Horizon Europe 2026/2027 best topics for solar cells research

Writer

Celeste Chidiac, PhD

Keywords

Microfluidic Devices, Intelligent Microfluidics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning

Opening

Dec 2025, Jan/Mar/Aug/Sep/Dec 2026, Mar/Aug 2027

Deadline

Mar/Ap/Jun/Oct/Dec 2026, Feb/Mar/Jun/Dec 2027

Keywords

Intelligent Microfluidics

Deep Learning

Microfluidic Devices

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning

next-gen thin‑film

PV systems

perovskite‑Si

materials discovery & scale‑up

Need advice for your intelligent microfluidic system?

Your microfluidic SME partner for Horizon Europe!

Horizon Europe 2026/2027 Calls
Ordered by “perovskite solar cells” relevance

We have categorized the most relevant topics from the Horizon Europe 2026-2027 work programmes according to the impact that perovskite solar cells (next-gen thin‑film & tandem PV) can have on the calls and related topics. We are sharing our analysis in case it can help you with project funding efforts. And, of course, if our microfluidics expertise can be of use to you as a partner, we would be delighted to discuss it further.

The relevance is indicated at the beginning of the topic in square brackets.

Discover more!

Calls ordered by “perovskite solar cells” relevance

[99%] HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-14 – INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND EQUIPMENT FOR INNOVATIVE, RELIABLE AND SCALABLE TANDEM TECHNOLOGIES (EUPI‑PV PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Call: Cluster 5 Call 03‑2026 (WP2026‑2027)
Budget (topic, M€): 30.00, Expected/project: 10.00, # projects: 3
Opening: 18 Dec 2025, Deadline: 31 Mar 2026.

Scientific scope: Large‑scale demonstration of tandem PV manufacturing (e.g., perovskite-Si), including thin‑film interface engineering, scalable production processes and equipment ready for deployment, and lifetimes comparable to silicon while beating Si efficiency limits. The topic sits under the EUPI‑PV partnership and targets rapid industrialization with strong business cases and KPI reporting to the partnership.

Why this is relevant for perovskite solar cells: It is the flagship industrialization call for perovskite‑Si tandems. It directly funds equipment and process lines (slot‑die/printing/annealing/inline QC) needed to scale perovskite absorber stacks and robust interconnects, while tackling reliability (humidity/thermal cycling) and manufacturability barriers that have kept tandems in pilot mode.

[97%] HORIZON-CL5-2027-02-D3-16 – PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAICS BEYOND THE STATE‑OF‑THE‑ART (EUPI‑PV PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Call: Cluster 5 Call 02‑2027 (WP2026‑2027)
Budget (topic, M€): 36.00, Expected/project: 12.00, # projects: 3
Opening: 03 Dec 2026, Deadline: 31 Mar 2027.

Scientific scope: Factory‑relevant demonstration of cell/module technologies with efficiencies beyond current commercial levels, on par reliability, and multi‑MWp‑ready production (digitalized, automated pilot lines). Strong exploitation plans are required to support EU PV manufacturing (EU Solar PV Industry Alliance).

Relevance for perovskite PV: Funds the pilot‑to‑factory bridge for high‑efficiency perovskite cells/modules (single‑junction or tandem), de‑risking coating/encapsulation routes, advanced inline metrology, and process control that are decisive to reach bankable performance at scale.

[95%] HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-17 – INDUSTRIAL SCALE UP AND CIRCULARITY PATHWAY FOR IPV TECHNOLOGIES (EUPI‑PV PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Call: Cluster 5 Call 07‑2027 (WP2026‑2027)
Budget (topic, M€): 33.00, Expected/project: 11.00, # projects: 3
Opening: 04 Aug 2027, Deadline: 01 Dec 2027.

Scientific scope: Integrated PV (IPV) manufacturing (BIPV, VIPV, agri‑PV, floating, etc.) with flexible pilot lines (≥100 kWp scale) and demonstrations of recycling and material recovery for diverse form factors and materials. Business models and circularity KPIs are core.

Relevance for perovskite PV: Perovskites are natural IPV candidates (lightweight, tunable optics). This call funds pilot lines and recycling flows to take perovskite modules into real markets and to prove circularity (e.g., solvent‑safe lamination, lead‑containment & recovery).

