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bifa was represented at the FuturePV Workshop, which took place from 20 to 22 May 2025 at the University of Cyprus (in Nicosia). At this joint event involving 15 current European funding projects, over 70 experts from across Europe discussed how perovskite PV technology can be scaled up and, made more durable and sustainable.

Initial results from the SMARTLINE PV project
Dr Matthias Hämmer (bifa) presented the initial results in his presentation ‘Eco-design guidelines for tin-based perovskite PV modules’. The EU-funded research project is further developing perovskite photovoltaic technology. The project is developing a tin-perovskite-based solar cell technology as an alternative to potentially environmentally hazardous lead-containing perovskite photovoltaic modules. In addition, the focus is on efficient roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing, reduced costs and flexible modules with selectable colours. Under the leadership of bifa, the project is implementing eco-design at all levels, including the solar cell and in all product components, with a focus on design for recycling.

With this goal in mind, bifa, in collaboration with project partner CEA (France), developed 17 specific ‘Ecodesign Guidelines’ at the start of the project, which Dr Hämmer presented to a wider audience of experts there. The proposals include the substitution of critical materials, reduction of material complexity, the use of ‘greener’ solvents and recycling-friendly encapsulation materials. Another focus was on the differences in the eco-design of lead- and tin-based perovskite solar cells. Although the former are more technologically advanced, they pose a greater challenge in eco-design due to toxicological reasons, especially when compared to the photovoltaic modules developed in the SMARTLINE-PV project.