Commercialization

Researchers at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and the UK's University of Oxford have asserted that while perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells are highly promising, the intrinsic multilayer device design presents challenges in complexity, which can be a drawback in future mass production. To this end, they developed a TiO_x layer (∼3–5 nm) grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD), that enables a series interconnection of a perovskite n-i-p top cell with a silicon wafer directly. 

A photo of the tandem solar cell fabricated on a 25 mm × 25 mm Si substrate. Image from: Small

The TiO_x layer serves as an all-in-one interconnect, fulfilling the functions of silicon surface passivation, hole extraction from silicon, and recombination junction at the top/bottom cell interface. As a result, a proof-of-concept 22.4%-efficient tandem device was demonstrated. Furthermore, an improved PCE of 26.5% was achieved by capping the TiOx with a thin ALD-TiNy layer (∼4 nm). 

AISIN Corporation launched an in-house demonstration of perovskite solar cells at its Anjo Plant in March 2025. AISIN is an automotive component supplier, and part of a public-private group launched by the Japanese Government with the aim of commercializing flexible perovskite solar cells, that includes around 150 public and private entities working together to accelerate the adoption of such cells.

Completed installation visual. Image credit: AISIN

AISIN’s perovskite solar cells are said to feature high power efficiency, which is realized through more than 20 years of R&D on solar cells, and high durability, which is derived from a proprietary film structure using thin glass by leveraging the manufacturing capabilities cultivated in the manufacture of automotive components.

Anker has reportedly unveiled its first solar umbrella at CES 2025, designed to charge electronic devices — like coolers or phones — while outdoors. To do so, Anker’s product makes use of perovskite solar cells. 

Image from: techcrunch

Anker announced this umbrella alongside several other new products at CES 2025, including the second generation of its EverFrost electric cooler for which the umbrella can be viewed as a complementary accessory, as it can be attached to the cooler to power it. 

Japan's industry ministry is reportedly promoting the use of perovskite solar cells to cover 20 gigawatts of electricity — the equivalent of 20 nuclear reactors — in 2040, officials said. The plan is part of work to expand the use of renewable energy sources by supporting the introduction of next-generation technologies as the country is racing to reduce carbon emissions.

A perovskite solar cell by Toshiba. Image credit: Toshiba 

The ministry aims to include the plan in the country's basic energy program that the government will update within fiscal 2024, which ends next March. The existing energy program calls for increasing the proportion of renewable energy sources to 36% to 38% of power generation in fiscal 2030, compared with 22.9% in fiscal 2023. The new program, which sets goals for fiscal 2040, is expected to further raise the renewable energy share in anticipation of the spread of perovskite solar cells.

Switzerland-based Avantama, a leader in high-tech materials for electronics, has brought its perovskite QD (pQD) technology to “market-ready” level. Avantama's CEO, Dr. Samuel Halim states that reliability (as QD film) was confirmed by leading display supply chain partners, the pQD production has been established in-house and the pQD film production has been established at a leading Asian film maker.

Now, as part of a move to bring Avantama’s pQD market-ready technology into the hands of a company with market and customer access, Ocean Tomo Transactions (a part of J.S. Held) will be representing Avantama in the sale of its pQD IP portfolio and related know-how and manufacturing assets.

Reports suggest that RenShine Solar has completed the construction of its 1.2 MW perovskite rooftop distributed power station. The plant is reportedly generating power and was connected to the grid on September 29. 

The company says the plant’s power generation exceeded 3,000 kWh/day on its first day. 

Empa spin-off Perovskia has launched perovskite solar cells that can be used in smartwatches, keyboards etc. Perovskia Solar has specialized in custom-made solar cells for electronic devices, and has recently acquired more than ten companies from the Internet of Things (IoT) industry as new customers and received over two million Swiss francs from an international coalition of business angels and early-stage funds. 

“Energy harvesting for IoT devices is a rapidly growing market with a potential of several billion dollars,” said Anand Verma, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Perovskia. “Our easy-to-integrate designer solar cells either eliminate the need for batteries or extend their lifespan, opening up the possibility of powering any device with solar energy.”

Halocell Energy has entered into an agreement with First Graphene, which will supply graphene for the manufacture of perovskite solar cells.

The initial two-year agreement will result in First Graphene providing its PureGRAPH material to Halocell for use as a high-performing coating for perovskite solar cells. By incorporating PureGRAPH into its products, Halocell Energy hopes to expedite its manufacturing process and enhance light absorbing performance, which will enable the company to scale up commercial production to meet demand.

Earlier this week, the equipment moving ceremony for the perovskite photovoltaic cell pilot line of Hefei BOE Solar Technology was held in Hefei Xinzhan High-tech Zone. This follows BOE's recent decision to invest in a new pilot line for the production of perovskite solar cells.

It was reported that Hefei BOE Solar Technology was established in March 2024. The perovskite photovoltaic experimental line (including laboratory) and pilot line projects it invested in and constructed are committed to forming a technical echelon through continuous verification and optimization of material systems, structural design, process routes, etc., to achieve the expected efficiency and life levels, and thus promote perovskite photovoltaic technology from the laboratory to industrialization.

Australian start-up Halocell will reportedly begin producing flexible 7 centimeter-long photovoltaic strips that are said to generate enough power to replace the pair of disposable batteries in a TV remote, or the charger cable for a set of headphones. This represents the first large-scale manufacturing in Australia of perovskite PV technology.

The 5-volt Halocell perovskite strip. Image credit: Halocell

The Halocell modules will each cost less than a dollar to make and the Company has ambitious plans to produce millions per year, its CEO Paul Moonie said.