[93%] HORIZON-CL5-2026-11-D3-15 – IMPROVED SYSTEM DESIGN FOR INNOVATIVE PV APPLICATIONS (EUPI‑PV PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Call: Cluster 5 Call 11‑2026 (WP2026‑2027)
Budget (topic, M€): 30.00, Expected/project: 7.50, # projects: 4
Opening: 04 Aug 2026, Deadline: 01 Dec 2026.

Scientific scope: System‑level design and demonstration for innovative PV applications (e.g., agriPV, offshore/near‑shore/floating PV), including standardization, permitting, environmental integration, and ≥5 MW multi‑site demonstrators across EU climate zones.

Relevance for perovskite PV: Enables application‑specific module and BOS co‑design (e.g., semi‑transparent perovskite for agronomy, flexible modules for curvature, anti‑salt encapsulation), de‑risking deployment pathways and acceptance.

[90%] HORIZON-CL5-2027-07-D3-18 – PV‑BASED ELECTRIFICATION OF THE ECONOMY: DESIGNING & OPTIMISING PV SYSTEMS SUPPORTING INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIFICATION AND PROMOTING PARTICIPATION IN ELECTRICITY MARKETS (EUPI‑PV PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Call: Cluster 5 Call 07‑2027 (WP2026‑2027)
Budget (topic, M€): 18.00, Expected/project: 6.00, # projects: 3
Opening: 04 Aug 2027, Deadline: 01 Dec 2027.

Scientific scope: Two streams: high‑voltage DC PV systems for large-scale/industrial users (≥3 kV architectures, hybrid PV + storage) and PV participation in ancillary services/markets to cut curtailment and boost profitability.

Relevance for perovskite PV: Funds the system integration layer that perovskite (including tandem) plants must meet to be profitable – DC architectures, market‑aware controls, and hybrid designs that reduce LCOE and unlock industrial electrification.

[88%] HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-23 – ACCELERATING THE DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHEMICALS AND INNOVATIVE ADVANCED MATERIALS THROUGH DIGITALISATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (IAM4EU PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 51.00, Expected/project: 13.00, # projects: 4
Opening: 06 Jan 2026, Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.

Scientific scope: Digital/AI platforms and workflows to speed materials discovery & scale‑up, aligned with Safe‑and‑Sustainable‑by‑Design (SSbD). Targets integrated design‑make‑test‑learn cycles and data‑centric validation.

Relevance for perovskite PV: Ideal for closed-loop composition/interface screening (dopants, 2D interlayers, solvent systems), accelerated stability mapping, and process transfer from microfluidic synthesis to pilot coating, core bottlenecks for perovskites.

[86%] HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-22 – INNOVATIVE ADVANCED MATERIALS AND NEW PRODUCTION PROCESSES – REDUCING DEPENDENCIES ON CRITICAL AND STRATEGIC RAW MATERIALS (IAM4EU & P4Planet PARTNERSHIPS)

Type of action: IA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 36.00, Expected/project: 6.00-7.50, # projects: 6
Opening: 22 Sep 2026, Deadline: 02 Feb 2027.

Scientific scope: Substitution or reduced use of CRMs via new materials/processes, with SSbD embedded end‑to‑end, and demonstrators tied to strategic sectors (energy, electronics).

Relevance for perovskite PV: Supports lead‑reduced/lead‑free perovskite chemistries, halide management, Ag‑free contacts, and alternative TCOs, decreasing dependency risks while maintaining performance.

[84%] HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-01 – ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FOR KEY PRODUCTS (MADE IN EUROPE PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 37.50, Expected/project: 6.00-8.00, # projects: 6
Opening: 06 Jan 2026, Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.

Scientific scope: Scalable advanced manufacturing (automation, inline metrology, AI for quality), focusing on high-impact products and production system upgrades. Relevance for perovskite PV: Maps directly to roll‑to‑roll or sheet‑to‑sheet perovskite module lines (ink formulation, drying/anneal windows, defect metrology), and factory digital twins for yield.

[83%] HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-02 – ADVANCED MANUFACTURING FOR KEY PRODUCTS (MADE IN EUROPE PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: IA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 36.00, Expected/project: 6.00-8.00, # projects: 6
Opening: 22 Sep 2026, Deadline: 02 Feb 2027.

