Leap uses additive manufacturing to print thin monocrystalline silicon layers directly onto substrates, eliminating costly wafer slicing and reducing silicon usage by orders of magnitude. The process delivers wafer‑level efficiency and reliability while enabling a domestic, secure supply chain and easy integration into existing solar module assembly lines, lowering the cost of high‑performance photovoltaic modules for manufacturers and utility‑scale developers.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional silicon solar cells rely on costly wafer fabrication processes that consume large amounts of material and require complex, often overseas, supply chains. High manufacturing costs and supply‑chain constraints limit the affordability and scalability of solar modules.
Solution
Leap replaces conventional silicon wafer production with an additive manufacturing process that prints thin, mechanically robust layers of monocrystalline silicon directly onto a substrate. The printed layers achieve wafer‑level efficiency and reliability while using significantly less silicon material, reducing overall module cost. By sourcing all inputs from domestic suppliers, the technology creates a secure, localized supply chain that can be scaled to meet regional demand. The result is a solar module that matches the performance of traditional cells at a dramatically lower price point, enabling broader deployment of photovoltaic systems.
Target Audience
Primary customers are solar module manufacturers and utility‑scale solar developers seeking lower‑cost, high‑performance photovoltaic products, as well as EPC firms that benefit from a secure, domestic supply chain.
Features
- Additive manufacturing of monocrystalline silicon layers eliminates the need for expensive wafer slicing and polishing
- Thin, mechanically robust printed silicon achieves industry‑standard efficiency and reliability
- Material usage is reduced by orders of magnitude, lowering raw‑material costs
- Fully domestic supply chain integrates U.S. silicon feedstock and equipment, enhancing supply security
- Process compatible with existing module assembly lines, allowing straightforward integration into current manufacturing workflows
- Scalable production method supports high‑volume manufacturing for utility‑scale and commercial solar projects