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Sustainable Tandem Photovoltaics

Scaling lead-reduced 4-terminal perovskite–silicon tandem solar modules for building-integration
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Scaling Safe and Sustainable by Design Tandem PV

Lead in perovskite PV can raise safety and acceptance concerns—especially if modules are damaged or reach end of life—so reducing lead is key for deployment. PeroVscale scales a 4-terminal perovskite–silicon tandem, pairing a semi-transparent perovskite top module with a silicon bottom cell to boost yield without compromising either device. Built on Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design, it combines lead-reduced materials, safer processing, and recycling-ready design from day one.

Objectives
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Efficiency

Targeted total Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of PeroVscale via 4T perovskite–silicon tandems.
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Partners

The PeroVscale consortium consists of 6 organizations (SMEs, universities and research institutes from Austria.
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Researchers

In total more than 20 interdisciplinary researchers are collaboratively working on PeroVscale.
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At MPP operation, the module retains ≥80% performance for >2,000 hours.
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Months

Three years to move from scalable solutions and processes to BIPV demonstration ready technology.

Objectives

Plasma Scale-Up

We bring perovskite crystallization out of the lab and into a scalable, large-area process using atmospheric-pressure plasma. That means fast, controllable film formation with a clear path toward inline manufacturing. The goal is uniform, high-quality absorber layers across larger substrates—built for throughput, repeatability, and industrial transfer.

Laser Scribing

To turn solar cells into modules we rely on laser patterning (P1/P2/P3) for clean, precise monolithic interconnection. Ultra-fine scribing keeps inactive area small, so more of the surface actually generates power. The result is semi-transparent, scalable perovskite modules engineered for tandem integration and architectural use.

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4 Terminal Tandem Technology

Our core performance lever is the 4-terminal tandem: a semi-transparent perovskite front module stacked with a silicon bottom cell—electrically independent, optically coupled. This architecture lets each sub-device run at its sweet spot, boosting total output while simplifying optimization and characterization.

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Safe and Sustainable by Design

Lead reduction is not an afterthought—it’s a design target, supported by Pb/Sn material strategies and smarter process choices. We evaluate safety across the lifecycle, from worker exposure during fabrication to end-of-life scenarios. Recycling and material recovery are considered early, so scaling doesn’t create tomorrow’s waste problem.

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Building Integration

We translate device performance into a façade-ready demonstrator with a clear integration concept. The mounting and housing approach focuses on safe handling, protected wiring, sealing, and clean installation. In short: a module that doesn’t just work in the lab, but fits the realities of buildings.

Work Plan

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Work Package 1

Project Management

TU Graz leads the overall coordination of PeroVscale, covering administration, finances, reporting, quality assurance, and risk mitigation. A data management plan and an innovation/IPR workflow ensure open dissemination where possible while protecting exploitable results.

Work Package 2

Precursor Chemistry & Plasma Crystallization

PeroVscale develops perovskite precursor and solvent systems tailored to atmospheric-pressure plasma crystallization to achieve homogeneous, high-quality absorber layers. In parallel, wide-bandgap and lead-reduced (Pb/Sn) compositions are optimized under a Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design approach, including sustainability guidelines for chemicals and processing.

Work Package 3

Large-Area Plasma Processing & Laser Interconnection

PeroVscale scales coating and plasma crystallization to large-area substrates (10×10 cm, toward 15×15 cm) using spray and slot-die/doctor-blade routes, supported by CFD modeling for uniformity and throughput. Ultrashort-pulse laser scribing (P1–P3) is optimized to enable low-loss series interconnection for module fabrication.

Work Package 4

Perovskite Cells & Modules

PeroVscale builds p–i–n perovskite cells and laser-interconnected modules using plasma-assisted crystallization, including encapsulation concepts compatible with long-term operation. Semi-transparent device stacks are enabled via a transparent AZO electrode, and stability testing targets T80 > 2,000 h at MPP following ISOS guidelines, complemented by eco-design and lifecycle hot-spot assessment.

Work Package 5

4-Terminal Si–Perovskite Tandem Modules

PeroVscale integrates semi-transparent perovskite top modules with commercial silicon bottom cells in a 4-terminal tandem architecture and evaluates performance under varying illumination. A façade-oriented demonstrator concept is developed with replaceable module integration, sealing, and durability testing in lab and outdoor conditions.

Work Package 6

Dissemination & Exploitation

PeroVscale disseminates results through publications, conferences, workshops, and project communication channels, while continuously assessing IPR and patent opportunities. Market feedback and a commercialization roadmap position the outcomes for further scale-up and deployment beyond TRL 3-4.

