TNO and Solarge present prototype lightweight perovskite solar module
9. 10. 2025
Solarge, a manufacturer of lightweight silicon photovoltaic modules based in the Netherlands, and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) have unveiled a prototype lightweight perovskite solar panel measuring 32 cm x 34 cm.
The panel features two innovations: the perovskite absorber was produced using TNO's roll-to-roll cell manufacturing process, and the cover is glass-free, made from polymer instead of conventional glass. The top layer is made from the same new polymer that Solarge uses in its current range of lightweight silicon photovoltaic modules, which weigh just 5.5 kg/m2. The rear side consists of an organosandwich panel, which is a thermoplastic composite component.
Solarge and TNO aim to develop perovskite solar technology into a mature product that can be brought to market. ‘We know that perovskite solar technology will emerge in the next few years. TNO, which has invested heavily in research and development over the past decade, and Solarge have long-standing close ties, so it was a logical step to start developing a prototype module based on our technologies,’ said Gerard de Leede, CEO of Solarge, adding that they want to collaborate in the future with the support of initiatives such as the Dutch Growth Fund.
Details of the device's performance were not disclosed. ‘With this prototype, we did not focus on module efficiency because we wanted to demonstrate that we can combine our technologies in a single module,’ said de Leede.
Perovskite solar photovoltaic technology, which is under development, is intended for use in flexible, lightweight panels. It could also be used in fixed structures compatible with standard mounting systems.
TNO's recent research into perovskite solar cells includes the development of roll-to-roll and spatial atomic layer deposition (SALD) processes for the deposition of functional materials, solar cell layers and flexible films. It recently announced plans to research flexible perovskite solar photovoltaic modules in collaboration with Japanese company Sekisui Solar Film and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), which operates in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant.
Founded in 2018, Solarge recently secured $3 million to increase production capacity at its manufacturing facility in Weert.
The panel features two innovations: the perovskite absorber was produced using TNO's roll-to-roll cell manufacturing process, and the cover is glass-free, made from polymer instead of conventional glass. The top layer is made from the same new polymer that Solarge uses in its current range of lightweight silicon photovoltaic modules, which weigh just 5.5 kg/m2. The rear side consists of an organosandwich panel, which is a thermoplastic composite component.
Solarge and TNO aim to develop perovskite solar technology into a mature product that can be brought to market. ‘We know that perovskite solar technology will emerge in the next few years. TNO, which has invested heavily in research and development over the past decade, and Solarge have long-standing close ties, so it was a logical step to start developing a prototype module based on our technologies,’ said Gerard de Leede, CEO of Solarge, adding that they want to collaborate in the future with the support of initiatives such as the Dutch Growth Fund.
Details of the device's performance were not disclosed. ‘With this prototype, we did not focus on module efficiency because we wanted to demonstrate that we can combine our technologies in a single module,’ said de Leede.
Perovskite solar photovoltaic technology, which is under development, is intended for use in flexible, lightweight panels. It could also be used in fixed structures compatible with standard mounting systems.
TNO's recent research into perovskite solar cells includes the development of roll-to-roll and spatial atomic layer deposition (SALD) processes for the deposition of functional materials, solar cell layers and flexible films. It recently announced plans to research flexible perovskite solar photovoltaic modules in collaboration with Japanese company Sekisui Solar Film and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), which operates in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant.
Founded in 2018, Solarge recently secured $3 million to increase production capacity at its manufacturing facility in Weert.