The project aims to develop and industrialize a next-generation vertical, bifacial photovoltaic energy system for linear infrastructure applications, combining advanced roll-to-roll manufacturing, high-efficiency storage and power electronics, and system-level energy optimization. Building on the validated SUNBOOSTER VERTICAL technology at TRL 6, the project will advance the system towards pre-industrial readiness (TRL 7–8) and prepare it for scalable European market deployment.
The core innovation lies in transforming standardized vertical infrastructure—such as fences and perimeter systems—into productive energy assets without additional land use or structural modifications. The system is based on continuous photovoltaic strips manufactured via non-vacuum, roll-to-roll–compatible processes, enabling high material efficiency, reduced energy consumption in production, and suitability for industrial-scale manufacturing. Advanced micro- and nano-structured surface technologies improve angular light acceptance, reduce reflection and soiling, and enhance real-world energy yield under diffuse light and partial shading conditions typical for vertical installations.
A key technological focus of the project is the integration of distributed power electronics and high-efficiency storage systems. By combining multi-level inverter architectures, multi-MPPT control, and AC-coupled storage, the system preserves usable energy yield under heterogeneous illumination while ensuring grid-compliant operation, high conversion efficiency, and optimized self-consumption. This system-level approach enables electricity generation that is better aligned with real demand patterns, particularly in morning, evening, and winter periods.
The project is driven by an industrial consortium of SUNBOOSTER GmbH (Austria) and SAX Power GmbH (Germany). SUNBOOSTER leads the development of the vertical PV strip architecture, advanced surface technologies, and roll-to-roll manufacturing concepts, as well as system integration and market exploitation. SAX Power contributes its expertise in high-efficiency storage systems and power electronics, focusing on inverter–storage integration, manufacturing-oriented electronics design, and grid-compliant system architectures. Together, the partners address the full value chain from manufacturing and system design to pilot deployment and market preparation.
Through integrated pilot systems deployed in real outdoor environments in Austria and Germany, the project will validate performance, durability, manufacturability, and system efficiency under representative operating conditions. The results will enable a clear pathway to certification, industrialization, and rapid market uptake in residential, commercial, and infrastructure segments across Europe.
The project directly contributes to European objectives in advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy systems, and industrial resilience, supporting the transition towards space-efficient, grid-aligned photovoltaic solutions manufactured and deployed in Europe.