EPFL Neuchâtel

Julien Hurni of PV-LAB wins best abstract award at SiliconPV 2026

Published:18.05.26 — Congratulations to Julien Hurni (EPFL PV-Lab) and his colleagues from both the EPFL PV-Lab and the CSEM Sustainability Center. Their recent submission was recognized as one of the 10 best abstracts at the SiliconPV 2026 conference in Ankara.

Paper Alert: PVD-CSS, Wide-Bandgap Degradation and E-Mobility

Published:04.05.26 — Be sure to check out the three newest PVLAB papers focused on PVD-CSS process for depositing perovskites, the degredation mechanism of wide-bandgap perovskites and a model supporting local e-mobility planning.

Smart sweat patch helps doctors monitor high-risk pregnancies

Published:15.04.26 — An EPFL spin-off is developing a patch-like medical device that reads sweat biomarkers. Its first application will be keeping a close watch on high-risk pregnancies.

A solar-powered adventure: EPFL PV-Lab student shines at the 4L Troph

Published:27.03.26 — This winter, Florentin Julien, a semester student from EPFL PV-Lab, took part in the iconic 4L Trophy, a unique challenge combining engineering, endurance and solidarity. He travelled across France, Spain, and Morocco in a customized classic Renault 4 for 12 days. The student designed and constructed lightweight glass-free photovoltaic modules (Figure 2) as well as a dedicated battery and optimized and state-of-charge (SoC) model.

Record efficiency for perovskite-silicon triple-junction solar cells

Published:18.03.26 — EPFL and CSEM researchers have achieved a record 30% efficiency for triple-junction solar cells, which combine two thin-film perovskite cells and one silicon cell on a single device. The milestone could advance affordable next-generation solar technologies for space and terrestrial applications.

PV-Lab wins international PV stability contest in perovskite cells

Published:28.01.26 — Mostafa Othman achieved benchmark stability records for perovskite solar cells, including the most stable laser-scribed single-junction perovskite minimodules to-date (at 75°C) in both accelerated ageing and outdoor testing conditions.

Congratulations to all new Doctors of the PV-lab!

Published:22.01.26 — 4 PhD students from PV-Lab successfully defended their thesis during the last year. Congratulations to all new Doctors of PV-Lab and good luck in their future adventures!

A geometric twist boosts the power of robotic textiles

Published:20.01.26 — By rethinking how thin metal threads are woven into a flexible textile, EPFL researchers have created a lightweight fabric capable of lifting over 400 times its own weight. The work advances the development of wearables that provide physical assistance without mechanical bulk.

A biodegradable smart sensor to monitor sensitive goods

Published:01.12.25 — Researchers from EPFL, Empa, and CSEM have developed a sustainable smart sensing tag that can be used to signal when shipments of medicines or food have exceeded a safe threshold temperature. It is the first such tag to be fully compostable.

Christophe Ballif wins ERC Synergy Grants for Ultimate PV

Published:07.11.25 — On 6th of November, the European Research council announced the selection of 66 ERC Synergy Grants for a total 684 m€ ! Fantastic news: our "Ultimate PV project", with EPFL PV-lab (Christophe Ballif) , Stefan Glunz at University of Freiburg, and Stéphane Collin at CNRS has been selected as one of the winning project