Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LUMINOSITY (Large area uniform industry compatible perovskite solar cell technology)
Reporting period: 2024-06-01 to 2025-09-30
Project Context and Motivation
The LUMINOSITY project is conceived in response to the urgent global and European need for clean, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions. As the EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, photovoltaics (PV) are recognized as a cornerstone technology for decarbonizing the energy sector. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a disruptive alternative, offering rapid improvements in power conversion efficiency (PCE), potential for low-cost manufacturing, and compatibility with flexible, lightweight substrates. Yet, several critical challenges remain before PSCs can be widely commercialized, especially at industrially relevant scales.
Overall Objectives
LUMINOSITY’s overarching goal is to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale breakthroughs and industrial-scale production of flexible perovskite PV modules:
- Demonstrate high efficiency (PCE >20%) on large areas (>900 cm²), using roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing processes.
- Achieve module lifetimes targeting commercially relevant scales (20 years).
- Reduce the carbon footprint of PV modules by at least 50% compared to c-Si technology.
- Develop a life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment (TEA).
- Strengthen the European PV value chain by fostering collaboration and by creating blueprints for future manufacturing lines.
- Support the EU’s strategic autonomy in energy supply and enhance the competitiveness of European industry in the global PV market.
Project Pathway to Impact:
1.Technology Upscaling: Scale perovskite PV from small cells to large modules using industrial R2R processes.
2.Stability & Reliability: Address material and packaging durability through stress tests and outdoor tests.
3.Sustainability: Implement eco-design with non-toxic materials, energy-efficient processes, and recycling.
4.Market & Policy Engagement: Deliver demonstrators, publish open data, and collaborate with policymakers and industry to build trust, support standards, and develop skilled workforce.
5.Scale and Significance of Impact: Technological, economic, environmental, societal.
The LUMINOSITY project is conceived in response to the urgent global and European need for clean, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions. As the EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, photovoltaics (PV) are recognized as a cornerstone technology for decarbonizing the energy sector. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a disruptive alternative, offering rapid improvements in power conversion efficiency (PCE), potential for low-cost manufacturing, and compatibility with flexible, lightweight substrates. Yet, several critical challenges remain before PSCs can be widely commercialized, especially at industrially relevant scales.
Overall Objectives
LUMINOSITY’s overarching goal is to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale breakthroughs and industrial-scale production of flexible perovskite PV modules:
- Demonstrate high efficiency (PCE >20%) on large areas (>900 cm²), using roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing processes.
- Achieve module lifetimes targeting commercially relevant scales (20 years).
- Reduce the carbon footprint of PV modules by at least 50% compared to c-Si technology.
- Develop a life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic assessment (TEA).
- Strengthen the European PV value chain by fostering collaboration and by creating blueprints for future manufacturing lines.
- Support the EU’s strategic autonomy in energy supply and enhance the competitiveness of European industry in the global PV market.
Project Pathway to Impact:
1.Technology Upscaling: Scale perovskite PV from small cells to large modules using industrial R2R processes.
2.Stability & Reliability: Address material and packaging durability through stress tests and outdoor tests.
3.Sustainability: Implement eco-design with non-toxic materials, energy-efficient processes, and recycling.
4.Market & Policy Engagement: Deliver demonstrators, publish open data, and collaborate with policymakers and industry to build trust, support standards, and develop skilled workforce.
5.Scale and Significance of Impact: Technological, economic, environmental, societal.
Technical and Scientific Activities Performed
1. Perovskite Absorber Development:
- Ink Formulation and Process Engineering: Environmentally friendly perovskite absorber inks were developed under controlled experiments.
- Fabrication Techniques: Blade-coating and slot-die coating methods were employed to fabricate perovskite films for industrial relevance and scalability.
- Key Outcomes: The experiments provided critical insights into how ink composition and process parameters affect film quality and device performance.
2. Upscalability and Large-Area Uniformity:
- R2R Solution Processing: Industrial roll-to-roll (R2R) slot-die coating techniques were adopted to upscale perovskite absorber and charge-selective layers over areas exceeding 6000 cm². This is a significant step toward industrial-scale production.
