FuturaSun, Eni Unveil SunXT for Perovskite Tandems

• FuturaSun and Eni’s Eniverse launch SunXT to commercialize perovskite–silicon tandem bifacial panels, leveraging Solertix IP; pilot line to industrial scale-up targeting homes, businesses, utilities in decarbonization push.

Italian solar maker FuturaSun and Eniverse, Eni’s venture builder, formed SunXT to commercialize perovskite–silicon tandem panels. The JV will develop four‑terminal, bifacial modules that pair a perovskite top module with conventional silicon to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Ownership: FuturaSun 56.1%, Eniverse 43.9%. SunXT leverages Solertix’s patents and know-how within FuturaSun.

Phase one entails building a pilot line, followed by industrial scale-up targeting residential, commercial and utility markets. The venture builds on research at CHOSE labs, University of Rome Tor Vergata, where Solertix produced first perovskite modules in 2013. Eni frames the deal within its Dual Innovation Model and decarbonization push.

How will SunXT scale perovskite–silicon tandem panels from pilot to mass production?

• Build a MW-scale pilot line co-located with existing FuturaSun silicon lines, with dry rooms and cleanroom islands dedicated to perovskite deposition, scribing, and encapsulation
  
• Use decoupled four-terminal architecture to laminate a perovskite top “mini-module” onto a standard bifacial silicon module, enabling retrofit of current Si lines and independent optimization of each sub-module
  
• Select scalable, high-throughput processes for the perovskite stack (slot-die/meniscus coating or vacuum deposition for uniformity; rapid thermal or photonic curing; sputtered TCOs; laser P1–P3 scribing)
  
• Qualify industrial equipment suppliers for web-to-glass coaters, inline annealing, ALD/PECVD barrier layers, precision laminators, and high-throughput metrology; design toolsets that can be multiplied in parallel for GW ramps
  
• Engineer robust encapsulation: glass–glass, UV/oxygen/moisture barriers, ion-migration suppressors, and edge seals compatible with bifacial operation and low-temperature perovskite processing
  
• Stand up a secured materials supply chain: perovskite precursors, complexing agents/solvents, TCO targets, transport layers, thin glass, and UV-stable encapsulants; dual-source critical inputs and lock in long-term contracts
  
• Implement inline quality control: PL/EL imaging for both sub-modules, IV mapping, optical scattering/defect inspection, thickness/composition metrology, SPC with digital twins for yield learning
  
• Execute reliability and bankability plan: IEC 61215/61730 certification, extended damp heat/TC/humidity-freeze, PID/LeTID stress, hail/mechanical load, salt-mist/ammonia; third-party labs and independent energy yield assessments
  
• Manage EHS and sustainability: closed-loop handling of lead-containing layers, HEPA/solvent abatement, lamination barriers to prevent leaching, take-back and recycling pathways; publish LCA and RoHS-compliance strategy
  
• Run diversified field pilots (rooftop, C&I, utility, trackers) across climates to validate bifacial energy gains and four-terminal MPP behavior; feed results into bank models and warranty terms
  
• Ensure BOS compatibility: standard form factors, frames, connectors; junction-box electronics or wiring schemes to combine four-terminal outputs without custom inverters; maintain standard installation practices
  
• Drive cost-downs: increase line width/throughput, reduce indium and silver usage (TCO and metallization optimization), qualify copper, cut solvent consumption, raise yield via defect reduction; target $/W at or below TOPCon/HJT
  
• Workforce and ops: cross-train operators from silicon lines, deploy MES and advanced process control, preventive maintenance for vacuum/coat tools, and supplier quality programs
  
• Capacity ramp plan: pre-series runs to validate design for manufacturability, then 100–300 MW early industrial line, followed by modular replication to GW-scale near glass/encapsulant hubs to reduce logistics cost
  
• IP and collaboration: leverage Solertix patents/know-how, continue stability/architecture R&D with CHOSE, co-develop tools with equipment makers, and engage standards bodies to define tandem module test protocols
• Financing and market entry: combine grants/green loans with strategic capex, secure offtake MOUs and PPAs from early adopters, and stage launches for residential, C&I, then utility segments as reliability datasets grow