Scientific scope & relevance: Continuation of the 2026 advanced manufacturing thrust, ideal for maturing perovskite pilot lines to near‑industrial throughput with robust QA/QC and traceability.

[80%] HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-05 – CIRCULAR INNOVATIVE ADVANCED MATERIALS: FACILITATING THE TRANSITION FROM DESIGN TO MARKETS (IAM4EU & MADE IN EUROPE)

Type of action: RIA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 37.50, Expected/project: 5.00-6.50, # projects: 7
Opening: 06 Jan 2026, Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.

Scientific scope: Circular design of advanced materials and products, with market‑entry focus (LCA, eco‑design, SSbD, end‑of‑life logistics). Relevance for perovskite PV: Funds circular encapsulation, adhesives, backsheets, and EoL strategies (lead capture & recovery), feeding standards for responsible perovskite deployment.

[78%] HORIZON-INFRA-2027-SERV-01-01 – ACCESS TO RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURES, THEIR RESOURCES AND SERVICES: LARGE‑SCALE PILOTS FOR MORE INTEGRATED SCHEME ACROSS (SUB)DOMAINS

Type of action: RIA
Call: Research Infrastructures 2027 (HORIZON‑INFRA‑2027‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 105.00, Expected/project: 35.00, # projects: 3
Opening: 09 Mar 2027, Deadline: 15 Jun 2027.

Scientific scope & relevance: Funds integrated access to top‑tier RI portfolios (synchrotrons, electron microscopes, nano‑fab, reliability labs), perfect to characterize perovskite defects, interfaces, and degradation under realistic stress and to validate module reliability protocols.

[76%] HORIZON-INFRA-2027-SERV-01-02 – ACCESS TO RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES TO ENABLE R&I ADDRESSING EU PRIORITIES AND EMERGING CHALLENGES

Type of action: RIA
Call: Research Infrastructures 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 35.00, Expected/project: 6.00, # projects: 5
Opening: 09 Mar 2027, Deadline: 15 Jun 2027.

Scope & relevance: Supports open access to targeted RI services; excellent to secure time on stability rigs, beamlines, and accelerated stress platforms needed for perovskite reliability.

[74%] HORIZON-INFRA-2026-TECH-01-01 – R&D FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTATION, TOOLS, METHODS, DIGITALISATION AND SOLUTIONS FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

Type of action: RIA
Call: Research Infrastructures 2026 (HORIZON‑INFRA‑2026‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 90.00, Expected/project: 5.00-10.00, # projects: 9
Opening: 10 Mar 2026, Deadline: 16 Jun 2026.

Scope & relevance: Develops new instruments & methods for Ris, opportunity to co-design operando perovskite probes (in‑situ XRD/PL, environmental TEM) and data pipelines tailored to hybrid perovskites.

[72%] HORIZON-INFRA-2027-TECH-01-01 – TESTING AND OPTIMISING MODELS OF CO-CREATION OF ADVANCED RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE TECHNOLOGIES

Type of action: RIA
Call: Research Infrastructures 2027
Budget (topic, M€): 30.00, Expected/project: 10.00-15.00, # projects: 2
Opening: 09 Mar 2027, Deadline: 15 Jun 2027.

Scope & relevance: Co‑creation frameworks between RIs and industry, ideal to industrialize perovskite‑specific metrology and certification methods with equipment vendors.

[70%] HORIZON-INFRA-2026-DEV-01-02 – CONSOLIDATION OF THE RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE LANDSCAPE – PILOTS FOR STRATEGIC COORDINATION, SYNERGIES AND SIMPLIFIED ACCESS PATHWAYS, BY LARGE THEMATIC CLUSTERS OF PAN‑EUROPEAN RIs

Type of action: RIA
Call: Research Infrastructures 2026
Budget (topic, M€): 40.00, Expected/project: 4.00-8.00, # projects: 6
Opening: 10 Mar 2026, Deadline: 16 Jun 2026.

Scope & relevance: Builds coordinated access and simplified pathways across RIs, valuable to organize a materials/energy RI cluster around perovskite stability, interfaces, and scale‑up.

[68%] HORIZON-CL4-2027-01-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-03 – FACTORY PROCESSES AND AUTOMATION FOR DE‑ AND RE‑MANUFACTURING (MADE IN EUROPE)

Type of action: RIA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2027‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 36.00, Expected/project: 5.00-6.50, # projects: 6
Opening: 22 Sep 2026, Deadline: 02 Feb 2027.

