A LIGHTWEIGHT, FLEXIBLE PIECE OF THE BIG PUZZLE
TACKLING THE PUZZLE
Everyone knows we need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
But it's not an easy task. Moving to green energy is a complex puzzle, full of political, social, technological and financial challenges.
Our piece in this puzzle is to offer something different.
To make solar that goes where other solar solutions can't. And to do it without using rare and precious earth materials.
Of course, our technology on its own won't solve the problem - but it's part of a longer journey to make solar an obvious and irresistible choice for green energy transition.
HOW IT WORKS
Here comes the magic equation.
(MICROGROOVES + PEROVSKITES + FILM) x LOW COST PROCESS
= LIMITATIONS REMOVED
Dr John Topping’s original idea was to combine Microgrooves with a vacuum coating process like that used in food packaging. This would create a lightweight film for a host of electronic applications, including photo-voltaic (PV) solar modules.
CLEVER IDEA.
Lightweight film tackles a major limitation of traditional solar panels – heavy weight and lack of flexibility.
To reduce the vast quantity of rare earth minerals used in traditional solar, we decided to work with Perovskites.
Abundant and efficient in absorbing and convert sunlight into energy.
Finally, we needed a lower-cost production method. Enter roll-to-roll production. A known process, well-established and easy to scale.
GOOD NEWS.
WIN-WIN.
ROLL ON.
SOUNDS SIMPLE. ACTUALLY ISN'T.
Our approach
The highest-resolution conductive surface using Microgrooves
Paired with Perovskites - an abundant, rapidly advancing solar absorption material – in a lightweight film
Manufactured using a low cost roll-to-roll production process
This totally unique combination which eliminates the limitations of existing solar solutions sounds simple.
But it's only been possible with many years' pain-staking development and huge commitment from our people, partners and investors.
​
HOW DOES IT DIFFER TO TRADITIONAL SOLAR?
01.
UNIQUE TECHNOLOGY
Flexible, lightweight and made from abundant materials. Microscale cells are 1/50th the width of a human hair.
02.
NO TCO LAYER
We don't use TCO (Transparent Conductive Oxide). It's an expensive component in traditional solar.
03.
BETTER IN THE SHADE
Our cell architecture means modules are less impacted by shade or low light.
04.
RESISTS DEFECTS
Damage to one part of a module doesn't impact overall performance - a common issue for traditional solar.
WHERE CAN OUR FILM BE USED?
Typical applications
NON-LOAD BEARING ROOFTOPS
At least 30% of all commercial rooftops around the globe can't support traditional solar - that's over 25bn m2.
OFF-GRID LOCATIONS
Providing clean electricity to people and places without access to the grid.
AGRI-TECH
Transitioning from traditional diesel powered solutions.
FLOATING & MARINE
Turning large expanses of water into energy generation substations.
THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Supporting the construction industry to integrate greater levels of solar into major new build projects (BIPV and BAPV).