Indoor solar - Page 2

Researchers from HZB, University of Naples Federico II, Tampere University, CNR-ISM and Henan University recently explored the indoor photovoltaic performance of DMSO-free tin perovskites FASnI₃–xBrx by tuning the halide composition. 

They explained that indoor photovoltaic technology emerged as an effective strategy to sustainably power batteryless Internet of Things (IoT) devices, but while  tin perovskite solar cells offer competitive indoor PV performance, their effectiveness is often compromised by Sn²⁺ oxidation, particularly when processed with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent.

It was reported that at SCE 2025, a leading Chinese consumer electronics event, Yanhe Technology showcased its Qiguang and Qiongyin perovskite photovoltaic series, reportedly attracting strong interest and signing multiple strategic agreements on-site.

Designed for a wide range of applications - including smart homes, wearables, and portable electronics - Yanhe’s solutions prioritize lightweight, compact designs that significantly extend device battery life. “Consumer electronics are increasingly demanding in terms of power and flexibility. Perovskite technology offers a compelling alternative to conventional photovoltaics,” said a Yanhe representative during a live product demonstration. “From wearables to edge computing, we see energy efficiency as the next critical frontier.”

Following the announcement on Halocell's new partnership with Sofab Inks to accelerate innovation in perovskite PV technology, Halocell has announced the launch of its Ambient Module series based on perovskite PV cells manufactured at its production facility in its home market.

Halocell Energy said the Ambient solar modules are a lightweight, flexible, and highly efficient energy harvesting solution that is capable of generating enough electricity indoors to replace disposable batteries.

It was reported that a team of scientists from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan has created perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that effectively convert indoor lighting into electrical power. The scientists built on previous research, which shows PSCs can achieve efficiency rates comparable to silicon solar cells while working.

The team tested their solar cells, showing promising results. Under one standard sun illumination (roughly 12,000 lux), the team’s perovskite cells achieved a PCE of 12.7%. This is relatively low compared to the 26% PCE of some of the highest performing silicon solar cells. However, under a much lower 2,000 lux, the PSCs displayed an impressive PCE of 38.7%. 2,000 lux is roughly the brightness level found in a standard office space.

For perovskite-based indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) to be competitive candidates for low-power consumption electronic devices, fully solution-processed fabrication protocols will have to be established in order to enable roll-to-roll compatible manufacture. 

Researchers from East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Nanjing University and Zhejiang University have reported blade-coated perovskite IPV devices developed by blade-coating high-quality hole and electron transporting layers through solvent and morphology engineering, respectively. A uniform hole-transporting layer of polymeric carbazole phosphonic acid was achieved by tuning the properties co-solvent system, while a compact electron-transporting layer of poly(fullerene-alt-xylene) was realized by adjusting the morphology of the underlying perovskite layer. 

Mobile tech brand Infinix is to unveil two innovations at ShowStoppers MWC 2025, and one of which is a new concept designed to optimize smartphone battery life by capturing ambient light from both indoor and outdoor environments. By integrating perovskite photovoltaic materials with AI-powered energy management, Infinix aims to create devices that charge passively from everyday light sources, reducing reliance on conventional charging methods. 

The system uses a custom smartphone case embedded with photovoltaic cells that absorb light and convert it into electricity. This energy is then transferred to the phone through discreet contact points, ensuring seamless power delivery. AI algorithms continuously monitor light levels, adjusting the power collection process in real time to maximize efficiency and prevent overheating or energy loss.

Japan-based Macnica, a technology solutions company that provides products, services, and solutions focused on semiconductors, cybersecurity, AI, IoT, and autonomous driving, has announced the development of a "Perovskite IoT Kit for Indoor Evaluation" equipped with perovskite solar cells developed by EneCoat Technologies. Macnica has begun taking orders for this kit.

Macnica has been developing an air quality sensor using PSCs from Enecoat, a PSCs development startup spun out of Kyoto University, and has been conducting ongoing demonstration experiments. The newly developed kit supports wireless communication via a microcontroller, providing an environment in which to verify indoor power generation and basic IoT device operation. The PSCs installed in this kit are designed for use in low-light indoor environments, allowing users to confirm power generation performance in real-world environments. This will enable developers to more efficiently and smoothly develop IoT devices and embedded systems that utilize PSCs.

Perovskite solar modules developer WattByWatt has raised CAD$975,000 (around USD$682,000) financing from the Canada's federal government, which will enable the company to increase its production capacity.  

WattByWatt offers its technology as a more efficient and less expensive alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells, particularly to recharge or power batteries in electronic devices and smart card readers. The company claims its modules can function both indoors and outdoors. It can produce customized solar panels up to 400 cm². WattByWatt’s current portfolio comprises Perovton mini-PV modules to power electronic devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) for home and industry (IIoT). These can power smoke alarms, remote controls, keypads, locks, cameras, etc.

This is a sponsored post by Springer Nature 

Perovskite materials have captured the attention of researchers worldwide due to their remarkable properties and versatile applications. These materials are being extensively studied for use in solar cells, photodetectors, field-effect transistors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and spintronics. Perovskites are unique because they offer a combination of high efficiency, low manufacturing costs, and the potential for flexibility and transparency. This makes them highly attractive for various cutting-edge technologies.

Given the relevance of the topic and the growing significance of perovskite materials, Sharon George, Senior Editor, Product Management SpringerMaterials, collaborated with Springer Nature’s blog The Link and interviewed Nature Communications editors to gain some of their insights into Emerging Trends in Perovskite Research - find out more about her findings below.

Image 1: from One-step dual-additive passivated wide-bandgap perovskites to realize 44.72%-efficient indoor photovoltaics, Energy & Environmental Science – https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EE04022D

Advancements in photovoltaics: from tandem to indoor solar cells

Photovoltaics is one of the most hotly discussed topics in perovskite research. According to Natalie Lok Kwan Li (Senior Editor, Nature Communications), current research is heavily focused on improving the performance of solar cells and modules. One of the most exciting advancements in this area is the development of tandem solar cells. These cells combine perovskite materials with other semiconductors to achieve higher efficiencies than traditional single-junction solar cells.

SEI Energy Technology (Jiaxing), a joint venture in China between Solaires Enterprises (Victoria BC, Canada) and Genesis Technologies (Shanghai), has announced the successful trial production of its perovskite modules from its mass production line. The companies view the success of this trial production as a significant breakthrough that demonstrates the potential of this production line, that lays a foundation for the large-scale commercialization of perovskite materials and solar modules. 

Solaires is focused on research and application development in the field of indoor light power generation. Its third party tested conversion efficiency reportedly exceeded 35% in 2024. In addition, SEI’s manufacturing process of perovskite materials is relatively simple, which can greatly shorten the production cycle and improve production yield. The raw materials used are environmentally friendly and have significant cost advantages.