Oxford Researchers Pioneer Ultra-Thin Solar Coating That Could Redefine Energy Efficiency

Oxford Researchers Pioneer Ultra-Thin Solar Coating That Could Redefine Energy Efficiency

(IN BRIEF) A research team from Oxford University Physics Department has developed an innovative solar energy technology that bypasses the need for traditional silicon panels. The new method involves coating everyday surfaces such as mobile phones, vehicles, and backpacks with an ultra-thin, flexible light-absorbing material. Using a multi-junction stacking approach, the scientists have captured a broader light spectrum, achieving a certified energy efficiency of over 27%, which rivals that of conventional silicon photovoltaics. This efficiency boost—from about 6% to over 27% in just five years—opens the door to even higher efficiencies, potentially surpassing 45% with further development. The technology’s flexibility and minimal thickness—approximately one micron—allow it to be applied to a wide range of surfaces, thus diminishing the reliance on dedicated solar farms. The breakthrough, led by Professor Henry Snaith and supported by Oxford PV, shows significant commercial promise, marking a transformative moment in solar energy innovation. It supports the long-term goal of making solar electricity more sustainable and cost-effective while significantly reducing the environmental footprint associated with conventional solar panels.

(PRESS RELEASE) OXFORD, 9-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Scientists from the Oxford University Physics Department have unveiled a groundbreaking method that can generate progressively higher levels of solar power without relying on conventional silicon-based panels. Their novel approach involves coating everyday surfaces—such as rucksacks, cars, and mobile phones—with an innovative, light-absorbing material. For the first time, this ultra-thin, flexible substance can be seamlessly applied to nearly any object or building surface.

Utilizing a pioneering technique developed in Oxford that stacks multiple light-absorbing layers into one compact solar cell, the team has succeeded in capturing a broader segment of the light spectrum. This multi-junction design not only maximizes power output from a given amount of sunlight but has also been independently validated by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to achieve an energy conversion efficiency exceeding 27%—a performance level that now rivals traditional silicon photovoltaics.

Dr Shuaifeng Hu, a Post Doctoral Fellow at Oxford University Physics, explained, “In just five years, our stacking approach has boosted power conversion efficiency from around 6% to over 27%, which is nearly the peak of what single-layer photovoltaics can reach. We envision that this technology, with further refinements, could push efficiencies beyond 45%.” This represents a significant improvement over current solar panels, which typically convert about 22% of sunlight into electricity.

Dr Junke Wang, a Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions Postdoc Fellow at the same department, added, “By adopting this new coating technology, we can match and potentially outstrip the performance of silicon while delivering unprecedented flexibility. This means more solar power can be generated without the constraints of conventional panels or the necessity for dedicated solar farms.” At just over one micron thick—almost 150 times thinner than a standard silicon wafer—the technology promises to be applied across a broad range of surfaces, enabling applications that extend from building facades to the roofs of cars and even the backs of mobile phones.

The research, led by Professor of Renewable Energy Henry Snaith at Oxford University, is part of an ongoing effort that began around a decade ago focusing on thin-film perovskite photovoltaics. The innovative work is now transitioning towards commercialization, bolstered by Oxford PV—a spin-out company established in 2010 to bring perovskite-based solar cells to market. Oxford PV has already commenced volume manufacturing of ‘perovskite-on-silicon’ tandem solar cells at its factory in Brandenburg-an-der-Havel, near Berlin, which stands as the world’s first large-scale production line for this technology.

Professor Snaith noted, “While the UK has largely focused on developing solar farms, real growth will come from commercializing innovative materials that allow solar energy to be harnessed from existing structures and objects. The potential here is enormous, and with stronger incentives, the UK could lead this emerging global industry.” The researchers are confident that their breakthrough will pave the way for a new generation of solar energy devices—more sustainable, versatile, and cost-effective than ever before.

About Oxford University Physics

Oxford University Physics is one of the largest physics departments in the world, top-ranked in the UK and among the lead research universities globally in all key areas of physics (currently number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2024). Its mission is to apply the transformative power of physics to the foremost scientific problems and educate the next generation of physicists as well as to promote innovation and public engagement with physics.

Oxford University Physics leads ground-breaking scientific research across a wide spectrum of challenges: from quantum computing, quantum materials and quantum matter to space missions and observation; from climate science to the development of next-generation technologies for renewable energy; and from designing experiments to understand the nature of existence to revolutionising medicine and healthcare through biophysics.

Oxford University Physics has spun out 18 companies since launching the University’s first commercial venture in 1959 and works with enterprises across most areas of its leading scientific research.

About Oxford University

Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and ​number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2024. At the heart of this success are the twin pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer.

Oxford is world-famous for research and teaching excellence and is home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research alongside our personalised approach to teaching sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.

Through its research commercialisation arm, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked first in the UK for university spinouts, having created more than 300 new companies since 1988. Over a third of these companies have been created in the past five years. The university is a catalyst for prosperity in Oxfordshire and the United Kingdom, contributing £15.7 billion to the UK economy in 2018/19, and supports more than 28,000 full-time jobs.

Media Contact:

Tessa Curtis
Department of Physics
E: tessa.curtis@physics.ox.ac.uk
M: +44 7767 654122

SOURCE: University of Oxford