Perovskite solar cells could revolutionize photovoltaics – European research is driving efficiency, sustainability, and new applications. Initiatives such as the Perovskite Competence Cluster Baden-Württemberg are bringing laboratory innovations into practice, which will be presented at Transform IT Europe 2026 in Brussels.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo by Chirayu Trivedi via Unsplash
Europe is increasingly setting standards in research on perovskite solar cells, a key technology for the next generation of photovoltaics.
Numerous European research alliances, including PEARL, NEXUS, PERCISTAND, and SUNREY, are driving innovations in efficiency, lifespan, and sustainability.
Top institutes such as Fraunhofer ISE, Helmholtz Centers, Empa, KIT, and TNO in the Netherlands are pioneering work here – both in tandem cells and in flexible and transparent modules.
Faster Transfer to Practice Sought
Now a new highlight: The Perovskite Competence Cluster Baden-Württemberg, funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), is pooling expertise from ZSW, KIT, and the University of Stuttgart. The aim is to quickly transfer laboratory results into industrial practice – a clear signal for Germany’s and Europe’s leading role in this technology.
According to researchers, photovoltaics is a central technology for a resilient and sustainable energy supply in Europe. Expanded PV capacities are intended to cover the growing energy demand caused by
Electromobility, decarbonization of industrial processes, heat supply, and the production of green hydrogen. This requires higher performance of existing PV technologies, new areas of application, and falling costs.
Europe in Global Comparison
Europe is technologically competitive in perovskite research, especially in prototypes, material innovations, lifespan, and module tests under real conditions. However, the highest laboratory efficiencies for perovskite/silicon tandem cells often come from China or international collaborations with strong industrial partners.
In terms of production capacity and market launch, Europe is still behind China, which is investing heavily in manufacturing and delivering large quantities. Europe’s strength, on the other hand, lies in sustainability, environmental compatibility, and quality standards – for example, through low lead contamination, recycling, lifespan, and decentralized applications such as BIPV or flexible modules.
Europe also benefits from strong funding programs such as Horizon Europe and the Green Deal. However, industrial scaling and cost pressure are often lower than in Asia, which is why the transfer from laboratory to large-scale production remains a key task.
Transform IT Europe 2026 in Brussels offers an international stage for these developments: With a strong focus on Greentech, research institutions, companies, and start-ups can present their latest solar innovations and make valuable contacts. We invite all solar players to be part of this central networking and innovation platform in May 2026.
Conclusion: Europe is technologically leading and investing strategically in sustainability and scaling. Initiatives such as the BW Competence Cluster and numerous research centers in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and other European countries are creating the framework conditions to optimally connect research, industry, and market opportunities.
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