Scope & relevance: De‑/re‑manufacturing automation, fits module repairability/refurbishment and PV recycling automation tailored to perovskite laminates.

[66%] HORIZON-CL4-2026-02-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-21 – DEVELOPMENT OF SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES TO SUBSTANCES OF CONCERN

Type of action: IA
Call: INDUSTRY‑two‑stage (HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑02)
Budget (topic, M€): 38.00, Expected/project: 6.00-7.50, # projects: 6
Opening: 16 Dec 2025, Deadlines: 17 Mar 2026 (Stage 1), 13 Oct 2026 (Stage 2).

Scope & relevance: SSbD substitution of hazardous substances; applies to Pb‑reduced perovskites, solvent substitution (e.g., DMF alternatives), and benign passivation chemistries.

[64%] HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-45 – PILOT ACCESS SCHEMES TO TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURES FOR EUROPEAN STARTUPS, SCALEUPS AND INNOVATIVE SMEs

Type of action: CSA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 5.00, Expected/project: 1.50-2.50, # projects: 2
Opening: 06 Jan 2026, Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.

Scope & relevance: Finances access to pilot lines/tech infrastructures, a practical route for perovskite startups to validate coating/encapsulation on existing EU facilities.

[60%] HORIZON-CL4-2026-01-MATERIALS‑PRODUCTION-48 – ‘PROOF OF MARKET’ TO IMPROVE VALORISATION AND COMMERCIALISATION OF HORIZON‑GENERATED R&I RESULTS

Type of action: IA
Call: INDUSTRY (HORIZON‑CL4‑2026‑01)
Budget (topic, M€): 5.00, Expected/project: 0.20, # projects: 25
Opening: 06 Jan 2026, Deadline: 21 Apr 2026.

Scope & relevance: Short, market‑entry actions to bridge lab‑to‑market, useful for field pilots and certification steps of perovskite modules/components.

[58%] HORIZON-CL5-2026-03-D3-13 – LONG‑LIFETIME AND OPTIMISED USE OF MATERIALS IN RECYCLABLE Ag AND In‑FREE Si PV MODULES (EUPI‑PV PARTNERSHIP)

Type of action: RIA
Call: Cluster 5 Call 03‑2026 (WP2026‑2027)
Budget (topic, M€): 15.00, Expected/project: 5.00, # projects: 3
Opening: 18 Dec 2025, Deadline: 31 Mar 2026.

Scientific scope: Extending module lifetimes to ~40 years, Ag/In‑free designs, recyclability/repairability, adapted testing methodologies, and field repair concepts.

Relevance for perovskite PV: Although Si‑focused, the circularity, testing, and repair frameworks translate to perovskite module eco‑design (barrier layers, field repair kits, material recovery).

What microfluidics can bring to perovskite solar cells?

Precision ink discovery & QA: Droplet and flow-based reactors to explore solvent/antisolvent windows, precursor stoichiometries, additives, and 2D interlayers with minute reagent use and reproducible thermal/atmospheric control.
Closed‑loop optimization: Inline optical/electrical readouts (absorption/PL/lifetime/impedance) coupled to Bayesian/AI design‑make‑test‑learn for fast phase‑pure, high‑stability recipes.
Crystallization control at scale: Emulate coating thermal/solvent quench histories in microchannels to tune grain size, orientation, and passivation, then transfer to slot‑die/blade/inkjet conditions.
Interface engineering: Microfluidic deposition of ultra-thin transport layers and selective ion‑exchange/post‑treatments that enhance Voc and suppress hysteresis.
Accelerated durability: On‑chip humidity/oxygen/light/thermal stressors for rapid screening of encapsulants, edge seals and barrier stacks; automated failure‑mode mapping.
Lead‑safety by design: Micro‑scale leachate assays and capture chemistries (sorbents/ion‑exchange) to develop robust Pb‑containment and recycling protocols aligned with SSbD.
Tandem integration: Fine control of intermediate recombination layers and solution‑processed TCOs suitable for perovskite‑on‑Si stacks; rapid testing of mechanical/thermal compatibility.
Manufacturing analytics: In‑line microfluidic samplers for real‑time ink rheology and impurity monitoring, feeding plant‑wide APC for yield stabilization.