SAULE SPOLKA AKCYJNA

Their core work

Saule is a Polish deep-tech SME specializing in perovskite solar cell technology — from material synthesis through inkjet printing fabrication to integration into building envelopes. They develop ultra-thin, flexible perovskite photovoltaic modules designed for commercial deployment on façades and non-residential buildings. Their work spans the full chain from fundamental perovskite material science (stability, lead-free alternatives, nanocrystal synthesis) to manufacturing scale-up and architectural integration. They bridge the gap between laboratory perovskite research and real-world energy-generating building products.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Saule's early H2020 work (2017–2019) focused on fundamental perovskite science — material stability, device upscaling, and proving that perovskite modules could be reliable enough for commercial deployment (MAESTRO, ESPResSo). From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward manufacturing methods (inkjet printing, flexible substrates), building integration, and lead-free alternatives. Their most recent project (OPTIshell, 2022) signals a further move into computational design optimization, combining perovskite energy harvesting with architectural performance — suggesting they see their future in smart building products rather than solar panels alone.

Saule is moving from perovskite material research toward integrated building energy products, combining printed flexible solar cells with architectural design intelligence — positioning themselves as a BIPV product company rather than a materials lab.

How they like to work

Saule operates primarily as a specialist partner in larger research consortia (4 out of 6 projects), contributing perovskite fabrication and integration expertise. They have coordinated two projects — one SME Instrument (PIPER, commercialization-focused) and one RIA (OPTIshell) — showing growing confidence in leading research. With 43 unique partners across 16 countries, they maintain a broad European network rather than relying on a small circle, which is impressive for an SME of this size.

Saule has built a wide collaborative network of 43 partners across 16 countries, spanning from fundamental materials research groups to building engineering consortia. For a Polish SME, their geographic reach is notably broad, reflecting the cross-disciplinary nature of perovskite technology from chemistry labs to construction sites.

What sets them apart

Saule occupies a rare niche as a private company that participates in fundamental perovskite research while simultaneously pushing toward commercial manufacturing — most perovskite work stays in universities. Their combination of inkjet printing fabrication know-how with building integration expertise makes them a natural bridge partner between materials scientists and construction/energy companies. For consortium builders, they bring both deep technical credibility (MSCA, FET projects) and commercial motivation (SME Instrument), meaning they are invested in results that actually reach the market.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ESPResSo
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 460,000) focused on making perovskite solar modules reliable enough for industrial production — their core commercialization challenge.
• PIPER
  SME Instrument Phase 1 project where Saule coordinated a feasibility study for commercial ultra-thin flexible perovskite cells — a direct signal of market readiness ambition.
• OPTIshell
  Most recent project (2022) and self-coordinated — combines perovskites with AI-driven architectural optimization, revealing their strategic direction toward smart building products.