EU Launches Initiative for Advanced Perovskite Solar Modules

• Unlocking solar potential: the Laperitivo project aims for groundbreaking efficiencies in perovskite technology, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions across Europe.

The EU-funded Laperitivo project, launched to enhance the manufacturing of large-area perovskite solar modules, aims to achieve efficiencies of 22% for opaque panels and 20% for semi-transparent versions with over 95% bifaciality. This initiative will address scalability challenges for mass production, emphasizing minimal losses, and include indoor and outdoor reliability tests while prioritizing safety, circularity, and environmental sustainability.

The project brings together a consortium of 22 partners, including prominent European research institutions and several enterprises. Plans include applying semi-transparent modules to tandem configurations and agrivoltaic systems, with objectives for a 200 MW pilot line and a future production capacity of 5 GW in Europe.

How will the Laperitivo project transform large-area perovskite solar module manufacturing in Europe?

The Laperitivo project is set to significantly transform large-area perovskite solar module manufacturing in Europe through various strategic and innovative approaches. Here are the key elements of the project's transformative potential:

• Enhanced Efficiency Standards: With targeted efficiencies of 22% for opaque panels and 20% for semi-transparent versions, the Laperitivo project aims to set new benchmarks for performance that could lead to more effective solar energy capture.
• Bifacial Technology: The project emphasizes achieving over 95% bifaciality, allowing the solar modules to capture sunlight from both sides, which can significantly increase energy production and overall system efficiency.
• Scalability Focus: By addressing scalability challenges, Laperitivo aims to facilitate mass production techniques that can drive down costs and increase accessibility to advanced solar technology across Europe.
• Minimized Production Losses: The initiative highlights the importance of minimizing losses during manufacturing, which could lead to improved yield rates and more competitive pricing in the solar market.
• Comprehensive Testing Framework: Incorporating rigorous indoor and outdoor reliability tests ensures that the solar modules are durable and capable of maintaining performance under various environmental conditions.
• Safety and Environmental Considerations: The project prioritizes safety protocols and environmental sustainability, aiming for a responsible manufacturing process that aligns with EU regulations and global sustainability goals.
• Circular Economy Principles: Emphasizing circularity, the project will explore responsible recycling and waste management practices, thereby reducing the ecological footprint of solar module production.
• Collaboration with Research Institutions: The consortium of 22 partners—including leading research institutions—will foster innovation and technology-sharing, enhancing the research and development landscape for perovskite solar technologies in Europe.
• Integration into Tandem Systems: Plans for integrating semi-transparent modules into tandem configurations could realize higher energy efficiencies by combining perovskite technology with traditional silicon solar cells.
• Agrivoltaic Applications: The project's focus on applying technology in agrivoltaic systems may lead to dual-use of land, promoting sustainable agriculture alongside energy generation and maximizing land resource efficiency.
• Pilot Line Development: The establishment of a 200 MW pilot line is a critical step towards real-world implementation, serving as a testing ground for the manufacturing technologies developed under the project.
• Future Production Ambitions: By envisioning a production capacity of 5 GW in Europe, the project aims to significantly increase the adoption of perovskite solar technology, positioning Europe as a leader in this emerging market.
• Alignment with EU Green Deal: The Laperitivo project supports the EU's broader goals for renewable energy and climate action, contributing to energy independence and helping to meet the targets set out in the European Green Deal.

These various aspects of the Laperitivo project not only aim to innovate the manufacturing of perovskite solar modules but also strive to make a lasting impact on the renewable energy landscape in Europe, paving the way for a more sustainable future.