The future of solar energy is flexible, light, and made in Brabant

From May 7 to 9, 2025, Munich will once again focus on solar energy during Intersolar Europe. At the Dutch Pavilion, Brabant will present its latest innovation: perovskite – a flexible, sustainable, and scalable solar cell technology that integrates solar energy into buildings, infrastructure, and mobility.  

Under the guidance of the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), a coalition of companies and knowledge institutions is working on a large-scale production capacity of 1 gigawatt per year (this can supply approximately 750,000 households with electricity annually, ed.). With this, Brabant aims to become the European leader in the production of perovskite and offer an alternative to the traditional solar panel supply chain outside Europe. 

Lightweight, flexible, and sustainable solar cells 

Perovskite solar cells are light, flexible, and can be produced circularly. Thanks to innovative deposition techniques, the ecological footprint is much lower than that of traditional, heavy silicon panels. Since the cells are made in custom laminate form, they can be directly integrated into facades, windows, roofs, vehicles, and even industrial surfaces and infrastructure, such as noise barriers. 

Accelerating energy transition with smart integrated solutions 

The energy transition demands more than just solar panels on roofs. We simply don't have enough space or material to generate all energy with traditional solar panels. With perovskite, solar energy becomes no longer an add-on, but an integral part of the design of buildings and products. This means: 

• more generation capacity without extra space
• a more visually appealing and custom design
• a more sustainable alternative to classic PV 

In short: it's a fundamental step in the energy transition. “We are on the brink of achieving a technological and economic breakthrough – and this is happening in Brabant,” said BOM's Paul Gosselink.

Building a strong perovskite chain together 

The breakthrough in perovskite in Brabant is not a solo project, but the result of a powerful ecosystem  - the value chain of companies and knowledge institutions. United in the Innovation Coalition Solar (IC Solar) - led by BOM - various pioneers join forces with the Province of North Brabant and TNO/Solliance to accelerate this new phase in the application of solar energy. Together with TNO and the Province of Brabant, BOM has already brought together 30 companies in materials, production, high-tech equipment and tools, as well as three knowledge institutions within IC Solar - ready to make a global impact in the perovskite sector. Each of them contributes in their own way to the scaling up, application, and reliability of this new solar cell technology. Key players include:

• TNO/Solliance leads R&D and functional engineering in the field of perovskite and works on smart applications in buildings, mobility, and infrastructure — with the goal of seamlessly integrating solar energy into our living environment.
• VDL ETG translates technological innovations into industrial scale: as a leading equipment manufacturer, it develops and builds the production solutions needed for global scaling.
• SALD provides ultra-thin nanocoatings to protect the perovskite cells from moisture and light — essential for a long lifespan and reliable performance.
• BIPV.world enables the step to practice: through their platform, construction parties and designers can directly work with custom solar facades and building-integrated PV solutions.
• BOM supports and strengthens the ecosystem in multiple ways. As the leader of IC, we share our network and expertise. We also stimulate and facilitate the establishment of value-adding companies from Europe, America, and Asia in Brabant. Finally, we have the means to invest in new companies in the perovskite and manufacturing industry, or to make them investor-ready. 

European opportunities, global applications 

The innovative PV technology addresses an urgent challenge: generating more sustainable energy without additional space requirements. By integrating solar cells into existing surfaces, buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure, it can contribute to the energy transition. This makes the solution relevant for a diverse audience; project developers, building owners, builders, and suppliers have an additional business case. 

Furthermore, Brabant's perovskite offers tangible advantages for The Netherlands and Europe: 

• Less dependence on Asian solar chains
• New opportunities for manufacturing, export, and employment
• Acceleration of climate goals with aesthetic, scalable solutions