Bringing Perovskite Solar Cells Into Practical Use

New competence cluster aims to develop processes for highly efficient and sustainable photovoltaics – Federal and state funding of around €1.4 million
Researchers in a lab working with isolated glove boxes in a modern laboratory. Markus Breig, KIT
Researchers at KIT’s Institute of Light Technology are working on advancing perovskite technology.

Perovskite solar cells are considered a key technology for the next generation of photovoltaics. They offer high efficiency and new application possibilities on building facades, vehicles, or agricultural land. In the newly founded competence cluster “PeroClu1,” the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW), and the University of Stuttgart are working together to scale manufacturing processes and accelerate technology transfer to industry.

Unlocking potential along the entire value chain

“Perovskite-based tandem solar cells offer the potential to significantly exceed the efficiency limits of today's photovoltaics – and that leads to an improved ecological footprint,” says Professor Ulrich Paetzold from the Light Technology Institute at KIT, whose working group is involved in PeroClu1. “With the new competence cluster, we are creating the conditions for transferring this technology from the laboratory to industrial application, thereby contributing to a sustainable energy future.”

The cluster is pursuing an industry-oriented approach: Together with partners from mechanical engineering, sensor technology, and materials development, processes for future mass production are to be developed along the entire value chain. This will enable the development of new materials, manufacturing processes, and component architectures for perovskite solar modules on glass and flexible films.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is funding the project with one million euros over two years, and the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism is contributing an additional 418,000 euros.

mhe, October 16, 2025