Firms Partner to Develop Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
The agreement aims to scale production of lightweight thin-film panels for potential commercial deployment.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Energy
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TNO, Perovion Technologies, and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings have signed a Statement of Intent to develop flexible, lightweight perovskite solar cells. This collaboration is currently at the research and development stage, focused on scaling production for eventual industrial and commercial use.
Why it matters
The project aims to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation solar technology by combining specialized material synthesis with large-scale manufacturing techniques. This effort seeks to overcome current durability and scaling hurdles in the perovskite solar market.
The partnership integrates Perovion's roll-to-roll perovskite production process with Toyo Seikan's proprietary MiraNeo encapsulation materials. TNO provides the R&D framework to scale these thin-film technologies.
The players
TNO
A Dutch research organization that specializes in applied science, technology scaling, and energy efficiency programs.
Perovion Technologies
A developer of thin-film perovskite solar cell technology that previously received a Gerard & Anton Award.
Toyo Seikan Group Holdings
A Japanese packaging manufacturer that develops advanced materials under its MiraNeo brand.
The details
Perovskite solar cells are composed of synthetic crystalline materials that can be printed onto flexible substrates, unlike rigid silicon panels. The collaboration utilizes a roll-to-roll process—a manufacturing method where material is fed through rollers—to apply thin layers of these light-harvesting compounds. Toyo Seikan contributes its MiraNeo encapsulation technology, which protects the sensitive perovskite materials from environmental degradation and moisture ingress.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: The agreement was officially publicized.
The Tech Race
This development positions the partners to compete in the race to surpass the efficiency and weight limitations of traditional silicon-based photovoltaic panels. The project aims to transition this flexible thin-film tech from pilot research to practical large-scale deployment.
The technology is currently in development and not yet available for commercial purchase or consumer installation. Its eventual rollout will likely target applications requiring lightweight, flexible solar harvesting rather than traditional roof-mounted silicon modules.
The takeaway
The partnership signals a move toward industrializing printable solar materials, a key step in reducing the weight and cost of solar installations. Watch for future disclosures on pilot production yields to determine if the technology meets utility-scale durability requirements.
Further reading
For broader context on current shifts in the sector, visit the Energy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IO+.
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