Italian start-up SunXT to bring perovskite tandems to market
Italian solar module company FuturaSun and the Italian energy firm Eni's corporate venture builder Eniverse have created a join venture called SunXT to bring the next generation of perovskite photovoltaics to market. The start-up will develop perovskite–silicon tandem panels.
SunXT builds on the experience of FuturaSun's subsidiary Solertix, a deep-tech start-up, among the first in Europe to develop perovskite cells. It is also currently the Italian centre of excellence within the FuturaSun Group for tandem photovoltaics.
The SunXT solution is designed to enhance current silicon modules, offering higher efficiency, versatility, and competitiveness. The four-terminal bifacial architecture couples a perovskite module with a traditional silicon module, maximising solar light absorption and its conversion into electrical energy.
The first phase of SunXT’s development plan includes the construction of a pilot line, followed by industrial scale-up for the production of four-terminal panels to be used in residential, commercial, and utility-scale sectors.
“With SunXT, we will bring to market the results of the research we have been conducting since 2013, when we produced the world’s first perovskite modules at the CHOSE laboratories of Rome Tor Vergata, with the aim of increasing the performance of solar panels, reducing the cost of energy, and lowering their environmental impact. This is a crucial achievement for Italian research and industry", said Francesco Di Giacomo, CTO and co-founder of Solertix, together with Aldo Di Carlo.
“It is a step that not only accelerates innovation, but is also essential for the creation of a competitive, cutting-edge Italian photovoltaic supply chain, " said Alessandro Barin, CEO of the FuturaSun Group.
Laura D’Angelo, venture strategy and development director at Eniverse, said: “With SunXT, Eniverse takes an important step toward the future of solar energy. Investing in cutting-edge technologies such as perovskite is a key element of Eni’s decarbonization strategy. This initiative, in line with others launched by Eni in this area, helps strengthen our technological leadership and make solar energy more efficient, accessible, and sustainable.”
SunXT’s share capital is held 56.1 percent by FuturaSun and 43.9 percent by Eniverse.
