Pathways to perovskite commercialization emerge – with Fabian Fertig and Frank Mu

Perovskite solar cells have promised to push photovoltaic efficiency to new heights for years. Now, with major manufacturers achieving crucial reliability milestones and the first large-format modules entering large-scale production, the technology is moving beyond the laboratory. But as the race to bring perovskites to market accelerates, a fundamental question remains: will production processes deliver on cost, efficiency, and durability?

This week, host Jonathan Gifford speaks with two leading manufacturers pursuing different approaches to perovskite-silicon tandem solar technology at the Perovskite Connect 2026 event in Berlin.

First, Fabian Fertig, head of R&D PV technology at Qcells, discusses the company's breakthrough in achieving independent certification for its two-terminal tandem modules – a significant step towards commercial viability. Fertig explains why reliability, rather than record-breaking efficiency, has been the real challenge, and how Qcells is preparing to scale production to gigawatt scale.

But the best route to commercialization is not yet locked in.

Frank Mu, head of sales Europe at GCL Perovskite, makes the case for the four-terminal approach to tandem modules. With GCL already delivering its first large-scale orders in China, Mu explains why the company believes its architecture offers advantages in manufacturing scalability, material stability, and real-world performance. He also discusses the practical challenges of bringing these modules to market, from simplifying electrical connections to overcoming moisture-related failures and proving long-term durability.

With two industry heavyweights backing competing technologies, the race is about both high conversion efficiency alongside reliability, and manufacturing an affordable product that can be supplied at scale. And if perovskites can meet those demands, the next major transformation of the solar industry may happen faster than many expect.

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