Saule Technologies pioneers perovskite photovoltaic technology through inkjet-printed solar cells on flexible foils, revolutionizing renewable energy integration from mobile devices to building facades and carports.
In the industry of renewable energy, Saule Technologies is revolutionizing the field with its innovative approach to perovskite photovoltaic (PV) technology. These cutting-edge solar cells, crafted through inkjet printing on ultra-thin, flexible foils, promise to redefine how we harness solar power.
Founded in 2014 by Olga Malinkiewicz, Piotr Krych, and Artur Kupczunas, Saule Technologies quickly gained recognition for Malinkiewicz’s breakthrough discovery during her PhD studies at the University of Valencia. Her pioneering method involves coating perovskites—a class of materials known for their excellent light-absorbing properties—onto flexible substrates using inkjet printing technology. This innovative approach not only enhances efficiency but also opens up new possibilities for integrating solar power into a variety of surfaces and applications.
From the outset, Saule Technologies has been committed to pushing the boundaries of solar technology. Their journey has been marked by milestones such as the introduction of the world’s first perovskite-powered mobile phone charger in 2016, which demonstrated the practical application of their technology under artificial light conditions. Subsequent developments, including A4-sized flexible solar modules and semi-transparent variants, have showcased the versatility and potential of perovskite PV in powering everything from consumer electronics to architectural structures.
Today, Saule Technologies stands at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, with a state-of-the-art production line launched in 2021 to meet the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions. By continuing to innovate and refine its inkjet printing processes, Saule is paving the way for a future where solar power seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, offering a clean and efficient alternative to traditional energy sources. As global interest in sustainable technologies grows, Saule Technologies remains committed to driving forward with its vision of a brighter, solar-powered future.
Energy-harvesting Sunblinds
Saule Technologies is poised to redefine the landscape of sustainable architecture with its sunbreaker slats equipped with perovskite solar cells. Presented in collaboration with partners Somfy and Aliplast, in 2020, these cutting-edge slats were unveiled at the Silesia Ring track amidst an audience of industry leaders from the retail, FMCG, telecommunications, and real estate sectors. Designed to integrate seamlessly into smart building frameworks, the slats feature an advanced automation system by Somfy and a durable aluminum structure from Aliplast, ensuring both energy efficiency and aesthetic versatility.
Unlike traditional silicon cells, Saule’s perovskite technology offers unparalleled advantages: flexibility, lightweight design, and enhanced efficiency under various light conditions, including non-ideal angles. This adaptability not only reduces energy consumption during production but also promises substantial savings in building operation costs by optimizing thermal comfort year-round.
With a tender now open for a European license, Saule Technologies aims to collaborate with a strategic partner to expand the deployment of these innovative solar solutions across office buildings, shopping centers, and warehouses throughout Europe, marking a significant stride toward sustainable construction practices and energy-efficient urban development.
Photovoltaic Glass and Autonomous Solar Carports
Saule Technologies proposes innovative Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) solutions. Their perovskite photovoltaic glass represents a breakthrough in energy-efficient building design, allowing for the integration of semi-transparent solar cells printed on flexible foils laminated between layers of glass. This seamless integration not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of windows and facades but also enables efficient energy harvesting directly from building elements. Unlike traditional Building Applied Photovoltaics (BAPV), which are retrofitted onto existing structures, Saule’s BIPV approach transforms building components into active contributors to energy generation, setting a new standard for eco-friendly construction practices.
In addition to their advanced solar glass technology, Saule Technologies offers the Solar Carport—an innovative dual charging station powered entirely by integrated photovoltaic installations. Capable of charging two electric vehicles simultaneously with a total nominal power of 3.36 kW, these carports operate autonomously, eliminating the need for external power sources.
Beyond functionality, Saule’s Solar Carports prioritize usability, quality, and aesthetics, offering customizable options for various vehicle types and even incorporating advertising capabilities on sidewalls. This dual-purpose design not only supports sustainable electricity generation but also serves as a novel platform for brand promotion, demonstrating Saule’s commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with environmental responsibility in urban infrastructure development.
