Flisom

The company specializes in copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic technology. This technology allows for the creation of solar cells on flexible plastic foil, which are significantly lighter—reportedly up to 98% lighter than conventional rigid silicon panels—and less than 2mm thick. Flisom's manufacturing is centered around a proprietary roll-to-roll process, designed for cost-effective, large-scale production of these flexible modules. This production method enables the creation of monolithically integrated solar cells on one-meter-wide rolls, a key differentiator in the market. A major technological milestone, achieved in collaboration with Empa, was reaching a record 20.4% conversion efficiency for flexible CIGS solar cells.

Flisom's business model involves manufacturing and selling these flexible solar modules to a diverse client base. The unique properties of its products—flexibility and low weight—open up markets where traditional heavy, rigid panels are unsuitable. Key target markets include building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) for facades and lightweight roofs, the transportation sector (automotive, aerospace, railways), and portable power solutions for applications like emergency response and space. The company has received substantial financial backing over the years, with notable investments from India's Tata Group and various Swiss investors, raising over $58.5M across multiple funding rounds. Its production capacity was distributed between a 15 MW pilot plant in Switzerland and a larger 40-50 MW plant established in Kecskemét, Hungary, in 2020.