LUMINOSITY Project: Pioneering 20% Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with Industrial-Scale Roll-to-Roll Processing

Printed solar cells fabricated using roll-to-roll processing and slot-die coating on a Laboratory Roll-to-Roll Coater.

As highlighted in a recent article by pv magazine, the LUMINOSITY project is pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic (PV) technology. This ambitious Horizon Europe-funded initiative aims to develop metal halide perovskite solar modules with over 20% efficiency and a lifespan of 20 years. Designed for industrial roll-to-roll (R2R) production, these large-area modules (>900 cm²) promise to bring lab-scale innovation to commercial-scale manufacturing. By combining advanced materials, sustainable processes, and cutting-edge industrial techniques, the project seeks to redefine the standards for PV performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Bridging the Lab-to-Fab Gap in PV Technology

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved impressive efficiencies of up to 26% in laboratory conditions. However, these conditions often fail to reflect the operational safety, environmental impact, and scalability required for real-world applications. The LUMINOSITY project takes a bold step forward by employing industrial roll-to-roll (R2R) processe and other advanced techniques like laser and vacuum deposition. This approach not only scales the technology but also ensures environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

Example of roll-to-roll manufacturing using a Laboratory Roll-to-Roll Coater.

Key Objectives of the LUMINOSITY Project

• Efficiency and Size: Develop large-area PSC modules with >20% efficiency over 900 cm².

• Sustainability: Design modules with a low carbon footprint, reducing the environmental impact by 50% compared to conventional crystalline silicon (c-Si) PV.

• Durability: Ensure operational stability for over 20 years through rigorous outdoor and lifetime testing.

• Affordability: Achieve a production cost of $0.14/W using R2R techniques.

• Why Do Solar Cells Not Have 100% Efficiency?

  Solar cells face physical and practical limitations that prevent them from converting all sunlight into electricity. Factors such as recombination losses, thermodynamic constraints, and suboptimal material properties play a role. While perovskite solar cells have pushed efficiencies to over 26% in labs, achieving these results at scale remains a challenge.

Innovation at the Core

The project leverages a cutting-edge substrate developed by Hyet Solar B.V. — an aluminum fluorinated-tin-oxide (Al/FTO) electrode foil. Unlike conventional polymer substrates, the Al/FTO foil withstands high-temperature processes, enabling the deposition of high-quality materials like nickel oxide. This ensures greater stability and efficiency while maintaining flexibility, making it ideal for industrial-scale production.

Industrial Compatibility and Challenges

Matching industrial-scale production speeds with uniformity and efficiency has been a major challenge in PV manufacturing. LUMINOSITY addresses this by integrating optimized solvent systems, advanced laser processing, and precise control of deposition techniques.

Applications: A Bright Future for Flexible Perovskite PV

The versatility of flexible PSC modules opens doors to diverse applications:

• Building-Integrated PV (BIPV): Rooftops and façades.

• Utility-Scale PV: Large-scale solar farms.

• Agrivoltaics: Solar panels in agricultural settings.

• What Makes Perovskite Solar Cells So Promising?

  Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer high efficiencies, lightweight designs, and flexible applications. They are manufactured using low-temperature processes, reducing energy consumption. With innovations like those from LUMINOSITY, PSCs are becoming more durable and sustainable, bridging the gap between lab research and commercial use.

Project Partners

LUMINOSITY brings together key players in the PV ecosystem:

• Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek

• Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energy GmbH

• Fraunhofer-Institut für Organische Elektronik, Elektronenstrahl- und Plasmatechnik FEP

• Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

• HyET Solar B.V.

• Technische Universiteit Eindhoven

• Lunds Universitet

• Technische Universiteit Delft

• AMIRES, The Business Innovation Management Institute, z.ú.

• infinityPV

• VON ARDENNE GmbH

• Universiteit Hasselt

• LKPF SolarQuipment GmbH

• Cyprus University of Technology

• Eidgenossische Materialprufungs- und Forschungsanstalt

This collaboration ensures a seamless integration of research, development, and production to accelerate the market adoption of PSC technology.

Why LUMINOSITY Matters

The LUMINOSITY project is more than just a technological milestone—it’s a step toward energy sustainability. By significantly lowering production costs and carbon emissions, the project aligns with Europe’s REPowerEU plan, which aims to increase PV installation capacity and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources. The LUMINOSITY project exemplifies how collaboration, innovation, and sustainability can transform the renewable energy landscape. Stay tuned for updates as the team moves closer to making flexible perovskite solar technology a commercial reality.

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