The first perovskite factory was established in Poland
Saule Technologies, a company from Poland, has introduced the world’s inaugural production line for perovskite-based solar cells. These solar cells, crafted by physicist Dr. Olga Malinkiewicz, are thin, flexible, and printed on transparent foils. This technology has the potential to transform the energy market.
The inaugural perovskite solar cell production line in the world was established in Wrocław. The factory spans an area of around 5,000 square meters.
Basic information about the project
The perovskite solar cell factory situated in Wrocław marks the pioneering implementation of this technology globally. Developed by Saule Technologies, these solar cells represent a Polish innovation. These novel photovoltaic cells are lightweight, slim, and flexible, yet robust and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. They are manufactured by printing onto transparent polymer foils using specialized robotic technology. This unique feature enables the innovative cells to be applied to various surfaces, irrespective of their construction.
Will there be an energy revolution?
Saule Technologies employees are confident that their latest product has the potential to revolutionize the global energy market. Flexible photovoltaic panels offer versatility in usage, filling the gaps where traditional silicon-based solar panels fall short. Hence, many are dubbing these new panels as the solar cells of the future.
The newest perovskite panel is sized like an A3 sheet, providing energy output comparable to a standard mobile phone charger. Additionally, these panels can be printed in different sizes and further customized through cutting and adhesive applications.
Energy from the sun and an artificial source
Modern solar cells have the ability to produce electricity using sunlight, artificial light, reflected light, and even indoor lighting. This versatility allows perovskite panels to be installed in various locations, including indoors and on textured surfaces. Moreover, their sleek design ensures they blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them nearly invisible to observers.
Due to their unique properties, perovskite cells can be used wherever traditional silicon cells have no chance of working: on the roofs of lightweight buildings, on windows (the cells can be partially transparent), on cars, sails, tents, laptop casings. , or phones. They will power drones and Internet of Things devices.
Piotr Krych, CEO, president and co-founder of Saule Technologies
Costs of perovskite cells
The anticipated price per square meter of a perovskite cell could reach EUR 50 by 2022, although this is not guaranteed at present. The company contends that printing perovskites will eventually be cost-competitive with traditional solar panel production. Furthermore, as time progresses, production costs for this new technology are expected to decrease. Several factors support this notion.
One argument centers on the reduced transportation expenses associated with perovskite cells due to their lighter weight. Additionally, unlike silicon cells, perovskite cell production doesn’t require high temperatures. Moreover, disposing of these new cells is expected to be easier.
About Saule Technologies
Research on flexible solar cells has been underway for years, led by individuals such as Polish physicist Olga Malinkiewicz, who is also a co-founder of Saule Technologies. Malinkiewicz patented her developed solution in November 2013 while she was still pursuing her PhD at the University of Valencia.
Subsequently, in 2014, Malinkiewicz, along with Piotr Krych and Artur Kupczunas, established Saule Technologies. Since then, efforts have been directed towards the commercialization of perovskite technology at the Polish Center for Technology Development, previously known as the Wrocław Research Center EIT+.
Almost six years have passed since, with the financial help of Hideo Sawad, a Japanese investor, and his company HIS, we started a project aimed at building a perovskite production line. The long-term stage of research, testing and hard work is now entering the implementation phase.
Olga Malinkiewicz
Development of Saule Technologies
Sources:
SAULE Technologies, “Opening of the Production Line – Saule Technologies & Columbus Energy Press Conference” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w7ZuRb8lI4&ab_channel=SAULETechnologiesSAULETechnologies
https://polskiemarki.info/z-bliska/polskie-panele-fotowoltaiczne-z-perowskitow-piersze-na-swiecie
https://www.green-news.pl/1832-saule-technologies-fabryka-wroclaw