Consortium

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JOANNEUM RESEARCH

JOANNEUM RESEARCH is a business-oriented non-university research company for knowledge and technology transfer in Austria. JOANNEUM actively cooperates with business, industry and the public sector in the southeastern region of Austria but as well across Europe on applied research and development projects. The Laser and Plasma Processing group of the MATERIALS – Institute of Sensors, Photonics and Manufacturing Technologies functionalizes surfaces by plasma-based coating processes and applies nanomaterial synthesis at atmospheric pressure down to the high vacuum. JOANNEUM designs surfaces for sensors, electronics measurement systems and more to make them for example biocompatibel, antibacterial, anti-adhesive (non-stick) and adhesive, sensory, catalytic, low-friction and wear-resistant, conductive and anti-corrosive.

www.joanneum.at

Heliavolt

Founded in Vienna in 2025 by Silvester Filkorn, Heliavolt develops innovative building-integrated photovoltaic solutions at the intersection of R&D and industrial design. The company’s mission is to improve the economic viability, energy performance, sustainability, and market acceptance of BIPV systems through interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in real estate, architecture, design, building physics, materials science, and mechatronics.

INO

The R&D department of INO GmbH brings over 13 years of experience in plasma technology and automation. Its research focuses on innovative atmospheric processes as a cost-efficient alternative to conventional surface treatments. Our solutions are sustainable and designed for automation. Together with our partners, we develop project ideas, assess their feasibility, and support their implementation in production.

www.ino.co.at

Graz University of Technology

Graz University of Technology (TUG) currently has around 2,000 employees, of which 1,200 are scientists who work in research and teaching in 7 faculties. The number of students is more than 12,000. In this project, the activities are carried out by the Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials – ICTM. The ICTM’s research activities lie in the “Field of Expertise Advanced Materials Science” at TU Graz and include the areas of macromolecular chemistry, ion diffusion in solids and battery materials, piezoceramics, materials for use in OFETs, OLEDs, and emerging solar cells. Additional in-house collaborations within TU Graz offer a network of versatile infrastructure and know-how.

www.tugraz.at

BNN

BNN provides specialized and up-to-date knowledge in SSbD implementation (JRC framework), hazard/exposure/sustainability screening for advanced materials (including nano), risk assessment, and a wide network with partners for specialized assessments. This combination ensures proactive integration of safety and sustainability in an iterative approach into the solar cell design lifecycle. In addition, BNN can advise on regulatory and business development matters. A whole team is also dedicated to science communication and has a long successful record for leading communication & dissemination activities in national and EU projects. BNN‘s vision is to shape the European high-tech ecosystem to secure a sustainable and prosperous society. Our mission is to support and guide towards a sustainable development of connected technologies.

www.bnn.at

Team

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Reinhard Kaindl

Senior Scientist, Deputy Group Leader

Dr. Reinhard Kaindl is deputy group leader of the Laser and Plasma Processing group of the MATERIALS institute and coordinates the R&D activities of the PeroVscale and several other national and European funded projects. He will lead development and optimization of large-scale plasma-crystallized tin-lead perovskite thin films, their quality control and will contribute to the dissemination and exploitation activities within the project.

Jürgen Lackner

Senior Scientist

Jürgen M. Lackner is a senior researcher in the Laser and Plasma Processing Group of the Materials Department at JOANNEUM RESEARCH, based in Niklasdorf. He studied materials science at the Montanuniversität Leoben, obtained his doctorate at the Polish Academy of Sciences – Institute of Metallurgy and Materials Science – and has since been involved in the industrial implementation of vacuum coating processes and structure-property relationships of hard/optical materials. He will primarily support the scientific and economic exploitation of the knowledge gained in the project on large-area, functional surface coatings.

Mirjam Spuller

Scientist

In the project, she will develop coating formulations and work on optimizing the coating process for atmospheric pressure plasma coating, as well as coordinating laboratory tests of the chemical, physical, and technological properties of the applied coatings. Building on a master’s degree in materials science from the Montanuniversität Leoben, she is currently pursuing a doctorate in technical chemistry at Graz University of Technology and has already published scientific articles about her ongoing research work.

Lara Maierbrugger

Junior Researcher Scientist

Lara Maierbrugger completed her master’s degree in technical chemistry at Graz University of Technology at the Institute of Materials Chemistry and Technology. In the project, she will develop and characterize advanced atmospheric pressure plasma coatings for application. In addition, she is working on photo-catalytically active plasma coatings in her ongoing doctoral thesis, which is funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG, and is deepening her expertise in the fields of surface technology and material innovation.

Jürgen Glettler

Scientist

Jürgen Glettler is a research associate at JOANNEUM RESEARCH and works on the development and evaluation of modern material and process engineering solutions in the field of atmospheric pressure plasma coating. His focus in the project is on the combination of experimental process development, material characterization, and modelling of plasma physics and fluid mechanics parameters. His academic education includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree in materials science from the Montanuniversity Leoben, where he is currently conducting scientific research into functional atmospheric pressure plasma coatings as part of his doctoral studies.

