The object
Richard Swartwout co-invented thin, flexible perovskite solar films designed to generate electricity on roofs, walls, and curved surfaces. Active Surfaces’ roll-to-roll hardware replaces rigid silicon panels with lightweight, peel-and-stick modules intended to expand where solar generation can be installed.
01
What Richard did
Co-invented flexible, nontoxic perovskite solar films and co-founded Active Surfaces to manufacture them.
02
Why it matters
MIT reports the film matches silicon’s output per area and has demonstrated durability exceeding ten years under realistic temperature and humidity conditions.
03
Living-status check
MIT’s March 2026 report identifies Swartwout as Active Surfaces’ co-founder and CTO while documenting its manufacturing-development facility and commercial-scale plan.