A new international research project, POP-PV (Process Optimisation & Production Readiness for Next Generation Solar PV Manufacturing), has been launched under the 8th SMART Advanced Manufacturing Call, supported by national funding from Innovate UK and Vinnova. The project brings together Power Roll (UK), Dyenamo AB (Sweden), and the University of Sheffield (UK) to address key manufacturing and materials challenges that currently limit the commercialisation of perovskite solar cells.
The consortium will advance Power Roll’s patented micro-groove solar film technology, an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional silicon solar panels. The technology is designed for commercial and industrial rooftops and the sides of buildings that are not physically or technically feasible with current PV systems, helping unlock new opportunities for solar power generation on previously underutilised buildings. This is a substantial addressable market because many warehouses, factories and commercial buildings remain unsuitable for conventional glass-panel PV due to structural load, installation complexity, performance issues, or cost constraints.
A major objective of POP-PV is to improve the stability, manufacturability and scalability of perovskite solar technology. The project will investigate advanced interface materials known as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), which can enhance device performance, improve long-term durability and support high-volume manufacturing processes. These workstreams are directly aligned with the technical milestones required to further de-risk Power Roll’s transition from pilot-scale development to commercial deployment.
Power Roll will lead the development and scale-up of manufacturing processes, Dyenamo will develop and scale production of advanced perovskite and interface materials, and the University of Sheffield will evaluate and optimise candidate materials and device performance. Together, the partners aim to strengthen the European supply chain for next-generation solar technologies while accelerating the path towards commercial production. The project also reinforces Power Roll’s position as a leading UK-based manufacturing innovator with the potential to licence, partner and scale internationally through capital-light commercial models.
The project will also support more sustainable photovoltaic manufacturing by reducing dependence on critical raw materials and exploring alternative solvent systems for large-scale production. By combining expertise in photovoltaics, advanced materials and manufacturing, POP-PV aims to bring lightweight solar technology closer to commercial reality and help expand the adoption of renewable energy across Europe and beyond. For investors and strategic partners, POP-PV helps evidence a compelling combination of differentiated IP, grant-backed technical progress, sustainability benefits and a route to large-scale industrial application.
Dr Dave Barwick, Programme Manager at Power Roll said “POP-PV brings together leading expertise in solar manufacturing, materials development and device engineering to address key barriers to the commercialisation of lightweight perovskite solar technology. Through this collaboration, we aim to accelerate the development of solar solutions for buildings that cannot support conventional PV systems.”
Henrik Pettersen, CEO of Dyenamo said “Perovskite solar cell technologies have turned out to be highly specific when it comes to materials. Different device concepts and manufacturing technologies require unique, optimized material solutions. Our experience has shown that close interaction between device manufacturers and material partners is a winning combination to address these challenges. Dyenamo therefore welcomes this targeted collaboration with Power Roll and Sheffield.”
David Lidzey, Professor at University of Sheffield added "My research group at Sheffield have collaborated with Power Roll for many years and we have developed an excellent partnership. I’m therefore delighted to be part of this consortium which looks to develop new materials and deposition protocols for application in microgroove devices.”
About the Partners
Power Roll is developing a novel lightweight solar film using patented micro-groove technology and roll-to-roll manufacturing. Its platform is designed to reduce expensive material use, simplify deployment and open solar markets that are difficult for conventional PV to serve, including lightweight commercial rooftops and the sides of buildings. Dyenamo AB specialises in advanced materials for perovskite photovoltaics, while the University of Sheffield provides internationally recognised expertise in perovskite materials, device fabrication and characterisation.