A Victoria based solar energy startup launched a revolutionary, first of its kind perovskite-based photovoltaic ink— with over four month shelf life and ability to air process in ambient conditions and generate high energy conversion efficiency in solar panels.
Victoria, B.C. (December 2021): Solaires has developed the most stable perovskite-based photovoltaic ink with the longest shelf life available in the market. “We have developed a solution that will enable innovative solar energy applications to revolutionise solar energy harvesting. "We are currently in advanced discussions with key partners for this product as they are interested in Solaires' vitally important work in accelerating our transition to a low-carbon economy", said Chief Development Officer, Ernest Daddey.
Solaires Entreprises Inc, a Canadian solar energy startup based in Victoria, B.C. is raising USD 2.1 million in pre-seed funding at a pre-money valuation of USD 9 million. Investors and recognized angel groups in British Columbia, such as eFund and Cindicates are participating in this round.
The proceeds from the pre-seed round will be directed towards purchasing materials and equipment to ramp up the production capabilities of the company and scale up their Solar Ink™ sales. “We are very grateful for the continued support we receive from our partners, our communities, and our investors. Our progress in the pre-seed raise and product launch has demonstrated that we have an excellent team and proven technology. Now onwards, we will be ramping up production and delivery to start order fulfilment,” said CEO & Co-founder, Fabian de la Fuente.
Around 17 organisations around the world work on scaling-up perovskite solar cells, but only a handful are perovskite ink manufacturers and distributors. Currently, perovskite inks available in the market are only suitable for research and small-scale coating processes. They do not have the stability and shelf life required for the large-scale manufacturing of perovskite solar panels specially for air-processed device fabrication.
Solaires succeeded in determining the exact breakdown routes of perovskite in April 2021, resulting in the development of a perovskite ink with a shelf life of over four months and enhanced energy conversion efficiency as well as stability. Solar Ink™ is compatible with blade coating and slot die coating among other scalable deposition processes. The additive-stabilised ink is appropriate for upscaling perovskite solar cell production, with blade-coated devices achieving efficiencies of up to 17%. It can also be kept in ambient conditions.
To date, Solar InkTM has received third-party validation from different testers and potential partners. Experts see potential in the product. “Solaires is aiming to be at the forefront of perovskite ink development. We are actively signing agreements with potential partners to work together in building this future game-changing technology,” said Dr. Sahar Sam (CSO & Co-founder of Solaires Entreprises Inc.).
About Solaires Entreprises Inc.: Solaires Entreprises Inc. is a Canadian cleantech company located in Victoria, focused on developing the next generation of solar cells by replacing silicon with perovskite through an innovative and sustainable manufacturing process resulting in affordable solar photovoltaics with higher energy conversion efficiency and higher stability. For more information about Solaires, visit www.solaires.net and find Solaires on LinkedIn , Facebook , and Instagram .