Deadline: February 17, 2026
The European Commission, through the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV), invites proposals to advance perovskite photovoltaic technology toward commercialisation by developing innovative manufacturing equipment and scaling up production processes.
The focus areas and objectives include increasing the potential for commercialisation of perovskite PV by creating competitive technological know-how for the European PV industrial base; supporting a European economic base that is stronger, more resilient, competitive, and fit for the green and digital transitions by reducing strategic dependencies on critical raw materials and components; supporting the execution of the solar energy joint research and innovation agenda; demonstrating effective strategies to enhance the optoelectronic properties, performance, and stability of perovskite devices while minimizing their environmental impact; scaling up the reliable deposition of high-quality perovskite films over large areas, including patterning and interconnections, while overcoming efficiency degradation as device and module sizes increase; demonstrating internal and external encapsulation structures to protect against environmental stressors such as moisture, oxygen, heat, and illumination; developing module designs that consider recyclability requirements and the control and management of toxic Pb2+ resulting from material deterioration; assessing performance and reliability according to international standards and developing and applying tailored test protocols; and demonstrating manufacturing equipment that is suitably adapted to the specific requirements of perovskite and perovskite-Si tandem production processes.
Metal halide perovskite solar cells have gained significant attention due to their low-cost fabrication and high efficiency. Tandem devices, particularly perovskite-Si tandems, are expected to play a pivotal role in the commercialisation of perovskite technology. However, poor stability remains a critical challenge that must be addressed for successful market readiness. To overcome these challenges, robust encapsulation techniques with high barrier performance against moisture, oxygen, heat, and illumination are essential to protect the perovskite devices. Dedicated manufacturing processes and equipment tailored to the unique requirements of perovskite and tandem perovskite-Si solar cells must be demonstrated.
The challenge also includes scaling up the production of large-area high-quality perovskite films while maintaining efficiency and ensuring proper module-level interconnections. Environmental considerations such as controlling and managing toxic lead (Pb2+) generated by material deterioration are integral in the module design. This initiative encourages multidisciplinary consortia, including at least one perovskite or equipment manufacturer, to develop and innovate in these areas.
Proposals should also include robust exploitation plans detailing scalability, commercialisation feasibility, business planning, and potential funding sources like the Innovation Fund. This call is part of the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV) and projects will report progress to support the partnership’s key performance indicators.
The Commission estimates that an EU contribution of around EUR 8.00 million would allow the outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.
The total indicative budget for the topic is EUR 24.00 million.
For more information, visit EC.