PolyPV develops lightweight, flexible organic solar modules that provide reliable power in remote and off-grid environments where traditional rigid panels are impractical.
PolyPV develops lightweight, flexible organic solar modules that deliver reliable power in challenging environments where traditional rigid panels fall short.
The technology addresses a critical need for defense, disaster relief, and remote operators: dependable, portable energy without stable infrastructure. Conventional solar solutions are bulky, fragile, and hard to transport—forcing reliance on heavy batteries or vulnerable fuel supply chains that reduce mobility and increase risk.
PolyPV’s modules are rollable or foldable, easily carried, and deployable in minutes. They offer high power density per weight with proven durability under demanding conditions.
Manufactured via cost-effective roll-to-roll processes, PolyPV’s solution reduces fuel resupply dependence, enhances operational mobility, and improves safety. Future expansion targets outdoor recreation and humanitarian markets, delivering renewable power wherever it’s needed.
Founding Team & Expertise
PolyPV’s founding team brings deep expertise in organic photovoltaics and flexible electronics from NC State University.
- Academic & Research Leadership
Proven track record leading multiple federally funded programs through NSF and ONR STTR awards, advancing technology from lab validation to scalable flexible modules. - Engineering Strength
Highly experienced in organic electronic device fabrication and scalable coating techniques, positioning PolyPV as a leader in flexible OPV manufacturing. - Commercial Growth Plans
Actively recruiting an executive team member focused on business development and strategic growth to accelerate commercialization.
PolyPV’s strategy emphasizes close collaboration with high-need users in defense, disaster response, and remote operations.
Key Focus Areas
- Defense Sector
Partnering with the Office of Naval Research for pilot deployments with military units to validate performance, gather feedback, and support entry into formal acquisition programs. - Disaster Response & Humanitarian
Engaging agencies and organizations requiring portable renewable energy for field operations. - Commercial & Outdoor Markets
Building distributor partnerships in remote power and adventure gear sectors. - Outreach & Partnerships
Participating in trade shows, targeted demonstrations, and developing relationships with materials suppliers, defense integrators, and renewable energy distributors.
ONR Phase II funding provides strong validation and visibility among federal stakeholders, with planned expansion into civilian and international markets.
PolyPV will generate revenue primarily through government and institutional contracts, with additional streams from commercial partnerships.
Revenue Streams
- Defense Contracts
Transition from ONR STTR pilots into larger, multi-year procurement contracts as field performance is validated. - Disaster Relief & Humanitarian
Modular systems tailored to operational needs. - Commercial & Off-Grid Markets
Sales through distributors and resellers as portable solar power kits. - Future Opportunities
Licensing and OEM integration partnerships as production scales.
With projected manufacturing costs around $0.25/W—less than half of traditional silicon panels—PolyPV maintains strong competitiveness across price-sensitive sectors.
Investment Opportunity
PolyPV is seeking $5 million in equity funding over the next 12 months to establish a pilot fabrication line and accelerate commercialization.
The investment will enable transition from lab-scale to pilot-scale manufacturing, demonstrating readiness, cost structure, and scalability for large customer contracts.
Use of Funds
- Capital Equipment & Facility Build-Out
Support pilot-scale production of flexible solar modules. - Key Personnel
Hire talent to drive manufacturing and commercialization. - Product Validation
Customer demonstrations, field testing, and certifications for defense and commercial adoption.
Near-term goal: Deploy pilot units with military and disaster relief partners within 24 months, followed by expansion into off-grid and outdoor markets.
PolyPV has achieved significant technical milestones validating performance and manufacturability.
Key Achievements
- Efficiency
13.5% power conversion efficiency over 40 cm² area—highest for flexible OPVs using scalable methods. - Durability
Laboratory stability testing shows lifetimes exceeding 15 years; outdoor testing confirms performance under varying conditions. - Manufacturing Readiness
Ink-agnostic slot-die coating supports transition to full roll-to-roll production, reducing cost and time. - Intellectual Property
Exclusive licenses to three NC State patent applications covering material additives and scalable processes. - Current Support
Office of Naval Research Phase II STTR award funding performance validation and military pilot deployments.
Next 12 months focus on scaling module area, improving packaging/encapsulation, and incorporating field trial feedback for pilot-scale production.
PolyPV has secured $2.496 million in non-dilutive federal funding through STTR awards.
Funding Awards
| Award | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Naval Research STTR Phase I | 2021 | $240,000 |
| Office of Naval Research STTR Phase II | 2023 | $1,000,000 |
| National Science Foundation STTR Phase I | 2023 | $256,000 |
| Office of Naval Research STTR Phase II Option | 2025 | $1,000,000 |
