Scaling Solar Cell to Module Conversion for High Efficiency Perovskite Tandems
Swift Solar Inc.
Recipient
San Carlos, CA
Recipient Location
13th
Senate District
21st
Assembly District
Active
Project Status
Project Update
This project kicked off in October 2024 by initiating interactions with suppliers of module assembly equipment, focusing on equipment and processes compatible with perovskite PV cell module assembly requirements.
In 2025, Swift continued to source and assess equipment, materials and suppliers for the module production line. This included investigating various materials, tools, and methods for connecting the individual cells together within the module at lower temperatures. One avenue is modifying and extending the capabilities of the current methods.
On the materials side, the biggest challenges have been sourcing glass and frames. The IRA incentive provisions in the OBBB passed in 2025 limit the number of potential suppliers of module materials. Swift Solar has been developing suppliers for module materials, including glass and frame, with the objective of sourcing them domestically. Where possible, we will also focus on using recycled materials.
All of this work has informed the development of an initial production line layout, preliminary site and plant specifications, and a facilities and utilities matrix.
The Issue
Today’s dominant solar PV products are limited in both efficiency and application. Current silicon single junction technology will reach its practical commercial efficiency ceiling of ~25% within the next 5-10 years. Limited efficiency increases area requirements and/or lowers solar power output. Current silicon PV is also heavy and rigid, and therefore challenging to use in many applications. This restricts applications to rooftop and utility-scale PV and leaves emerging applications such as electric mobility and aerospace lacking easily integrated solar options. As electricity demand continues to grow, California ratepayers need more efficient and affordable PV that can be integrated into a wider range of products.
Project Innovation
This project will advance high-efficiency perovskite tandem PV technology from pilot-scale prototyping to low-rate initial production (LRIP).
Swift Solar will implement a cell-to-module conversion line that closes the gap to LRIP by leveraging the tandem cell prototyping line developed in our BRIDGE project. Swift Solar will scale up back-end manufacturing processes for converting cells into strings and modules, using equipment suitable for high rate production, then carry out application-specific field testing. The products will be high-efficiency PV modules for both established and specialized applications. This work will be pivotal in transitioning from lab-built prototypes to LRIP, and will mark an important de-risking leap toward GW-scale manufacturing of next-generation solar technology.
Project Goals
Advance high-efficiency perovskite tandem PV technology from pilot-scale prototyping to low-rate initial production (LRIP)
Project Benefits
This Agreement will result in the ratepayer benefit of lower costs by readying perovskite tandem solar cell technology for scale-up and deployment. High-efficiency tandems will increase California rooftop and utility-scale solar energy production by 25+%, at an estimated cost savings per kWh of 10–30+% (depending on technology generation and installation methods).
The Recipient projects a 10% lower residential LCOE for perovskite-silicon tandems than baseline c-Si PV in 2030 without accounting for potential cost savings from new deployment strategies.
Affordability
Affordability
Scaling production will reduce the cost of perovskite tandem cells. Additionally, higher efficiency cells can increase energy production.
Consumer Appeal
Consumer Appeal
EV drivers will also benefit from solar-integrated EVs via cost savings, increased convenience, and longer battery lifetime. Reducing EV charging requirements with onboard solar should help drive more equitable EV adoption.
Key Project Members
Bijan Moslehi
VP, Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Swift Solar
Joel Jean
CEO
Swift Solar
Match Partners
Swift Solar Inc.
