European Commission-backed solar panel manufacturer, Heliup has commissioned its pilot 100 MW solar module manufacturing facility, which will focus on producing lightweight modules utilizing ultra-thin glass.

The manufacturing plant, located in France, will produce these lightweight modules for rooftop installations on roofs with low bearing capacity. The modules are considered ideal for buildings with flat rooftops.

These modules utilize ultra-thin glass measuring 1 mm in thickness.

They can be installed without needing any mounting structures. Heliup’s modules are directly glued to waterproofing membranes using adhesives.

The company’s lightweight module, the Stykon, uses crystalline silicon module cells and is resistant to impact and tearing from natural forces. Heliup claims the module can withstand wind speeds of up to 270 km/h.

The new modules are expected to reduce the weight of rooftop solar systems by 60% compared to conventional systems. Heliup said that the modules weigh roughly 5 kg/m² less than the average module weight of 15 kg/m².

The company claims that the module does not compromise on energy efficiency despite its lighter weight.

The module manufacturing plant received funding of €3.2 million (~$3.61 million) under the Innovation Fund 2024.

Heliup was one of the 18 cleantech projects that signed grant agreements to receive €173 million (~$195.67 million) from the Innovation Fund for their projects. Under the funding program, the Commission can allocate up to €3.4 billion (~$3.84 billion) for these projects.

The Innovation Fund aligns with the EU’s target to produce 40% of its green technology domestically by 2030.  In February 2024, the EU reached a provisional agreement on legislation aimed at boosting the bloc’s production of green technologies needed to achieve its goal of cutting carbon emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990s levels.

Recently, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the European Union’s Trade and Technology Council invited proposals to fund projects that generate renewable hydrogen from agricultural, forest, and industrial biogenic waste.