US-based solar manufacturer Solx and perovskite specialist Caelux have entered into a landmark five-year strategic partnership to produce 3GW of high-efficiency hybrid tandem solar modules. By integrating Caelux’s innovative perovskite glass with Solx’s Aurora manufacturing platform, the collaboration aims to deliver a domestic, high-performance alternative to traditional silicon panels. These next-generation modules boast an efficiency of 28% and are designed to meet the surging energy demands of data centers and utility-scale projects while strengthening the American solar supply chain.
The collaboration marks a significant shift in the solar landscape, combining Caelux’s material science expertise with Solx’s industrial-scale manufacturing capabilities. According to Solx CEO James Holmes, the decision to partner with Caelux was driven by the need for a commercially ready, differentiated product capable of immediate integration into existing production lines. The partnership aligns with a broader industry push toward high energy density solutions, particularly as electrification and data center expansion drive record energy demand across the United States.
At the core of the agreement is the integration of Caelux’s perovskite glass into Solx’s Aurora platform. Unlike standard two-terminal tandem cells that require complex engineering to match layers, this “hybrid tandem” approach replaces the conventional top glass with a perovskite-based active layer over a silicon base. This design offers immense flexibility, allowing module producers to adapt to various cell architectures and voltages with minimal adjustments. This adaptability ensures that Solx can pivot between different cell suppliers or geometries without stalling production.
The resulting modules achieve a conversion efficiency of 28%, a notable jump from the 24-25% typically seen in premium silicon-only modules. Addressing long-standing concerns regarding the longevity of perovskite technology, Caelux has reported third-party validated durability results. Their perovskite glass maintains at least 80% of its initial performance for over 20 years. When combined with traditional silicon cell technology, the companies are confident the modules will comfortably satisfy standard 25-year industry warranties.
Production is already underway at Solx’s facility in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The partners expect to reach significant commercial volumes by next year, with a roadmap to scale up to 3GW by 2027. While the technology is eventually intended for residential use, the initial rollout targets large-scale utility projects and hyperscalers. These high-consumption clients benefit from the increased energy yield, which allows for greater power generation within the same footprint or a reduced land requirement for the same output.
A key pillar of the venture is its commitment to a 100% US-based supply chain. By utilizing American-made solar cells from providers like Suniva alongside Caelux’s technology, Solx is positioning itself as a leader in domestic energy security. While the primary focus remains the lucrative US market, the companies have signaled potential for future expansion into international markets, including Europe, as global trade and energy policies continue to evolve.