SMARTLINE-PV has been featured in a new publication by Innovation News Network, presenting the project’s approach to sustainable and scalable solar-energy conversion using tin-based perovskites.
Published on 26 January 2026 under the title “SMARTLINE-PV: Sustainable and Scalable Solar Energy Conversion with Tin-Based Perovskites,” the article provides an overview of the project’s scientific objectives, technological developments and future application areas.
The feature highlights how SMARTLINE-PV is working to replace lead-based perovskite absorbers with more environmentally compatible tin-halide materials. The project combines innovative precursor chemistry with plasma-assisted crystallisation to improve film quality, stability and scalability.
Unlike conventional processes that frequently depend on solvent-intensive crystallisation methods, the plasma-assisted approach is designed to enable fast, low-temperature and solvent-free processing. Its compatibility with continuous roll-to-roll production represents an important step toward large-area manufacturing and lower production costs.
The publication also presents the project’s work in several key areas:
- development of scalable and stable tin-perovskite solar cells;
- tailored device architectures and functional interlayers;
- flexible and colour-selectable photovoltaic modules;
- architectural integration using the MorphoColor concept;
- building-integrated photovoltaic applications;
- autonomous energy supplies for IoT devices;
- ecodesign, circularity and lifecycle considerations;
- validation through application-oriented demonstrators.
Particular attention is given to future building applications. Flexible and colour-selectable modules could be incorporated into roof tiles, façades and solar shading elements, enabling buildings to generate renewable electricity while maintaining architectural design freedom.
The article also introduces the multidisciplinary SMARTLINE-PV consortium, which brings together 13 European partners from academic research, applied research and industry. This collaboration connects fundamental materials science with industrial processing, product development and real-world demonstration.
Thomas Rath from Graz University of Technology and Silvester Filkorn from FILBAU are listed as contributors to the publication. The feature appeared online through Innovation News Network and in Issue 25 of The Innovation Platform.