- R2R Vacuum Processing: R2R Anodic arc deposition (AAD) and R2R sputtering techniques have been developed, which will be ready to be implemented in the functional device stacks in the coming period. R2R AAD is a novel process developed in this project that can enable breakthrough on new scalable processes on perovskite solar cell device processing.
- Characterization: In-line optical and synchrotron characterization tools were utilized to prove large-area uniformity.
3. Efficiency Optimization:
- Device Engineering: The project targeted single-junction solar cells with optimized absorber layers (1.50–1.60 eV) and tailored charge-selective, interface/passivation, and contact layers. These efforts aimed to reduce voltage deficit and maximize external quantum yield.
- Results: The first set of deliverables focused on the development on small scale, the efficiency target is achieved on the small scale stack, and module geometrical fill factor of target is achieved.
4. Intrinsic Stability:
- Stability Testing: Complex stability issues were addressed using both in-line and off-line characterization tools, supported by optical modeling.
- Standards Compliance: Devices were tested for intrinsic stability under monostress conditions in protected atmospheres, following IEC 61215 standards and ISOS4 protocols.
- Results: The stability of flexible cells under thermal stress, light/thermal stress, damp heat stress (humidity/temperature) were found exceptional. To our knowledge, the reported deliverable on stability is one of the most stable device architecture reported so far.
1. Perovskite Absorber Development:
- Ink Formulation and Process Engineering: Environmentally friendly perovskite absorber inks were developed under controlled experiments.
- Fabrication Techniques: Blade-coating and slot-die coating methods were employed to fabricate perovskite films for industrial relevance and scalability.
- Key Outcomes: The experiments provided critical insights into how ink composition and process parameters affect film quality and device performance.
2. Upscalability and Large-Area Uniformity:
- R2R Solution Processing: Industrial roll-to-roll (R2R) slot-die coating techniques were adopted to upscale perovskite absorber and charge-selective layers over areas exceeding 6000 cm². This is a significant step toward industrial-scale production.
- R2R Vacuum Processing: R2R Anodic arc deposition (AAD) and R2R sputtering techniques have been developed, which will be ready to be implemented in the functional device stacks in the coming period. R2R AAD is a novel process developed in this project that can enable breakthrough on new scalable processes on perovskite solar cell device processing.
- Characterization: In-line optical and synchrotron characterization tools were utilized to prove large-area uniformity.
3. Efficiency Optimization:
- Device Engineering: The project targeted single-junction solar cells with optimized absorber layers (1.50–1.60 eV) and tailored charge-selective, interface/passivation, and contact layers. These efforts aimed to reduce voltage deficit and maximize external quantum yield.
- Results: The first set of deliverables focused on the development on small scale, the efficiency target is achieved on the small scale stack, and module geometrical fill factor of target is achieved.
4. Intrinsic Stability:
- Stability Testing: Complex stability issues were addressed using both in-line and off-line characterization tools, supported by optical modeling.
- Standards Compliance: Devices were tested for intrinsic stability under monostress conditions in protected atmospheres, following IEC 61215 standards and ISOS4 protocols.
- Results: The stability of flexible cells under thermal stress, light/thermal stress, damp heat stress (humidity/temperature) were found exceptional. To our knowledge, the reported deliverable on stability is one of the most stable device architecture reported so far.
1. Industrial-Scale R2R Processing of Perovskite Films:
The LUMINOSITY project has successfully demonstrated the roll-to-roll (R2R) processing of perovskite absorber and charge-selective layers on flexible substrates with the lead of TNO, demonstrating a R2R deposited, R2R encapsulated semi-fabricate of 7500 cm², which is highlighted in a press release. This is a significant leap in upscaling, directly addressing the challenge of translating laboratory-scale processes to industrially relevant dimensions. The R2R slot-die coating was performed under controlled ambient conditions, and the resulting films exhibited high uniformity and quality, as confirmed by advanced characterization techniques (SEM, XRD). This achievement validates the feasibility of large-area, continuous manufacturing for next-generation flexible perovskite photovoltaics, positioning the consortium at the forefront of industrial upscaling.
