Advancing Tandem Solar Cell Manufacturing with Inkjet-Printed Perovskites
TipStar – Inkjet Printing for Industrial Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Silicon solar cells are approaching their fundamental efficiency limit, requiring new technologies to further improve performance and reduce costs. One of the most promising innovations is perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, which combine a perovskite top cell with a silicon bottom cell for enhanced efficiency.
TipStar, a research project funded by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, brings together leading research institutes and industrial partners to scale the production of perovskite layers using inkjet printing. This method offers precise material deposition, short process times, and high efficiency without expensive vacuum technologies.
Solar TAP provided support in the initiation phase of the project, bringing together the partners and enabling pre-trials of the functional inkjet printing process, while the Solar TAP core partner KIT provided expertise in perovskite materials for the top cell. By leveraging the combined strengths of research and industry, TipStar is paving the way for scalable, high-efficiency tandem solar cells.
Schematic of the contributions of the TipStar partners to the project (Copyright: KIT)
Project details
Key Achievements
Scaling Inkjet-Printed Perovskite Absorbers demonstrates the feasibility of industrial inkjet deposition of perovskite layers for tandem solar cells. Efficient Tandem Solar Cell Production focuses on developing a manufacturing chain for perovskite-silicon tandem cells at the wafer level. Innovative Process Development leverages inkjet printing for precise, material-efficient, and vacuum-free thin-film deposition. Solar TAP’s Contribution includes facilitating collaboration between partners, providing preparatory work for inkjet printing, and offering KIT’s world-leading expertise in perovskite photovoltaics.
Linking Science and Industry
TipStar unites academic and industrial expertise to bridge the gap between research and application. Solar TAP – Provided the collaborative platform for partners to connect, supported preparatory work for inkjet printing, and ensured technology alignment with industrial needs.
The consortium includes:
- KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) – A global leader in perovskite photovoltaic research and inkjet printing processes.
- Hanwha Q Cells GmbH – A major solar cell and module manufacturer, applying the technology to high-performance silicon PV production.
- Notion Systems GmbH – A provider of industrial inkjet printing systems, bringing expertise in high-precision material deposition.
- INM – Leibniz Institute for New Materials – Specialists in chemical synthesis, ink formulation, and quality control for functional coatings. Solar TAP – Provided the collaborative platform for partners to connect, supported preparatory work for inkjet printing, and ensured technology alignment with industrial needs.
Future Outlook
The success of TipStar will accelerate the industrial adoption of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, making them a commercially viable alternative to single-junction silicon cells. By refining scalable inkjet deposition, the project contributes to lowering solar energy costs and increasing solar cell efficiency beyond current limits. Solar TAP and KIT will continue to support knowledge transfer between research and industry, ensuring that the insights from TipStar translate into real-world manufacturing improvements.
SEM-Image of inkjet printed perovskite layers on top of a textured Silicon Wafer. Copyright: KIT
Added Value
for the Industrial Partner
- Access to cutting-edge inkjet deposition technology for next-generation solar cells.
- Collaboration with world-leading perovskite and functional inkjet printing researchers.
- Pathway to industrial-scale production of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.
for Research
- Real-world validation of inkjet printing techniques for perovskite applications.
- Knowledge transfer between academia and industry, strengthening Europe’s PV research.
- Acceleration of tandem solar cell development through collaborative innovation.
for Society
- Lower-cost, high-efficiency solar energy supporting the global energy transition.
- Advancement of environmentally friendly manufacturing through vacuum-free deposition.
- Increased competitiveness of European solar technology in the global market.
