Commercialization

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.

Reports suggest that the Japanese government is planning a trial use of perovskite solar cells in solar panels to be installed in Fukushima Prefecture by next March.

Perovskite cells are lighter and more flexible than silicon-based types, making them suitable for use on building walls. The technology is also attracting attention in Japan because the cells are made with iodine compounds, which are domestically available. Sources say perovskite solar panels will be set up at three locations in Fukushima, including the national sports training center. They may also be used along highways.

Oxford PV has announced that it has started the commercialization of tandem solar technology with the first shipment to a U.S.-based customer.

The 72-cell panels, comprised of Oxford PV’s proprietary perovskite-on-silicon solar cells, can reportedly produce up to 20% more energy than a standard silicon panel. They will be used in a utility-scale installation, reducing the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and contributing to more efficient land use by generating more electricity from the same area.

Saule Technologies recently shared that its PESL (Perovskite Electronic Shelf Label) technology - electronic price and advertising labels powered by perovskite photovoltaic cells - have been installed at Żabka Eko Smart in Poznan, Poland. In addition, the same venue sports Saule's blinds that allow for generating energy from both natural and artificial light.

Saule shared that these unique technologies are aimed at improving the work of Żabka stores and increasing the comfort of customers and employees while maintaining care for the environment.