Active Surfaces Demonstrates Flexible Solar Technology in First Outdoor Field Test

Woburn, MA – Active Surfaces, a Massachusetts-based solar technology startup, is redefining the future of solar energy with its ultra-thin, flexible solar modules. Unlike traditional silicon panels, which are predominantly manufactured in China, Active Surfaces' innovative technology can be produced entirely in the United States, offering a critical opportunity for domestic energy security and supply chain resilience.

Using advanced manufacturing techniques developed at MIT, Active Surfaces prints high-efficiency perovskite solar cells onto plastic sheets, creating lightweight, rollable solar modules that can be installed on nearly any surface—including commercial rooftops, vehicles, and even aerospace applications. These modules provide nearly the same efficiency as silicon panels while significantly reducing installation complexity and cost.

“This technology enables a yoga mat-style solar panel that can be unrolled onto buildings, eliminating many of the structural barriers associated with traditional solar,” said CEO Shiv Bhakta. “If we can bring the cost down and scale manufacturing, this could fundamentally shift the way we deploy solar energy.”

The company recently launched its first small-scale manufacturing facility in Woburn, MA, backed by a $5.6 million seed round led by Cambridge-based Safar Partners. The facility is capable of producing enough solar modules to power 800 homes annually. By 2028, Active Surfaces aims to scale production to 100 megawatts per year—enough to power 80,000 homes.

While thin-film solar technologies have been explored for decades, previous attempts struggled to match the price and efficiency of silicon. Active Surfaces’ approach leverages perovskite-based solar cells, which can be produced using roll-to-roll manufacturing processes similar to printing newspapers. This enables faster, lower-cost production and eliminates reliance on China’s silicon-dominated supply chain.

Active Surfaces is well-positioned to accelerate the clean energy transition by unlocking new solar deployment opportunities across the built environment. With increasing global demand for cost-effective, scalable solar solutions, the company’s technology offers a promising path toward energy independence and decarbonization.

About Active Surfaces

Active Surfaces, spun out from MIT.nano, is a leader in developing flexible, high-efficiency solar technology designed for integration into a variety of surfaces. The company’s unique rollable solar technology simplifies deployment, reduces costs, and improves the efficiency of solar installations - especially for the built environment. With accolades including first-place wins at the MIT 100K, Harvard Climate Symposium, and features on Forbes 30u30 and TedX, Active Surfaces is leading the charge in solar innovation.

Link to Full Article by Boston Globe