Propelling Solar Technology into a Perovskite Future
The European Union-funded LOCAL-HEAT project is pioneering advances in solar technology by developing next-generation perovskite materials aimed at making clean energy more accessible and affordable worldwide.
Addressing the Challenges of Photovoltaics
A significant challenge in the field of photovoltaics lies in creating solar cells that deliver high performance while remaining cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable. Perovskites—a unique class of semiconductor materials—have emerged as a promising solution. These materials offer the potential for lightweight, flexible, and affordable solar panels. Not only can perovskites be employed as standalone solar technologies, but they also have the potential to be combined with traditional silicon-based systems to enhance efficiency. However, progress toward commercial viability has been hindered by a limited understanding of perovskite formation dynamics at the microscopic level.
The LOCAL-HEAT Initiative
Addressing this knowledge gap, LOCAL-HEAT was launched in September 2022 to investigate and control the local heating and crystallization processes that occur during the thin-film formation of perovskite materials. The project’s central goal is to boost the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, facilitating their transition from laboratory research to industrial-scale production.
Michael Saliba, lead researcher and director of the Institute for Photovoltaics at the University of Stuttgart—with a joint appointment at Research Centre Juelich—coordinates the project. He highlights the broader vision behind LOCAL-HEAT: “To help bring perovskite technology from the laboratory to large-scale, real-world applications, making clean energy more accessible and affordable worldwide.”
Recent Achievements: Advancing Perovskite Technology
LOCAL-HEAT researchers have already marked significant milestones. Among their key accomplishments is attaining one of the highest open-circuit voltages recorded for a wide-bandgap perovskite—a critical indicator of solar cell quality. Additionally, the team has succeeded in real-time monitoring of perovskite crystallization, offering unprecedented insights into the dynamics of film formation and enabling the identification of ideal conditions for producing high-quality perovskite layers.
Another breakthrough is the development of laser polishing techniques which refine the surface quality of perovskite films. This innovation significantly enhances the performance of solar devices by creating smoother and more uniform surfaces. Moreover, the project has successfully integrated green solvent systems into the fabrication process, moving towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods.
Future Directions and the Road to Industrialization
Looking ahead, LOCAL-HEAT researchers are exploring the use of targeted laser light to locally modify perovskite film properties after formation. This approach could allow fine-tuning of solar cell performance in a controlled and scalable manner. Simultaneously, the team applies the developed in situ monitoring techniques across various perovskite material compositions and device architectures to expand the reach of their findings.
By the year 2027, the project expects to have gained a comprehensive understanding of perovskite crystallization and the ability to manipulate these processes to optimize both performance and stability. Saliba notes, “This knowledge will be vital for supporting industrial-scale production, particularly for large-area solar modules based on single or even multiple perovskite layers.” The toolkit under development—including green solvents, advanced diagnostics, and laser-based surface modifications—will serve both researchers and manufacturers, bridging fundamental science with scalable production techniques.
Accelerating the Commercialization of Perovskite Solar Cells
LOCAL-HEAT (Controlled Local Heating to Crystallize Solution-based Semiconductors for Next-Generation Solar Cells and Optoelectronics) is thus well-positioned to accelerate not only scientific breakthroughs but also the commercialization of next-generation perovskite solar technologies. By merging deep scientific insight with innovative, industrially relevant methods, the project is paving the way for a future where clean solar energy is both more efficient and more accessible on a global scale.
For more information and ongoing updates on LOCAL-HEAT and other EU-funded research projects, visit the CORDIS platform.
