Sunpartner Technologies

About Sunpartner Technologies

Sunpartner Technologies was established in 2008 by co-founders Ludovic Deblois and Joël Gilbert. Based in Rousset, France, the company specialized in developing transparent photovoltaic films designed to make any surface capable of generating solar power. The firm's core intellectual property was a technology named Wysips, an acronym for "What You See Is Photovoltaic Surface," which was protected by a portfolio of approximately 130 patents.

The company's business model revolved around integrating its invisible photovoltaic solutions into products across several markets, including consumer electronics, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), and transportation. For consumer electronics, its Wysips Crystal and Wysips Reflect products were designed as ultra-thin, transparent films that could be layered onto screens of devices like smartphones and smartwatches, aiming to extend battery life by harvesting light energy. In the building sector, the company developed products such as the Horizon D solar window and Horizon E solar glass curtain wall, created in collaboration with Vinci Construction. These products were intended for smart buildings, enabling windows to generate electricity. Sunpartner also targeted the transportation sector with applications for vehicles.

Sunpartner Technologies' key innovation was its ability to make photovoltaic cells transparent or invisible. This was achieved using a lenticular lens system that hid the solar cells from view while allowing them to capture light. The technology was versatile, compatible with various photovoltaic cell types, and could also receive data via Li-Fi (Light Fidelity), a wireless communication technology that uses light waves. This dual functionality allowed a surface not only to generate power but also to act as a data receiver. Throughout its operation, the company secured significant funding, totaling around €73 million from various investors and a loan from the European Investment Bank. Despite its technological advancements and a pipeline of projects, the company faced financial difficulties due to slower-than-expected market adoption. In January 2019, Sunpartner Technologies filed for insolvency and was placed into receivership, ultimately leading to its liquidation in April 2019 after failing to secure a buyer.