Horizon Europe 2026/2027 Call for Funding Industrial Processes and Equipment for Innovative, Reliable, and Scalable Tandem Technologies, Targeting Perovskite-Si Commercialization

MIC EU

Overview

The Horizon Europe 2026/2027 work program outlines key topics related to next-generation thin-film and tandem PV, particularly perovskite solar cells. The flagship call, ‘INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND EQUIPMENT FOR INNOVATIVE, RELIABLE AND SCALABLE TANDEM TECHNOLOGIES,’ specifically aims at the industrialization of perovskite-Si tandems, including funding for manufacturing equipment and process lines. This represents a clear European strategy to establish technological sovereignty in next-generation solar cell technology.

In Depth

Key Findings

The Horizon Europe 2026/2027 work program, a flagship research and development initiative by the European Union (EU), has announced a call for proposals titled ‘INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND EQUIPMENT FOR INNOVATIVE, RELIABLE AND SCALABLE TANDEM TECHNOLOGIES.’ This significant call aims to vigorously promote the industrialization of innovative, reliable, and scalable next-generation thin-film and tandem PV technologies, particularly perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, by providing direct funding for the development of manufacturing equipment and process lines. This announcement clearly signifies Europe’s strategic intent to establish technological sovereignty in clean energy technologies.

Technical / Clinical Details

This call for proposals focuses on resolving technical challenges associated with the mass production of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. Specifically, it seeks to transition high-efficiency laboratory-scale achievements to gigawatt (GW) scale manufacturing through the development of process technologies and equipment. This includes the following key technical areas:

• Optimization of Manufacturing Processes: Development and improvement of efficient and cost-effective thin-film deposition techniques, such as roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing, vacuum deposition, and solution coating.
• Development of Manufacturing Equipment: Design and construction of next-generation manufacturing machinery and lines capable of stably producing large-area perovskite-Si tandem modules.
• Reliability and Quality Control: Development of robust encapsulation technologies for long-term stability, in-line quality control systems to reduce defect rates, and standardized testing protocols compliant with international standards.
• Material Sustainability: Exploration of environmentally friendly material compositions, such as lead-free alternatives, and diversification and strengthening of the supply chain.

These technological breakthroughs will form an essential foundation for Europe to establish global leadership in the perovskite solar cell sector.

Background & Context

Europe has placed climate change mitigation and enhanced energy security at the core of its national strategy, accelerating investment in renewable energy technologies. In the solar photovoltaic sector, breaking away from significant reliance on imports, primarily from Asia, and boosting internal manufacturing and innovation capabilities have become urgent priorities. Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells hold the potential to significantly exceed the efficiency limits of conventional silicon solar cells and are considered one of the most promising means for Europe to establish technological sovereignty in this field. This funding from Horizon Europe demonstrates concrete action to bridge the ‘valley of death’ from laboratory-scale achievements to industrial scale, thereby enhancing Europe’s economic competitiveness and accelerating the clean energy transition.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

This large-scale call for proposals from Horizon Europe is expected to dramatically accelerate the industrialization of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. Direct investment in manufacturing equipment and process lines will expand production capacity and reduce the cost of final products, thereby promoting market adoption. Strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem within Europe will contribute to job creation, economic growth, and supply chain resilience. If successful, this initiative is anticipated to establish Europe’s position as a global innovator in next-generation solar cell technology and significantly contribute to the global energy transition. Future focus will be on how quickly and efficiently the selected projects can develop concrete manufacturing solutions.

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