infrastructure-based energy systems.
