Perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology shares many similarities with other so-called third-generation solar cells. Particularly in terms of cell design and processes, it is very close to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and organic solar cells (OSC, or OPV cells). However, the rapid progress of PSCs can only partially be explained by that similarity, because each of the mentioned technologies is being developed independently.

There is more than one process to produce PSC modules. In its simplest method, PSCs can be manufactured by roll-to-roll coating, including well-known technologies such as slot die, spray coating, and ink-jet printing, or through evaporation. This process essentially eliminates the need for wafer manufacturing and other related processes used in crystalline silicon (c-Si) cells.

Another advantage of PSC manufacturing is that perovskites can be used in both single-junction and tandem-junction technologies. The single-junction technology is the simplest form, relying on a single layer of perovskite material, which supplies the photoelectric effect. In that form, the PSC can reach conversion efficiencies of up to 23%. To increase the efficiency to 27% and beyond, many research institutes and startups are now exploring the use of tandem cells, which are a type of multijunction cell combining the PSC as an additional absorption layer on standard c-Si cells, or on thin films such as CIGS or CdTe modules.

The advantages of perovskite technology are straightforward. The perovskite materials are relatively cheap compared to crystalline silicon, especially monocrystalline p-type and n-type, since this technology does not require the use of polysilicon, silver paste, and other materials used in standard c-Si modules. It can achieve higher efficiencies because of long carrier diffusion length within the material, and there is a possibility to choose the color (absorption band) of the panel, because of the widely tunable bandgap of the material. The PSCs can operate with single-junction and multijunction technologies (with c-Si and thin film), and are suitable in different applications and segments, such as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), as well as utility-scale solar plants.

However, PSC technology still requires additional improvements in several important areas, such as strong degradation in the presence of moisture, oxygen, UV light, and high temperatures. The toxicity of lead and tin also needs to be addressed, as those materials are used during manufacturing, and can become apparent during operation and at end of life.

Another important area of needed improvement is cell size. The mentioned record efficiencies of 18–23% that are constantly advertised in the news have been achieved with very small cells, while cells that have a size compatible with actual commercial use still exhibit much lower efficiencies of 10–12%.

In sum, the technology still needs to demonstrate that it is ready to fulfill all requirements and move from research cell tests to commercial module production.