TNO launches Perovion Technologies: first roll‑to‑roll factory for perovskite solar cells

Perovion aims to produce these solar cells in the world’s first roll‑to‑roll factory for perovskite solar cells, planned for construction in 2030 in the Netherlands. With this, the company seeks to strengthen the European solar industry and reduce dependence on foreign production.

Perovion Technologies’ solar cells are manufactured on thin, flexible foils. This allows them to be used in places where traditional solar panels are too heavy or rigid, such as lightweight roofs, façades, vehicles, or historical buildings. Production is done through a so‑called roll‑to‑roll process, comparable to printing a newspaper. This makes manufacturing faster, cheaper, and easily scalable. Instead of importing solar panels from Asia, Europe can produce these solar cells itself, reducing dependency on foreign manufacturers and strengthening the European economy.

Sjoerd Veenstra, CTO of Perovion Technologies: ‘After nearly ten years of research with TNO, SolarNL and Solliance, the technology is now ready for the next step toward industrial production. By producing perovskite solar cells on thin foils, we can apply solar energy to surfaces where traditional solar panels are not suitable.’

Scaling up and industrial partnerships

To scale the technology toward industrial production and realise the first production lines, Perovion is working on collaborations with investors and industrial partners in materials, machine manufacturing and application development. Perovion is targeting investors and partners who can contribute to accelerated market access, industrial scaling, and the development of a strong European solar industry.

Stefan van de Beek, CEO of Perovion Technologies: ‘Perovion is initially focusing on market segments where demand for flexible solar cells is already clear. Together with module integrators and industrial partners, we are developing applications that can reach the market relatively quickly. From these first applications, we aim to grow toward large‑scale European production.’

Hans Boumans, Director of TNO Ventures: ‘With Perovion Technologies, TNO once again demonstrates how we purposefully translate research into concrete innovations that make an impact. By actively valorising the technology and anchoring it in an independent company, we are building a strong European industry for flexible solar cells.’