2. Development and Implementation of Anodic Arc Deposition:
Successful implementation of R2R anodic arc evaporation by FEP for the deposition of functional layers is a breakthrough. This technique enables high-rate, low-damage deposition of buffer and barrier layers, which are critical for device stability and performance. The ability to deposit high-quality layers at industrially relevant speeds and scales represents a major advance over conventional sputtering or evaporation methods, supporting the project’s goals for robust, scalable, and sustainable manufacturing. Next step is to demonstrate the R2R deposition.
3. In-Situ X-Ray Metrology and Process Understanding:
Lund University played an important role by developing advanced in-situ X-ray metrology to study the crystallization and film formation of perovskite layers in a R2R process setting, attached to their MAX-IV synchrotron radiation facility. LU’s work will enabled real-time, multimodal analysis of solvent removal, nucleation, and growth dynamics, providing deep insights into process optimization for large-area coatings.
4. Stability Under Accelerated Stress Tests:
TNO’s stability testing of perovskite devices stands out as a key achievement. Devices fabricated with environmentally friendly, DMSO-based inks and processed via scalable techniques were subjected to rigorous thermal and light-soaking stress tests. Results showed that non-encapsulated devices maintained a power conversion efficiency (PCE) 13% after 2500–3000 hours at 85–100°C, and encapsulated devices retained over 90% of their initial PCE after 1680 hours of combined light and temperature stress. These results provide strong evidence for the long-term durability and reliability of the developed perovskite technology, meeting and exceeding state of the art results reported on perovskite solar cell development.
The LUMINOSITY project has successfully demonstrated the roll-to-roll (R2R) processing of perovskite absorber and charge-selective layers on flexible substrates with the lead of TNO, demonstrating a R2R deposited, R2R encapsulated semi-fabricate of 7500 cm², which is highlighted in a press release. This is a significant leap in upscaling, directly addressing the challenge of translating laboratory-scale processes to industrially relevant dimensions. The R2R slot-die coating was performed under controlled ambient conditions, and the resulting films exhibited high uniformity and quality, as confirmed by advanced characterization techniques (SEM, XRD). This achievement validates the feasibility of large-area, continuous manufacturing for next-generation flexible perovskite photovoltaics, positioning the consortium at the forefront of industrial upscaling.
2. Development and Implementation of Anodic Arc Deposition:
Successful implementation of R2R anodic arc evaporation by FEP for the deposition of functional layers is a breakthrough. This technique enables high-rate, low-damage deposition of buffer and barrier layers, which are critical for device stability and performance. The ability to deposit high-quality layers at industrially relevant speeds and scales represents a major advance over conventional sputtering or evaporation methods, supporting the project’s goals for robust, scalable, and sustainable manufacturing. Next step is to demonstrate the R2R deposition.
3. In-Situ X-Ray Metrology and Process Understanding:
Lund University played an important role by developing advanced in-situ X-ray metrology to study the crystallization and film formation of perovskite layers in a R2R process setting, attached to their MAX-IV synchrotron radiation facility. LU’s work will enabled real-time, multimodal analysis of solvent removal, nucleation, and growth dynamics, providing deep insights into process optimization for large-area coatings.
4. Stability Under Accelerated Stress Tests:
TNO’s stability testing of perovskite devices stands out as a key achievement. Devices fabricated with environmentally friendly, DMSO-based inks and processed via scalable techniques were subjected to rigorous thermal and light-soaking stress tests. Results showed that non-encapsulated devices maintained a power conversion efficiency (PCE) 13% after 2500–3000 hours at 85–100°C, and encapsulated devices retained over 90% of their initial PCE after 1680 hours of combined light and temperature stress. These results provide strong evidence for the long-term durability and reliability of the developed perovskite technology, meeting and exceeding state of the art results reported on perovskite solar cell development.