Sungkyunkwan University and Clarivate Map Global Research Landscape of Perovskite Solar Cells

Why It Matters

The findings confirm perovskite cells as a fast‑emerging, high‑impact solution for carbon‑neutral energy, signaling significant investment and commercialization opportunities for the solar industry.

Key Takeaways

• Perovskite solar cells efficiency surpasses 30% in tandem designs.
• China, US, South Korea lead perovskite research output since 2012.
• Sungkyunkwan University ranks top in citations and top‑1% papers.
• Low‑cost, flexible perovskite modules target carbon‑neutral energy goals.
• Clarivate‑SKKU webinar scheduled June to share global research trends.

Pulse Analysis

Perovskite solar cells have reshaped the photovoltaic landscape since the first solid‑state device was demonstrated at Sungkyunkwan University in 2012. Within a decade, laboratory efficiencies have vaulted past 30 % in tandem configurations that stack perovskite atop silicon, challenging the long‑standing ceiling of conventional silicon panels. The technology’s appeal lies in its solution‑processable manufacturing, which slashes material costs and enables lightweight, flexible modules that can be integrated into building facades, vehicles, and portable electronics. These attributes position perovskites as a disruptive complement—or even a successor—to silicon in next‑generation energy systems.

The new SKKU‑Clarivate report quantifies that rapid expansion, drawing on Web of Science data to map output by country, institution and researcher. China, the United States and South Korea together account for more than half of global publications, while a handful of elite labs—most notably Sungkyunkwan University—lead in citation impact and the proportion of top‑1 % highly cited papers. SKKU’s performance across volume, impact and collaboration metrics underscores its role as a research hub that not only generates breakthroughs but also shapes the direction of the international perovskite community.

From an ESG perspective, perovskite modules promise lower embodied carbon and shorter supply chains, aligning with corporate net‑zero pledges and renewable‑energy procurement targets. Tandem cells that combine perovskite and silicon are already achieving certified efficiencies above 33 %, a threshold that could accelerate utility‑scale adoption and attract major investors seeking high‑return, climate‑positive assets. The upcoming June webinar co‑hosted by Clarivate and SKKU will showcase these trends to a global audience, offering policymakers, venture capitalists and manufacturers a data‑driven roadmap for scaling perovskite production and integrating it into the broader clean‑energy transition.