Canon has announced that it has developed a high-performance material which is expected to improve the durability and mass-production stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The Company aims to initiate mass production in 2025.

Canon stated that several issues are currently standing in the way of PSC commercialization. For one, the crystal structure of the perovskite layer (photoelectric conversion layer) is susceptible to the effects of water, heat, oxygen, etc. in the atmosphere, which results in low durability. Furthermore, it is difficult to achieve stable mass production when manufacturing perovskite solar cells with a large surface area. It has been recognized that a structure covering the perovskite layer is needed to solve these problems. Therefore, Canon developed a special functional material to coat the perovskite layer by applying the material technology it cultivated through the development of photosensitive members, a key component of multifunction office devices and laser printers.

It was reported that China’s UtmoLight showcased its first full perovskite PV module at the recent SNEC PV event in Shanghai, underscoring the technology’s ongoing shift toward commercialization. The Module UL-M12-G1 measures 1,200 mm x 600 mm and is available in four power classes, ranging from 110 W to 130 W.

UtmoLight's President was quoted saying that the first target for the new perovskite modules will be building-integrated PV (BIPV) applications. Unlike crystalline modules, the translucent perovskite panels can be tinted in any color. UtmoLight offers modules strung into a single sheet of glass measuring 2.4 meters by 1.2 meters for building integration.

Researchers at China's Shanghai University, Jilin University, University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Korea's Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and UK's University of Cambridge have reported efficient and color-stable perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) across the entire pure-red region, with a peak external quantum efficiency reaching 28.7% at 638 nm, enabled by incorporating a double-end anchored ligand molecule into pure-iodine perovskites.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on metal halide perovskites (PeLEDs) with high color quality and facile solution processing are promising candidates for full-color and high-definition displays. However, the team explained that despite the great success achieved in green PeLEDs with lead bromide perovskites, it is still challenging to realize pure-red (620–650 nm) LEDs using iodine-based counterparts, as they are constrained by the low intrinsic bandgap.

Energy America, an American solar module manufacturer, has announced a new partnership with a German manufacturing and R&D station to incorporate perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology into their product line. This move is expected to significantly increase the power and efficiency of Energy America's solar cells, while also promoting sustainable energy solutions.

By partnering with a German manufacturer and R&D station, Energy America is taking a step towards incorporating this cutting-edge technology into their product line. While the manufacturing and research for the perovskite solar cells will be done in Germany, Energy America has made it clear that all module design will be performed in America. 

Researchers at Rice University, along with researchers from several institutions in the U.S. and abroad, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; University of California, San Diego; University of Lille, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Centrale Lille Institut; University of Artois; Northwestern University; Purdue University; University of Rennes, INSA Rennes, CNRS, Institut FOTON; Brookhaven National Laboratory; University of Washington; and Northwestern University, have described a way to synthesize formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI₃) ⎯ the type of crystal currently used to make the highest-efficiency perovskite solar cells ⎯ into ultrastable, high-quality photovoltaic films. The overall efficiency of the resulting FAPbI₃ solar cells decreased by less than 3% over more than 1,000 hours of operation at temperatures of 85 degrees Celsius (185 Fahrenheit).

“Right now, we think that this is state of the art in terms of stability,” said Rice engineer Aditya Mohite, whose lab has achieved various improvements in perovskites’ durability and performance over the past several years. “Perovskite solar cells have the potential to revolutionize energy production, but achieving long-duration stability has been a significant challenge.”

Reports suggest that LONGi has announced that it has reached 34.6% efficiency for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, at the SNEC tradeshow in Shanghai, China.

The European Solar Test Installation (ESTI) reportedly certified the results, which represent a world record for this cell type. The previous record was held by LONGi itself, which achieved an efficiency of 33.9% in November 2023.

Researchers at China's Shanghai University, Southern University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, Yunnan University, Beijing Institute of Technology and Japan's Yamagata University have developed a stable, efficient and high-color purity hybrid light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a tandem structure, by combining perovskite LED and commercial organic LED technologies. 

Device structure. Image credit: Light: Science & Applications

Perovskite-based LED technology can have tunable emission wavelength in visible light range as well as narrow linewidth, which makes it a promising contender among current light-emitting display technologies. However, it still suffers from severe instability driven by electric field. The research team in this work set out to tackle this challenge, by developing a method to create efficient and stable hybrid perovskite-organic light-emitting diodes.

Researchers in China, led by Nanjing University, have designed a tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell with a top perovskite device based on an absorber treated with n-butanol (nBA), which reportedly reduces the detrimental effects of moisture in manufacturing processes carried out in air environment. The resulting PV device is said to have improved charge collection.

The nBA used by the team is a clear, colorless alcohol used as a cleaning agent in many industries, including electronics manufacturing. The team explained that it offers low polarity and saturation vapor pressure and ensures that the typical detrimental effects of moisture in perovskite cell fabrication in an ambient environment can be significantly reduced.

Swift Solar has announced the close of its $27 million Series A financing round. The round was co-led by Eni Next and Fontinalis Partners. Also joining the round are new and existing investors including Stanford University, Good Growth Capital, BlueScopeX, HL Ventures, Toba Capital, Sid Sijbrandij, James Fickel, Adam Winkel, Fred Ehrsam, Jonathan Lin, and Climate Capital.

In total, Swift Solar has raised $44 million for its mission to transform the solar energy landscape with perovskite tandem solar products. Proceeds from this round will accelerate Swift Solar’s scaling of efficient and stable tandem technology as the Company prepares to break ground on its first factory. Swift Solar also plans to build a factory in the U.S. in the next two to three years to manufacture thin-film solar.

Solaires Entreprises, a British Columbia-based cleantech startup that develops high power conversion efficiency photovoltaic modules (PV Modules), has announced a Licensing Agreement with SEI Energy, a JV between Solaires and Genesis Technology, a Shanghai-based manufacturer. The Companies are collaborating to achieve mass production of PV Modules, aiming to replace batteries in indoor electronic devices.

This licensing deal enables SEI Energy to manufacture PV Modules specifically designed for indoor applications, catering to the growing demand in the Asia market. By leveraging Genesis’ extensive manufacturing capabilities and market reach, the collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of innovative PV
Module technology in a variety of indoor electronic devices, reducing reliance on traditional batteries and promoting cleaner energy alternatives.