TNO has launched Perovion Technologies to industrialize lightweight, flexible perovskite solar cells, aimed at niche applications for which conventional panels are not suitable. The company plans to build the first roll-to-roll production facility for perovskite solar cells in the Netherlands by 2030.
The Dutch research institute Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) has announced the establishment of Perovion Technologiesa new company dedicated to the industrialization of solar cells based on lightweight and flexible perovskite materials. The spin-off aims to take the technology from laboratory-scale development to large-scale industrial production.
According to Sjoerd Veenstra, chief technology officer at Perovion Technologies, almost ten years of research has been conducted in collaboration with initiatives such as SolarNL And Solliance has brought the technology to a sufficient level of maturity to prepare for industrial production.
The company’s approach is aimed at producing solar cells on thin, flexible plates. This architecture would allow photovoltaic generation to be integrated onto surfaces where conventional glass-based panels are impractical, including lightweight roofs, curved structures and industrial products.
At the heart of Perovion’s industrial strategy is the development of what it describes as the first roll-to-roll plant for perovskite solar cells. The facility is expected to be built in the Netherlands around 2030.
Roll-to-roll production – similar to the process used in newspaper printing – enables continuous production of solar cells on long rolls of flexible material. The technique is widely seen as a potential route to lower production costs and large-scale production of emerging thin-film technologies such as perovskites.
In the initial phase, Perovion plans to focus on market niches where demand for flexible photovoltaic modules already exists. CEO Stefan van de Beek said the company is working with industrial partners to develop applications that can reach the market in the short term.
TNO noted that scaling up the technology to industrial production requires collaboration with investors and specialized companies in the areas of materials development, equipment production and product integration. The organization aims to build alliances that accelerate industrial scalability while strengthening the European photovoltaic value chain.
The development of flexible perovskite technology is progressing alongside several industrial demonstration projects. Dutch manufacturer Solargein collaboration with TNO, recently presented a prototype of a lightweight perovskite module measuring 32 cm x 34 cm, also produced using roll-to-roll processes.
The prototype features a polymer cover instead of conventional glass, based on materials used in Solarge’s ultra-lightweight silicon modules weighing 5.5 kg/m². The design also includes a thermoplastic organo-sandwich composite structural backing. Although the project did not initially prioritize module efficiency, the primary goal was to demonstrate the integration of technologies needed for future commercial products.
At the same time, TNO continues to investigate advanced production techniques for perovskite photovoltaics. These include Space Atomic Layer Deposition (SALD) processes and manufacturing methods compatible with flexible substrates.
The research is carried out in collaboration with international partners such as Sekisui solar film and with the support of the Brabant Development Company.
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
