Heliup wins European Solar Startup Award 2025 with solar panels 60% lighter than conventional ones

France-based Heliup has been awarded the Gold European Solar Startup Award 2025 for its Stykon solar PV panels for flat rooftops.

Following a successful online pitch, Heliup, Aevy and suena were nominated by the expert panel as finalists.

Yannick Veschetti, President and Co-founder of Heliup, Gautier Moulin, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Aevy, and Felix Heimke, Senior Product Manager at suena, presented their work on stage at the SolarPower Summit 2025.

Yannick Veschetti stressed there is over four billion square meters of available large rooftop space in the European Union. Heliup wants to harness the potential of this available rooftop space and fast-track solar installations across Europe, he added.

Veschetti: The startup is committed to revolutionizing solar energy with lightweight solutions manufactured in Europe

The startup is committed to revolutionizing solar energy with lightweight solutions manufactured in Europe that unlock the potential of commercial and industrial rooftops, Veschetti pointed out.

According to the startup, solar panels have considerable weight which, combined with around 15 kilograms per square meter for the fixing structures, is not compatible with a large proportion of existing building roofs.

To address the issue, Heliup uses a patented CEA technology developed for over three years at France-based Institut National de l’Energie Solaire (INES).

The unique technology is based on the conservation of thin glass and on an innovative installation concept, the startup said.

The solar panel is 60% lighter than conventional panels

The Stykon range is intended for flat roofs, with an innovative, simple and quick installation system based on gluing the panel directly onto the roof’s waterproofing membrane. It is 60% lighter than conventional panels while maintaining the same level of performance and durability, Heliup added.

SolarPower Europe explained that Heliup’s panels are lightweight, at five kilos per square meter. They have an efficiency of 20% and are resistant to extreme weather conditions. The equipment is made in Europe and has an easy and fast installation process, the organization said.

“Only with these forward-thinking innovators can we strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and guarantee a swift energy transition,” SolarPower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger stated.

The award jury panel comprised Jenny Chase, Solar Analyst at BloombergNEF; Stefan Müeller, Co-Founder, Shareholder and Board Member at Enerparc AG; Felix Krause, Managing Partner at Vireo Ventures; and Michael Schmela, Director of Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe.