Sol Voltaics closes US$21.3 million in new funding to commercialise GaAs nanowire film

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
The record round of funding secured by Sol Voltaics is intended to accelerate the commercialization of its technology, claimed to enable PV module conversion efficiencies of up to 27% when integrated as a tandem-junction module. Image: Sol Voltaics

Sweden-based solar cell nanowire materials start-up Sol Voltaics has secured US$21.3 million in a new funding round just a month after claiming a key breakthrough in commercializing its gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanowire film for crystalline silicon solar cells.

The record round of funding secured by Sol Voltaics is intended to accelerate the commercialization of its technology, claimed to enable PV module conversion efficiencies of up to 27% when integrated as a tandem-junction module.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The latest investment round includes Norway-based Watrium AS, alongside previous investors Kagra Gruppen AS, Nordic VC firm Industrifonden, FAM AB, Nano Future Invest, Blue Marlin AB and Teknoinvest AS. 

Sol Voltaics said that it had raised US$38 million in the past 12 months, following the company’s US$17 million funding round in 2016.

“This latest round of finance gives us the critical capital required to commercialize our efficiency boosting technology for the solar market,” said Erik Smith, Sol Voltaics CEO. “Having achieved our final major technology milestone with Aerotaxy earlier this year, we are now fully focused on reaching mass production of SolFilm. I’d like to thank our investors, both existing and new, for backing our vision and helping bring this revolutionary technology to the mass market.”

Sol Voltaics expects samples of its ‘SolFilm’ to be sent to partners by the end of 2018.

Read Next

June 4, 2026
The opening of this week’s SNEC show in Shanghai was marked by a shared recognition of the need for China’s PV industry to move beyond unchecked capacity expansion and brutal competition, writes Carrie Xiao.
June 4, 2026
As solar imports to the US face increasing restrictions, domestic manufacturers are racing to build upstream production capability. With 66GW of module capacity chasing just 11GW of domestic cells, the supply chain crunch is reaching a critical inflection point, write Moustafa Ramadan and Joe Hennessy.
Premium
May 22, 2026
As trade dynamics shift, could the EU become the next big market for Indian solar suppliers? PV Tech Premium explores the outlook with Wood Mackenzie’s Yana Hryshko and IEEFA’s Charith Konda.
May 21, 2026
US solar glass producer Stewart Glass is expanding its facility in Ohio with a new production line expected in 2027.
May 19, 2026
Alex Barrows and Molly Morgan of CRU lay out their predictions for the biggest themes at this year's Intersolar Munich and SNEC conferences.
May 11, 2026
Chinese solar manufacturing major Trinasolar has received supply chain traceability certifications from the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) for two of its manufacturing facilities in China.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
June 16, 2026
Napa, USA
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
June 30, 2026
Sacramento, California
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
August 25, 2026
São Paulo, Brazil
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 1, 2026
Mexico City, Mexico
Media Partners, Solar Media Events
September 9, 2026