Summary
Researchers from Empa and other institutions analyze in a study why promising solar cell technologies fail to make the transition from laboratory to market. Using the example of CIGS and perovskite solar cells, they demonstrate: high efficiency records alone are not sufficient. Instead, stability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness are decisive. The central recommendation is that research and industry must collaborate significantly earlier.
People
- Mirjana Dimitrievska (Empa researcher, lead author)
Topics
- Solar cell development and commercialization
- CIGS and perovskite technologies
- Research-industry collaboration
- Sustainable energy production
Clarus Lead
New solar cell technologies often fail not due to lack of scientific performance, but due to insufficient practical orientation. A study published in Nature Energy by Empa demonstrates using the example of CIGS solar cells and perovskites that industry sets different priorities than research. While scientists pursue efficiency records, the economy needs robust, long-lasting, and cost-effective products. The authors call for earlier and more intensive collaboration between academic institutions and companies.
Detailed Summary
CIGS solar cells experienced their peak in the 1990s and 2000s. Driven by high silicon prices, these thin-film cells repeatedly set efficiency records and attracted significant investments worldwide. However, the complex and demanding manufacturing process proved economically unscalable for many companies – particularly after silicon prices recovered. Established silicon technology eventually displaced the promising newcomer from the market.
Perovskite solar cells are still at an earlier stage of development but already achieve high efficiency values and can potentially be manufactured more cost-effectively using printing processes. In 2025, over 500 million US dollars flowed into this technology. However, perovskites exhibit significant stability problems: they react sensitively to environmental influences and, unlike CIGS cells, have barely been tested under real conditions over extended periods.
The researchers recommend shifting focus from further efficiency records to resilience, stability, and sustainability. Long-term field studies should take precedence over short-term laboratory successes. Additionally, industry must be more transparent about failed experiments so that research can progress faster. Conversely, scientists should consider industrial requirements in early phases.
Key Findings
- Efficiency records are not a success criterion for market readiness; reliability, lifespan, and manufacturing costs are more decisive for industry
- CIGS solar cells failed not due to the technology itself, but due to lack of economic scalability despite high investments
- Perovskites show potential, but stability problems and insufficient long-term testing jeopardize commercialization
- Earlier collaboration between research and industry is necessary to increase market opportunities
- Tandem technologies (silicon + thin-film) offer new efficiency gains and open specialized applications
Critical Questions
Data Quality: Is the analysis based on systematic comparisons or retrospective case studies? How representative are CIGS and perovskites for other failed technologies?
Conflicts of Interest: To what extent does Empa's proximity to industry influence the recommendations? Could stronger industry dependence endanger long-term research independence?
Causality: Is insufficient collaboration really the main cause of CIGS failure, or did external factors (raw material prices, market dynamics) play a more dominant role?
Feasibility: How can research institutions concretely restructure their incentive systems to reward stability instead of records without losing international competitiveness?
Risks: Could too early industry involvement increase research risks or restrict experimental freedom?
Validation: How long must perovskite solar cells be tested under real conditions to demonstrate market readiness – and who bears these costs?
Alternatives: Are other thin-film materials (cadmium telluride, organic semiconductors) adequately considered in this analysis?
Sources
Primary Source: Novel Solar Cells Successfully Commercialized: When Records Are Not Enough – news.admin.ch (February 24, 2026) https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/UjnympgInshPLx6ZDlXnM
Scientific Publication: M Dimitrievska, E Saucedo, S De Wolf, BJ Stanbery, V Bermudez Benito: Lessons from copper indium gallium sulfo-selenide solar cells for progressing perovskite photovoltaics; Nature Energy (2026); doi: 10.1038/s41560-025-01936-0
Contact: Dr. Mirjana Dimitrievska, Empa – Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Tel. +41 58 765 45 32 | [email protected]
Verification Status: ✓ February 24, 2026
This text was created with the assistance of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: February 24, 2026