The project, titled Solar Heliup Energy for Flat roofTop, features the company’s Stykon PV panel, which incorporates ultra-thin glass technology. These panels are tailored for commercial, industrial, and logistics buildings with limited load-bearing capacity. Heliup’s design allows the modules to be glued directly onto waterproof membranes, reducing the system’s total weight by 60% without affecting performance or durability, as outlined on the Agency’s website.
Heliup secured €10 million in October 2023 to support construction of the plant. This funding was supplemented by a €3.22 million grant from the European Commission’s Innovation Fund. The project is now entering its next phase, focusing on expanding commercial operations and fully utilizing the site’s production capacity.
Heliup CEO Yannick Veschetti emphasized the significance of the project: “The project addresses the unrealized needs of buildings traditionally unsuitable for solar installations due to structural limitations. The support of the Innovation Fund was crucial to scaling this solution, accelerating our ability to contribute substantially to Europe’s decarbonization objectives.”
Beyond current operations, Heliup has announced plans to scale up production significantly. A second phase is expected to begin after the Innovation Fund investment period, aiming to increase industrial production capacity by five to ten times starting in 2026.
This initiative supports broader European objectives related to sustainable energy deployment and low-carbon technology innovation. By offering a solution compatible with structurally sensitive buildings, Heliup’s panels can potentially expand solar adoption in areas previously considered unsuitable for rooftop solar installations.
The Le Cheylas facility highlights a growing focus on specialized solar solutions that cater to specific building types and use cases. As Heliup advances its production and commercial strategies, the company aims to position itself as a key player in the European solar energy market, contributing to ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase the share of renewable energy across the region.
