Work Here?
About Solestial
Industries
Energy
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
Series A
Total Funding
$27.9M
Headquarters
Tempe, Arizona
Founded
2013
Overview
Solestial focuses on providing solar energy solutions specifically designed for space applications. Their main product is a silicon solar cell that can repair itself from radiation damage when exposed to sunlight, even at low temperatures. These solar cells are integrated into flexible solar power modules that are built to last for up to 10 years in various space environments. A key advantage of Solestial's technology is its cost-effectiveness; their production process is automated, allowing them to offer solar modules at prices that are 90% lower than traditional III-V solar products. This positions Solestial uniquely in the market, as they address the high costs and slow manufacturing times associated with existing space solar technologies. The company's goal is to provide an affordable, durable, and scalable solar power solution to meet the growing demand for solar energy in space, which is projected to require 100 MW over the next five years.
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Increased demand for lightweight solar panels boosts Solestial's market potential in space industry.
- Partnerships with firms like Mitsubishi Electric enhance Solestial's technological development.
- AI optimization in manufacturing offers Solestial opportunities to further reduce costs.
What critics are saying
- Emerging competitors like Reflect Orbital challenge Solestial's market position with alternative technologies.
- Leadership changes with new CEO Margo de Naray may introduce strategic shifts.
- Reliance on automated manufacturing exposes Solestial to potential technological malfunctions.
What makes Solestial unique
- Solestial's solar cells self-cure radiation damage, extending operational lifespan in space.
- Their ultra-thin, flexible panels are 90% cheaper than traditional space solar technologies.
- Mass production capability allows Solestial to meet growing demand for space solar solutions.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Funding
Total Funding
$27.9M
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
2 Rounds
Industry standards
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 4%1 year growth
↓ -1%2 year growth
↑ 2%Mitsubishi Electric's ME Innovation Fund has invested in U.S. startup Solestial, Inc., marking its tenth investment. Solestial specializes in solar cells for space applications using silicon heterojunction technology, offering advantages like improved radiation resistance and reduced costs. This investment aims to boost Mitsubishi Electric's space business competitiveness. Solestial's CEO, Margo de Naray, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership to accelerate technological development.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, in collaboration with Global Brain Corporation, has invested in the U.S.-based startup Solestial, Inc. through their corporate venture capital fund, ME Innovation Fund. Solestial develops and manufactures space-oriented solar cells using silicon heterojunction technology. These cells offer high radiation resistance, low cost, short delivery times, and lightweight advantages, addressing the growing demand for solar cells due to the rapid expansion of satellite constellations.
Global Brain, through its ME Innovation Fund, has invested in Solestial, Inc., a U.S.-based startup providing next-gen silicon solar cell technology for space applications. Solestial's innovative solar cells are designed for space, featuring self-repairing capabilities under sunlight and packaged as ultra-thin, lightweight, flexible modules, enduring up to 10 years in space. This technology significantly reduces costs compared to traditional space solar cells. Global Brain supports Solestial's mission alongside Mitsubishi Electric.
Solestial raises $17 million in Series A funding led by AE Ventures to expand production of its radiation-healing silicon solar modules for space applications.
Since opening its Tempe, Arizona facility in 2023, Solestial has doubled its workforce, expanded manufacturing space, and delivered products to numerous commercial partners.
Solestial is Hiring for 7 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today
About Solestial
Industries
Energy
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
Series A
Total Funding
$27.9M
Headquarters
Tempe, Arizona
Founded
2013
Solestial is Hiring for 7 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today