Silvester Filkorn

CEO & Founder

Silvester Filkorn is a BIPV professional and the Founder & CEO of Heliavolt GmbH. He works as an International Account Manager at Solarix and as an R&D Lead at his family company Filbau, focusing on integrating photovoltaics into building components. He initiated the Horizon Europe project SMARTLINE-PV in 2023. Previously, Silvester was the Founder and Head of the Photovoltaics Department at VUNAR a.s. and a Field Photovoltaic Specialist at Otovo.

Viktor Karla

Architect & Researcher

Viktor Karla is an architect and researcher at Heliavolt Gmbh. Since 2024, he has been a Researcher at Filbau, where he focuses on the design and architectural integration of BIPV concepts. Viktor is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Architecture at the Technical University of Košice and a practicing authorized architect and has received awards including the MNPG Arch 2016 innovation award and recognition in the competition for the Freedom of Speech memorial in Veľká Mača.

Frank Hermanns

Advisory Board Member

Frank Hermanns leads Heliavolt’s Advisory Board as smart building innovation and real estate professional. Frank is Managing Director at the Smart Building Innovation Foundation (SBIF). As an external expert, he serves on the Advisory Board of the Horizon Europe SMARTLINE PV project. Previously, he led UBM Development and EDGE Technologie’s Hamburg branches and was involved in establishing SBIF as part of UBM’s foundation initiative.

Maximilian Stummer

Head of R&D

Operational project management is handled by Dr. Maximilian Stummer, head of the R&D department. His responsibilities also include numerical process analysis in the field of applied plasma technology.

Simon Chwatal

Technical project lead

Dr. Simon Chwatal is a technical project manager and specialist in the localized treatment of functional thin films using MCP technology. His primary focus is on the localized and area-wide plasma curing of perovskite solutions.

Yasin Kececi

Project Manager

Yasin Kececi, BSc, supports the project team with his extensive expertise in the upscaling and partial automation of relevant process steps, which are being investigated using experimental methods.

Adrienn Alolabi

Research Intern

Ms. Adrienn Alolabi, BSc, is writing her master’s thesis at the University of Applied Sciences Wels in the field of applied surface treatment. A key focus of her project is the economic and ecological analysis of plasma crystallization.

Thomas Rath

Senior Scientist/Principal Investigator - Coordinator von PeroVscale

Thomas Rath coordinates the PeroVscale project and is a Senior Scientist at Graz University of Technology. His research focuses on solution-processed organic and hybrid semiconductors for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications, with particular expertise in non-toxic absorber materials and sustainable perovskite PV. He has broad know-how in semiconductor synthesis and processing, device engineering, and correlating material properties with device performance. In addition, he has extensive experience in project management and is currently also the coordinator of the Horizon Europe project SMARTLINE-PV.

Gregor Trimmel

Full professor

Gregor Trimmel is full professor for chemistry and technology of organic materials at ICTM. His research focuses on the synthesis of functional polymers and new materials for organic electronics, especially for inorganic-organic hybrid solar cells, organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells.

Stefan Moscher

PhD Student

Stefan Moscher worked from 2008 to 2013 as an engineer in the field in polymer/nanocrystal hybrid solar cells at Graz University of Technology. After studying environmental system sciences, he investigated various aspects regarding the stability of organic solar cells during his Master’s thesis. In 2023 he started his PhD within the Horizon Europe project SUNREY, where he gained thorough experience in tin perovskite solar cells and in November 2025, he joined SMARTLINE-PV.

Andreas Falk

CEO

Andreas Falk is CEO of BioNanoNet with more than 25 years of experience in research and management. He has a background in medical analytics and complemented his scientific expertise with studies in business administration. His research focuses on Nanosafety, Nanotoxicology, Nanomedicine and Advanced Materials.

Matiss Reinfelds

Scientific Researcher

Matiss Reinfelds is a chemist, specialised in organic synthesis methodology and custom synthesis as well as material chemistry with special emphasis on organic solar cells and polymers. He worked as a postdoc at Graz University of Technology on these topics and since 2023 has broadened his expertise also to safe-and sustainable-by-design and how to apply it in chemistry-related projects.

Katharina Lang-Hogrefe

Scientific Researcher

After studying chemistry, Katharina Lang-Hogrefe specialized in material science. She has worked in the synthesis and characterization of solid ion conductors. Her research expertise lies in advanced functional materials and different spectroscopy methods. Since 2025 she has worked as a scientific researcher at BNN, also implementing safe-and sustainable-by-design in projects with material and process development.

Johanna K Scheper

Innovation Support

Johanna K Scheper has been Scientific and Innovation Manager at BioNanoNet since 2019. Before that she has worked in research and scientific project management at CIBER (ES) and CNRS (FR). Her background is in biochemistry and molecular biology, and she also has a degree in Business Innovation. Her research focuses on nanotechnology &-materials, advanced materials, safe-and sustainable-by-design and nanomedicine.

News

27. March 2026

PeroVscale at MATSUS 2026

26. March 2026

PeroVscale featured in BNN Quarterly 01/2026

11. November 2025

PeroVscale has officially started

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Interested to learn more about our project?