Eni and FuturaSun Launch SunXT to Advance Perovskite-Silicon Solar Panels

Eniverse, Eni's corporate venture builder, and FuturaSun, a high-efficiency photovoltaic panel manufacturer, have established SunXT. The joint venture aims to develop tandem perovskite-silicon photovoltaic panels, fostering the energy transition.

SunXT's Innovative Approach

SunXT integrates Eni's internally developed perovskite material technology with FuturaSun's tandem photovoltaic expertise, cultivated through Solertix, its deep-tech start-up founded by internationally recognized researchers who were among the first in Europe to develop perovskite cells. FuturaSun holds 56.1% of SunXT's share capital, while Eniverse holds 43.9%.

The goal of SunXT is to enhance existing silicon modules, thereby delivering improved efficiency, versatility, and competitiveness, according to a release.

Technology and Development Plans

The new four-terminal architecture combines a perovskite module with a traditional silicon module, maximizing the conversion of sunlight into electricity. The panels are designed to capture sunlight from both surfaces. The initial phase of SunXT's development plan includes creating a pilot line, followed by industrial scale-up for producing four-terminal panels for residential, commercial, and utility sectors.

This initiative aligns with Eni’s Dual Innovation Model, aimed at transforming the company's technological assets and expertise into new business opportunities through strategic partnerships.

Executive Insights

Laura D’Angelo, venture strategy & development director at Eniverse, stated: "With SunXT, Eniverse is taking an important step towards the future of solar energy. Investing in cutting-edge technologies like perovskite is a key element of Eni's decarbonization strategy. This initiative, in line with the others put in place by Eni on this front, helps to consolidate our technological leadership and make solar energy more efficient, accessible and sustainable."

"With SunXT, we are taking the definitive leap from laboratory research to industrial application. This step not only accelerates innovation but is essential for the birth of a competitive and cutting-edge Italian photovoltaic supply chain. We will thus bring to the market the results of Solertix's research, which has created the first perovskite modules in the world, with the aim of increasing the performance of solar panels, reducing the cost of energy, and lowering its environmental impact," stated Alessandro Barin, CEO of the FuturaSun Group.

Key Objectives of SunXT

Enhancing Module Efficiency

SunXT aims to significantly improve the efficiency of current silicon modules by integrating perovskite technology.

Increasing Versatility

The new panels are designed to be more versatile, catering to various applications across residential, commercial, and utility sectors.

Boosting Competitiveness

By leveraging innovative materials and design, SunXT strives to enhance the competitiveness of solar energy solutions.

Four-Terminal Architecture

The integration of perovskite and silicon modules maximizes sunlight conversion into electricity.

Dual-Surface Light Capture

Panels are engineered to capture sunlight from both surfaces, increasing energy yield.

Pilot Line and Industrial Scale-Up

SunXT’s development plan includes an initial pilot line followed by a scale-up for mass production.

Eni's Dual Innovation Model

Strategic Partnerships

Eni aims to transform technological assets into business opportunities through strategic collaborations.

Technological Leadership

The initiative reinforces Eni’s leadership in sustainable and efficient solar energy technologies.

Decarbonization Strategy

Investing in perovskite technology is a key part of Eni's strategy to reduce carbon emissions.

Future Outlook

SunXT aims to accelerate innovation and establish a competitive Italian photovoltaic supply chain.

Market Goals

The company plans to introduce perovskite modules to enhance solar panel performance, reduce energy costs, and minimize environmental impact.