Saule Technologies
Saule Technologies is a high-tech company that develops innovative solar cells based on perovskite materials. We have pioneered the use of inkjet printing for the production of flexible, lightweight, ultrathin, and semi-transparent photovoltaic modules. They possess one of Europe’s best-equipped optoelectronics laboratories.
Perovskite solar technology has already proven to be a significant contender in terrestrial markets due to its remarkable efficiency and stability. While Saule has gained recognition for its IoT product, the technology's potential extends beyond these markets. Its unique solution processability and capacity to be fabricated on ultra-thin foils make it ideal for exploring applications and markets where lightweight structures are essential.
With the potential to extend beyond terrestrial markets, perovskite solar cells are a remarkable technology that could revolutionize the way we generate renewable energy. Saule is operating in two major sectors, (i) Internet of Things (IoT) and (ii) Photovoltaics, more specifically, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)/ Building Applied Photovoltaics (BAPV).
Within the IoT sector, in 2021 Saule launched its first commercial product to the market electronic shelf labels powered by perovskite solar cells (PESL), which can be powered with indoor artificial lighting. They are already being tested in Orlen petrol stations and Żabka supermarkets in Poland. By the end of 2022, the PESL will ultimately be tested with at least 10 customers. Within the BIPV and BAPV sectors, Saule is establishing its strong market presence. The key targets to reach by 2024-2025 focus on the technology and manufacturing development that enables the large-scale production of perovskite solar modules intended for outdoor applications.
In the process of entering the sectors, in 2017 Saule signed the licence agreement with Skanska (multinational construction and development company based in Sweden. Skanska is the fifth-largest construction company in the world according to Construction Global magazine) for the usage of the perovskite modules in selected countries in BIPV and acoustic screen applications.
Currently, Saule together with the largest manufacturer of facade systems in Poland, is developing a complete facade system that will include a glass unit equipped with a perovskite photovoltaic module, the first installation is planned for Q2 2023 at one of the newly constructed Skanska buildings. I
In the BAPV area, Saule established cooperation with Somfy and Aliplast in 2020, the result of which is a light breaker equipped with perovskite photovoltaic cells, the first installation of this type in the world was launched in August 2021 (Saule Technologies Launches First Installation of Perovskite Solar Modules | Printed Electronics Now), currently, Saule is preparing for the next implementations, e.g. for the Żabka and Orlen.
In the APOLLO project, Saule will:
Provide perovskite modules to Solaveni for the recovery and recycling of perovskite materials.
Fabricate the device with recycled precursors provided by Solaveni.