First Solar has signed a patent licensing agreement with Oxford PV, a University of Oxford spin-off specializing in perovskite solar tech. This non-exclusive deal grants First Solar access to issued and pending patents covering perovskite materials, a key component in the development of next-generation solar technologies. The agreement allows First Solar to continue its research and development efforts focused on combining its thin-film expertise with perovskite materials, which are seen as a major leap forward in solar efficiency. By doing so, the company aims to create photovoltaic devices that utilize perovskite semiconductors, paving the way for more efficient and stable solar panels.
The agreement is significant not only because of its scope but also due to First Solar's position as the largest solar manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere and the world's biggest producer of thin-film modules. With this deal, First Solar can now continue pursuing viable pathways to manufacturing and commercializing thin-film perovskite products for various markets, including utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
The company has already invested heavily in research and development efforts related to perovskites, with over $2 billion spent on thin-film research and development. Its Perrysburg, Ohio campus operates a development line producing small modules that use perovskite semiconductors, which have already helped the company meet early internal targets for efficiency, stability, and manufacturability.
Oxford PV holds the strongest global patent portfolio in the field of perovskite solar tech, with a focus on manufacturing perovskite-on-silicon tandem cells and modules. The company plans to scale up production as part of its growth strategy, which could potentially disrupt the traditional silicon-based solar panel industry.
The agreement marks a significant step towards the commercialization of perovskite-based solar technology, which could potentially unlock higher efficiencies without relying on traditional crystalline silicon supply chains. This shift could have far-reaching implications for the solar industry, with potential benefits including reduced material costs and increased scalability.
First Solar has been committed to domestic production, with five factories currently operating across Alabama, Louisiana, and Ohio, and a sixth plant scheduled to begin operating in South Carolina in 2026. The new facility is expected to add 3.7 gigawatts of annual capacity, bringing First Solar's total nameplate capacity to approximately 18 GW in 2027.
Perovskites have been touted as the future of solar for over a decade, but their commercialization has been hindered by durability and scaling production challenges. The agreement between First Solar and Oxford PV signals that perovskites are now being taken seriously as a core part of long-term strategies.
The partnership demonstrates First Solar's commitment to innovation and its willingness to invest in emerging technologies. With this deal, the company can potentially leapfrog traditional silicon-based solar panels and establish itself as a leader in the next-generation solar market.
As the solar industry continues to evolve, it is essential for companies like First Solar to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. The agreement with Oxford PV marks an important milestone in this journey, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable solar energy solutions.
The agreement marks a significant step towards the commercialization of perovskite-based solar technology, which could potentially unlock higher efficiencies without relying on traditional crystalline silicon supply chains.
