Europe-Japan group to industrialize flexible perovskite solar cells

Netherlands-based research group TNO, spinout Perovion Technologies, which is developing roll-to-roll production of perovskite solar cells, and diversified manufacturing group Toyo Seikan Group Holdings are to further advance their joint development activities toward the industrialization of the lightweight, flexible cells. A signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The three organizations have been working together on technology development and exploring opportunities for the practical application and industrialization of next-generation solar cells. They have now aligned on the direction and roadmap for their future joint development activities and signed a Statement of Intent.

Through this agreement, the parties aim to accelerate efforts toward the practical application and future industrialization of flexible solar cells by combining advanced perovskite solar technology from the Netherlands with Toyo Seikan Group Holdings' materials technologies and materials-related expertise in manufacturing and module integration.

“By combining Perovion’s flexible roll-to-roll perovskite technology with Toyo Seikan’s expertise in advanced encapsulation materials, we are taking an important step towards the commercialisation of a new generation of lightweight, flexible solar panels,” said Stefan van de Beek, CEO of Perovion Technologies.

Flexible solar cells

Perovskite solar cells are among the most promising next-generation solar technologies, with the potential to be thin, lightweight and flexible. These characteristics open up new possibilities for solar power generation, including applications in locations where conventional glass-based silicon solar panels are unsuitable or difficult to deploy.

At the same time, widespread deployment requires a range of technical challenges to be addressed, including improvements in performance and durability, as well as manufacturing processes, materials and module technologies designed for future mass production.

Perovion Technologies is working toward the practical application and industrialization of flexible perovskite solar cells based on flexible perovskite solar cell technology developed at TNO and scalable roll-to-roll manufacturing technology.

Toyo Seikan Group Holdings will leverage its expertise and know-how in the development of advanced functional materials cultivated under its MiraNeo® brand to advance technology development toward the practical application and industrialization of flexible perovskite solar cells.

TNO remains closely involved as a technology and R&D partner, supporting further technology development and scale-up of perovskite solar cell technology.

By bringing together their complementary capabilities, the three organizations will jointly advance the technologies required for the practical application of flexible perovskite solar cells.

“Dutch technological expertise and Japanese industrial know-how make a powerful combination. By connecting Perovion’s technology with Toyo Seikan’s expertise and market knowledge, we are bringing flexible perovskite solar technology closer to large-scale deployment and the international market,” said Tjark-Tjin-A-Tsoi, CEO of TNO.

Next phase

The partners’ Statement of Intent builds on the collaboration established among the three organizations and marks the transition toward the next phase of their joint development activities.

The three organizations have agreed on a joint development roadmap toward the industrialization of flexible perovskite solar cells and agreed to further collaborate across areas including technology development, materials development, manufacturing processes and module technologies.

Going forward, the three organizations will pursue joint development based on this roadmap, with the aim of creating new solar power applications that take advantage of the lightweight and flexible characteristics of the technology and ultimately enabling its broader deployment in society.