CRYSTALSOL OU

Their core work

Crystalsol is an Estonian technology SME specializing in thin film photovoltaic technologies, particularly kesterite-based solar cells designed for building integration. They develop flexible, semi-transparent PV solutions using earth-abundant materials (avoiding scarce elements like indium or cadmium), targeting architectural applications such as facades and windows. Their core competence lies in monograin and micro-crystalline powder-based PV manufacturing — a distinctive approach that enables deposition on flexible substrates like polymer and steel.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Crystalsol's early H2020 involvement (2018) centered on materials modelling and powder technology through the MarketPlace project — likely contributing their powder-based manufacturing know-how to a broader computational materials platform. From 2019 onward, they shifted decisively toward building-integrated photovoltaics, first validating the concept through an SME Phase 1 feasibility study (cs-BIPV-FS) and then scaling up in the large CUSTOM-ART consortium focused on kesterite thin film technologies for architecture. The trajectory shows a company moving from general materials expertise toward a focused product vision: flexible, earth-abundant solar cells for buildings.

Crystalsol is converging on market-ready BIPV products using kesterite thin films — expect them to seek partners for architectural demonstration, manufacturing scale-up, and building sector integration.

How they like to work

Crystalsol operates primarily as a contributing partner in larger consortia (2 of 3 projects), but demonstrated leadership capability by coordinating their SME Phase 1 feasibility study. With 41 unique partners across 12 countries from just 3 projects, they engage in broad European networks rather than small closed teams. This suggests an organization comfortable working within large Innovation Action consortia while also capable of driving focused investigations independently.

Crystalsol has built a network of 41 partners across 12 countries through just 3 projects, indicating involvement in substantial multi-partner consortia. As an Estonian SME, their reach is firmly pan-European rather than Baltic-focused.

What sets them apart

Crystalsol occupies a rare niche: they are one of very few companies developing monograin powder-based kesterite PV technology, which uses only earth-abundant elements — a genuine differentiator against dominant thin film approaches relying on scarce indium or toxic cadmium. Their focus on flexible and semi-transparent form factors makes them a natural fit for architectural integration where conventional rigid panels cannot be used. For consortium builders, they bring both the materials science depth and the SME agility needed to push emerging PV concepts toward real building applications.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CUSTOM-ART
  Largest project by funding (€486K to Crystalsol), focused on disruptive kesterite thin film technologies for challenging architectural applications — their core business direction.
• cs-BIPV-FS
  Their only coordinated project — an SME Phase 1 feasibility study validating transparent PV for buildings, signaling serious commercialization intent.