Ultra-thin perovskite solar cells achieve near-27% efficiency, expanding clean energy potential

With its flexibility, lightweight design, and a light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of nearly 27% in small-scale cells, flexible perovskite solar cell technology is opening new avenues for renewable energy applications. The research results also demonstrate progress in enhancing the durability and scaling up the manufacturing of this type of solar cell.

Chinese scientists have recently unveiled a method for fabricating flexible perovskite solar cells that simultaneously improves energy conversion efficiency and device stability. This technology is characterized by its thin, lightweight, and bendable nature, thereby expanding the potential for solar energy applications in locations where traditional solar panels are difficult to install.

The study was conducted by a team of experts from Southeast University and Soochow University in China, and was published in the scientific journal Science on October 22, 2026.

Unlike conventional solar cells that use rigid substrates, flexible perovskite solar cells are fabricated on flexible surfaces. This characteristic allows the devices to adapt to various shapes, ranging from car roofs, backpacks, and wearable devices to curved structures and mobile equipment.

However, creating a product that is both flexible and high-performing is a significant challenge. During the fabrication process, scientists must simultaneously form two material layers: a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) and a perovskite layer on a bendable substrate.

These two components tend to interact too early, making it difficult to form the material layers uniformly. Defects in the film structure can reduce energy conversion efficiency and cause the cells to degrade rapidly when operating under high temperature and humidity conditions.

New method improves efficiency and stability

To overcome the aforementioned limitations, the research team introduced a modulating molecule into the solution used for fabricating the solar cells. This component helps limit unwanted interactions between the SAM layer and the perovskite material, creating conditions for each layer to form and develop more stably.

The method is known as decoupled co-deposition. According to the research team, this approach enables the SAM layer to bond more effectively with the substrate surface while controlling the crystallization process of the perovskite. As a result, the quality of the material film is improved, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency of the solar cells.

Experimental results showed that small-area flexible solar cells achieved a power conversion efficiency of 26.86%. When scaled up, modules measuring 5 x 5 cm achieved an efficiency of 22.31%; those measuring 10 x 10 cm achieved 20.63%, and modules measuring 30 x 30 cm achieved 20.15%. According to the research team, these efficiency levels represent record-breaking results for their respective sizes.

In addition to energy conversion capability, the durability of the devices was also improved. In one test, a flexible solar module with an area of 25 cm² and an initial efficiency of 22% maintained 92.5% of its initial efficiency after 1,044 hours of operation at a temperature of 85°C and a relative humidity of 65%.

The modules also passed rigorous temperature variation tests and met the requirements of the international standard IEC 63163 for flexible and portable photovoltaic modules. This is considered an important foundation for continued research and technological refinement before moving toward industrial production.

Aiming to scale up the production of flexible solar cells

One of the notable aspects of the research is the ability to scale up module size while maintaining relatively high efficiency. Previously, many prominent results for flexible perovskite solar cells were primarily recorded on small laboratory samples, which limited practical applications and large-scale manufacturing.

With the new method, the research team aims for a continuous production process on rolls of flexible materials. Instead of manufacturing individual solar cell panels, the technology can advance to printing material layers onto roll-to-roll surfaces, similar to industrial printing processes.

In the next phase, scientists plan to continue improving the materials, researching multi-junction cell combinations to enhance light absorption, and refining the continuous production process. The goal is to bring the technology closer to mass production at a reasonable cost, moving beyond the research scale.

Perovskite solar cells are considered a promising development direction for the solar energy industry due to their excellent light absorption capabilities, the ability to be fabricated on flexible substrates, and the potential to reduce manufacturing costs. However, stability and lifespan remain issues that need to be addressed.

If successfully refined and commercialized, flexible solar cells could add a new option for renewable energy harvesting, particularly in locations with complex structures or those unsuitable for traditional rigid panels. This technology also opens up the prospect of integrating solar power into vehicles, mobile devices, and structures with flexible surfaces.

However, for the technology to truly deliver environmental benefits, the product development process must continue to address requirements regarding lifespan, outdoor durability, manufacturing costs, and the ability to recover and recycle materials after their end of life. These are critical factors to ensure that the expansion of clean energy aligns with the goals of efficient resource use and waste reduction.