TNO has established spinoff Perovion Technologies for the industrialization of lightweight, flexible solar cells. The new venture intends to bridge the gap between lab research and industrial roll-to-roll production. Because the process is continuous rather than batch-based, roll-to-roll is faster and easier to scale than current manufacturing techniques, potentially delivering cheaper solar cells.
While traditional solar cells are made of glass and silicon, Perovion uses perovskite, which is made from relatively common raw materials whose crystal structure can absorb and convert sunlight very efficiently. Thus, less material is required than conventionally with silicon, opening the door to flexible solar cells. “By producing perovskite solar cells on thin foils, we can apply solar energy to surfaces where traditional solar panels aren’t suitable,” says Sjoerd Veenstra, CTO of Perovion.
For the development of these solar cells, TNO worked with SolarNL and Solliance. Perovion is currently looking for industrial partners and investors to help with accelerated market access and industrial scaling.
