It's official: Solar Cloth and Renault-Volvo Trucks are teaming up to equip the group's trucks with photovoltaic deflectors to minimise battery discharge and extend battery life. The technology was developed after 2 years of research based on the start-up's expertise in lightweight, flexible photovoltaic textiles.
" The innovations developed, as a source of on-board energy, meet a need expressed by transport operators and contribute to the need for sustainable mobility. "says Alain Janet, Founder and CEO of the Mandelieu-based start-up.
After raising almost €1m in 2020, this major commercial agreement represents a decisive step for the company, which becomes a series supplier to the manufacturer and, in so doing, positions itself in a fast-changing road transport market.
In autumn 2021, the company will be increasing its production capacity at the Cannes-Mandelieu site to meet demand from other promising sectors, such as agri-voltaics and the market for canvas, tourist and military shelters. Contracts have been signed with luxury campsites Huttopia, events tent specialist Vitabris and agricultural equipment manufacturer Richel-Toutabri, enabling the company's growth plans to become a reality. The cluster will be accredited in 2019.
THE INDUSTRIALISATION OF CUTTING-EDGE SOLAR FABRICS WITH MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
The innovation developed by Solar Cloth, which originated in the boating industry, involves integrating thin-film photovoltaic cells into textiles that are thin, flexible and virtually non-deformable under tension. " With an output of 17.6%, our flexible CIGS modules have a power output comparable to that of conventional rigid panels used on roofs. "explains Alain Janet.
After several years of R&D, the company is expanding its range with a lightweight, adaptable product. (340 Wp/kg, compared with 15 Wp/kg for a conventional rigid panel) by successfully addressing new markets in 2020, such as protected agriculture, sustainable mobility and the outdoors:
- A 2nd The company was awarded a patent for a photovoltaic shading screen capable of optimising the yield and quality of greenhouse crops in areas with high levels of sunshine, such as southern Europe, Dubai and North Africa.
- In partnership with Huttopia's luxury campsites, Solar Cloth is producing a validated prototype of tents equipped with the innovative solar fabric to supply the energy needed to power the bedrooms and bathrooms. " Solar Cloth's product is the only one that meets the constraints of a roofed accommodation and allows the operator to avoid the creation of electrical networks that are often complex and expensive to create. "says the entrepreneur.
" Today, the industrialisation of our business has become a necessity. We need to increase our production capacity from 10m2/day to 100m2/day to meet all our customers' requirements. "Alain Janet explains, backed up by ongoing projects with the French Air Force, the DGA, Nice Airport and major players in maritime transport and pleasure boating.
The entrepreneur sees further ahead with the creation of a CIGS PV chain* 100% in France, with upstream cell production at SOY PV, a newly-created company in Essone, and downstream module production at Solar Cloth in Cannes-Mandelieu.
* CIGS cell: copper indium gallium selenium photovoltaic cell
To find out more
👉 Discover Solar Cloth's innovative technology and products
👉 Consult the Capenergies EARN accredited project sheet
👉 Solar Cloth System hits the road with Renault-Volvo Trucks