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Revolution in solar energy: New perovskite technology in focus!
The “PeroClu1” competence cluster at the University of Karlsruhe promotes innovative perovskite solar cells for sustainable energy use.
Revolution in solar energy: New perovskite technology in focus!
Perovskite solar cells, considered a key technology for the next generation of photovoltaics, are characterized by high efficiency and a wide range of possible applications. They can be used not only on building facades, but also on vehicles and agricultural areas. In order to accelerate the development of this technology in industry, the “PeroClu1” competence cluster was founded. Partners in this cluster are the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg and the University of Stuttgart. According to that Karlsruhe Institute of Technology The goal of the cluster is to scale the manufacturing processes for perovskite solar cells.
The novel perovskite-based tandem solar cells have the potential to exceed the current efficiency limits of photovoltaics and at the same time improve the ecological balance. Professor Ulrich Paetzold from KIT emphasizes how important this approach is for industrial applications. The focus is on the development of new materials, innovative manufacturing processes and component architectures for both solar modules on glass and flexible films. The project is being funded over two years by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with a sum of one million euros, while the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economics, Labor and Tourism is contributing an additional 418,000 euros.
Challenges and progress
Although perovskite solar cells have promising properties, they face challenges, particularly in terms of stability and efficiency. The research, particularly the work of authors such as Sharma et al. (2022) and Khenkin et al. (2020), deals intensively with these topics. In the Science Media Center notes that solutions to these problems are continually being researched, including through new manufacturing processes and material innovations. A large number of studies are already examining life cycle energy consumption and environmental implications, which contributes to further commercialization.
In order to advance commercialization, events such as the HZB Technology Transfer Prize play an important role. This prize, awarded on October 13, 2025, aimed to revitalize the production of photovoltaics in Germany and Europe. First place went to Siddhartha Garud and Kevin J. Prince for a perovskite-based multiple cell architecture, which was awarded prize money of 5,000 euros. The project has already been selected for the “German Accelerator U.S. Climate Tech Market Discovery Program”, with presentations taking place during Climate Week NYC and the Eco Summit in Berlin, among others. A total of 15 competition entries were submitted, six of which made it to the final.
The jury was convinced by the high innovative strength and market potential of the entries; it was composed of members of the HZB Industrial Advisory Board. Prof. Maximilian Fleischer, CTO at Siemens Energy Ventures, praised the high quality of the projects submitted. Sasol and the HZB are also deepening their collaboration in the area of digitalization, particularly in the CARE-O-SENE project. Such initiatives not only contribute to technological development, but also promote technology transfer in the photovoltaics industry.