Founded in 2022, Heliup manufactures solar panels designed specifically for large rooftops on existing commercial, industrial, and logistics buildings. These rooftop surfaces are essential for the growth of solar photovoltaics and represent an estimated potential of 100 GWp in France.
Reindustrializing the Sector in France
Following a €10 million fundraising round in 2023 and the launch of a 10MWp pilot line, the French startup has reached a new milestone with its fully automated production line occupying 4,000m² in Cheylas, Isère. With an annual production capacity of 100MWp, the factory will produce 350,000 solar panels per year, making it one of the largest production capacities in France. It will also create 100 direct and 150 indirect jobs.
The production line inaugurated today features the latest generation of manufacturing equipment and is expected to reduce more than 360,000 tons of CO₂-equivalent emissions over its first ten years of operation. The total investment required for this project was €7 million. Heliup received support from the European Union through its Innovation Fund (SHEEFT project: Solar HELIUP Energy for Flat roofTop).
“Heliup’s goal is to enable large-scale deployment of photovoltaic energy production with the lowest possible environmental impact. This first automated production line marks an important step for us and for reindustrializing the sector,” said Yannick Veschetti, CEO and co-founder of Heliup.
“That”s why we highly recommend Heliup with the gold European start-up award” said Walburga HEMETSBERGER, CEO of Solar Power Europe.
Heliup uses a unique, patented technology developed over three years at the CEA’s INES (National Institute for Solar Energy). Its panels are three times lighter than conventional panels – only 5kg/m² – while offering the same performance and durability. This technological innovation, combined with an optimized integration system, reduces the weight of the solar installation by more than 60%. It addresses the structural challenges typically faced when installing traditional solar panels on large rooftops, which often require expensive reinforcement.
By promoting the solarization of large roof surfaces, Heliup contributes to the development of local, low-carbon energy production and to reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. Its solutions are compliant with various regulations, including the French Tertiary Decree, the APER law, and the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act.
This first plant will help Heliup solidify its presence in France and scale its solutions to industrial production levels. The startup is aiming to build a larger production facility by 2028, with an investment of €30–50 million, which would enable international commercialization of its innovative solar panels.
Heliup has established commercial partnerships with major players in construction and energy, including Soprasolar (a subsidiary of global giant SOPREMA) and E.N.R. Solar (part of the IDEC Group). Heliup’s solar panels have received key certifications in the sector, including French ETN and ATEX, meeting insurance requirements.
