Researchers from Northwestern University, Arizona State University, University of Toronto and National University of Singapore have addressed the issue of ion migration, which deteriorates the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The team has developed a new method to improve the stability and efficiency of PSCs through surface functionalization, which uses a chemical compound called 5-ammonium valeric acid iodide (5-AVAI) to enable the uniform growth of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) through atomic layer deposition. This process creates a robust barrier that suppresses halide migration by more than an order of magnitude.

Using this method, the researchers tested solar cells, and found that they retained 90% of their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 1,000 hours of continuous operation at 55 degrees Celsius under full sunlight, compared to less than 200 hours without the barrier layer. 

Researchers from Pakistan's University of Engineering & Technology (UET) and National University of Technology have reported the use of manual screen printing to fabricate semi-transparent, scalable perovskite solar modules without the requirement for numerous laser-scribing steps. 

A carbon-based, hole-transport-layer-free perovskite solar module with a power conversion efficiency of 11.83% was manufactured, with an active area of 900 cm². Accelerated testing was done in settings with elevated humidity, high sun irradiation, and harsh temperatures to determine whether these modules are ready for the market. 

The TESTARE project is a 3-year Eu-funded project that commenced 1st January 2023 and running until 31 December 2025. TESTARE is a collaborative project of the Horizon Europe program under the category of Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) which target to improve cooperation among EU and associated countries to strengthen the European Research Area including, for example, standardization, dissemination, awareness-raising, communication and networking activities, policy dialogues, mutual learning or studies. The project aims to address major challenges in hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite-based photovoltaics (PV).

The project consortium comprises 4 organizations from 4 different countries: Cyprus, Belgium, Germany, and Israel. The project coordinator is University of Cyprus (UCY - Cyprus), while the project partners are Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum (IMEC - Belgium), Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. (Fraunhofer – Germany) and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU - Israel). The project title is «Twinning for excellence in TEsting new generation PV: Long-term STAbility and field REliability».

A new Swansea University-led project has been awarded £3 million to develop and manufacture sustainable perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in Africa, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable energy.

REACH-PSM (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing) aims to establish the continent’s first full-scale demonstration of next-generation solar manufacturing. Funded by the UKRI Ayrton Challenge Programme, REACH-PSM is a collaboration with universities, businesses, and local communities in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa.

When it comes to innovation in advanced materials, Solaveni GmbH stands out as a company with a bold mission. Founded in 2021 as a subsidiary of Saule Technologies, Solaveni was created with a vision to revolutionize the world of perovskite-based materials by focusing on sustainable chemistry and environmental responsibility. Today, the company is carving out a space in fields like printed electronics, energy harvesting, storage, and solid-state lighting, all while ensuring its processes remain green and future-ready.

At the heart of Solaveni’s journey is its CEO, Dr. Senol Öz, whose expertise and passion for perovskite technology have been key to the company’s progress. Senol’s career spans over a decade of research and hands-on experience in solution-processing and chemical engineering of perovskite solar cells. From his doctoral work in Germany, to his postdoctoral research in Japan, and eventually joining Saule Technologies, his path has been defined by a deep commitment to advancing perovskite materials.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Senol for an insightful Q&A, where he shared his thoughts on Solaveni’s vision, the challenges of perovskite technology, and the future of sustainable material production. Let’s dive into the conversation!

Solaveni was established in 2021 as a subsidiary of Saule Technologies, one of the pioneers in the perovskite solar industry. Why did Saule decide to establish a materials subsidiary?

Saule Technologies, a trailblazer in the perovskite solar industry, founded Solaveni in 2021 to address the burgeoning demand for high-quality, innovative materials critical to advancing solar technology. The establishment of Solaveni reflects Saule’s strategic vision to enhance and diversify its capabilities within the renewable energy sector. By creating a specialized subsidiary, Saule aims to streamline the development and production of materials relevant for the perovskite ecosystem, ensuring consistent quality and fostering innovation.

Researchers from China's Fujian Metrology Institute, National Photovoltaic Industry Measurement and Testing Center and Fujian Key Laboratory of Energy Measurement have developed a metrological traceability system for both silicon and perovskite solar cells. 

The metrological traceability system of solar cells. Image from: Measurement: Sensors

The calibration system consists of a monochromatic light system, a bias light system, a 3D-motion measurement platform with temperature control, and an electrical measurement system.

Huasun Energy (Ningxia Huasun New Materials Technology) has marked the production of its first monocrystalline silicon rod at its 20 GW Heterojunction (HJT) Monocrystalline Silicon Smart Factory (Phase 1). The project is said to progress quickly, achieving milestones that include the successful completion of construction, equipment installation, and the commencement of production, setting a new benchmark for industrial development in Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia Province, Northwest China. 

Jin Wang, Senior Vice President of Huasun Energy, emphasized that the successful rollout of the first silicon rod underscores the successful completion of Huasun’s fully integrated HJT solar industry chain, spanning from silicon ingot and wafer to HJT cell and module. Huasun is committed to driving innovation in HJT technology and accelerating the industrialization of HJT-perovskite tandem technology to further reduce costs and enhance efficiency.

Imec, partner in EnergyVille, in collaboration with the University of Cyprus, has demonstrated long-term outdoor stability of perovskite solar modules. Mini-modules of 4 cm², developed at imec/EnergyVille, were comprehensively evaluated over two years in real-world conditions in Cyprus, with a remarkable power efficiency retention of 78% after one year, which current perovskite solar modules only retain for weeks. These promising findings are among the first real-world results to address the stability issues that currently hinder perovskite solar cells from commercialization.

Standard indoor testing in a controlled environment, which continuously mimics sun irradiation, only serves as a proxy for real-world performance. Environmental conditions, such as varying light, temperature and weather, impact cell performance. Despite this, only a handful of research groups have investigated outdoor performance of perovskite PV, focusing primarily on small cells rather than modules. Over the last two years, imec conducted a comprehensive study of the outdoor performance of their perovskite PV modules. 

The interfaces of each layer in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have a significant impact on the charge transfer and recombination. Especially, the interface between perovskite and the hole transport layer (HTL) in p-i-n type PSCs significantly affects the contact characteristics between the HTL and perovskite, hindering further improvements in performance and stability. 

Researchers from South China University of Technology and Guangxi University have introduced a small molecule 9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (9-YT) as a molecule bridge for p-i-n PSCs, which enhances the interaction between self-assembly molecules (SAMs) and perovskite. 

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.