Perovskites: the race for the future of PV? – with Rutger Schlatmann and Angelika Harter

Recorded at the Tandem PV Workshop in Berlin, this week’s episode
explores one of the most exciting frontiers in solar technology:
perovskite-based tandem photovoltaics. Featuring two leading
researchers from Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB), the
conversations dive into why perovskites could unlock the next
major step forward in solar efficiency – and what still needs to
happen before the technology reaches mass commercialization.


In the first interview, we’re joined by Professor Rutger
Schlatmann, Head of the Solar Energy Division at
Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, to unpack why silicon-perovskite tandem
solar cells are attracting so much attention from researchers and
industry. Rutger explains how conventional silicon technology is
approaching its physical efficiency limits, and why adding a
perovskite layer on top of silicon offers a pathway to
significantly higher performance.


In the second half of the episode, we speak with Angelika
Harter, Group Lead Industrial-like Silicon Perovskite
Tandem Baseline at HZB, about the transition from record-breaking
laboratory results toward commercially viable solar products.
Angelika shares insights from the Tandem PV Workshop, where the
industry’s focus is shifting from simply achieving higher
efficiencies toward improving stability, scalability, and
reproducibility.


We also explore new opportunities for perovskite technologies
beyond conventional solar modules – including flexible PV, indoor
applications, and space technologies – and why the next five
years could prove critical for bringing the first generation of
commercial perovskite products to market.


️ Questions or feedback? Write us at
podcast@thesmartere.com