The industrial deeptech startup HELIUP is a spin-off from the CEA at INES, and the two organizations remain in close collaboration on research and development. This certification is the result of our joint efforts to develop and qualify a new generation of reliable, high-performance panels based on TOPCon cell technology.
The STYKON® panel successfully passed compliance tests for international standards (1) regarding performance and safety requirements for terrestrial photovoltaic panels, achieving less than 2% power loss at the output of the test chamber—well below the standard's 5% allowance.
Made in France at the HELIUP plant in Cheylas, the STYKON® is a lightweight photovoltaic panel with glass on the front. This light weight has not compromised the system's performance or reliability ; combined with TOPCon cells, it represents a major product innovation.
HELIUP was inspired by an issue identified by researchers in our laboratories. A significant share of industrial and commercial rooftops in France—which represent ideal sites for solar power plants—are not equipped with solar panels. One of the reasons? The structure of the buildings does not always allow for it, and the cost of reinforcing them, along with the potential loss of revenue associated with such work, is prohibitive.
Heliup was founded in 2022 in Le Bourget-du-Lac (Savoie) to manufacture a unique, patented technology developed over three years at the CEA's laboratories. Its panels are three times lighter than conventional panels—weighing just 5 kg/m²—while offering the same performance and durability. This technological innovation, combined with an optimized integration system, reduces the weight of the solar power plant by more than 60% and addresses the challenges of installing solar panels on more large rooftops.
Credit: Jérôme Mauchamp
Following an initial funding round of 10 million euros in 2023 and the launch of a 10 MWp pilot line, the French startup inaugurated its first production plant in 2025. With an annual capacity of 100 MWp, the factory can produce 350,000 solar panels per year. It is one of the largest production facilities in France.
HELIUP successfully raised a second round of funding totaling 16 million euros in March 2026 to support its industrial and commercial development.
Discover more on:
https://www.heliup-solar.com/
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IEC 61215 et
IEC 61730