Kardinia Energy: Flexible, Recyclable Printed Solar Power
The global transition to net-zero emissions demands an unprecedented scale-up in renewable energy deployment. Conventional technologies such as silicon PV panels and wind turbines are essential but limited in their application, leaving vast areas—stadiums, industrial roofs, remote sites—without viable low-cost, sustainable energy solutions.
Kardinia Energy has developed Printed Solar, a lightweight, flexible, fully recyclable solar film manufactured using advanced carbon-based inks and high-speed reel-to-reel printing. The technology is ultra-low cost, easily deployable, and fully sustainable, enabling renewable energy generation anywhere sunlight reaches. Kardinia Energy is currently showcasing the technology globally through its first client, Coldplay, providing solar energy solutions across stadiums for their Music of the Spheres World Tour.
Greenbackers is pleased to introduce Kardinia Energy, a global leader in printed solar technology. By combining cutting-edge printing, proprietary inks, and scalable manufacturing, Kardinia Energy makes renewable energy lighter, more flexible, and more accessible, targeting applications where conventional solar cannot compete.
Why Kardinia Energy:
- Innovative technology: Printed Solar is a next-generation carbon-based solar cell that is ultra-lightweight (<0.3 kg/m²), flexible, fully recyclable, and extremely low cost (<US$7/m²). The high-speed printing process ensures rapid and scalable production without relying on silicon, avoiding traditional PV supply chain risks.
- Commercial traction: The Coldplay partnership demonstrates large-scale deployment capabilities and strong market interest. Kardinia Energy has also secured A$6.55M in non-dilutive grant funding and benefits from over $100M of prior government R&D investment, with global IP fully owned by the company.
- Market potential: Printed Solar addresses uncontested markets including stadiums, industrial greenhouses, remote mining sites, humanitarian relief, EV infrastructure, and unique structures. Inbound interest spans 120+ countries, illustrating vast global demand. The technology is ideal for low-weight, off-grid, or mobile energy solutions, unlocking new renewable energy applications worldwide.
- Scalability: Kardinia Energy is raising up to $5M to establish a First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) manufacturing facility, demonstrating scalable production and further reducing unit costs—a blueprint for future gigafactory expansion. Equipment procurement and private capital are supported by up to A$6.55M in grants.
Investment Snapshot:
- Type: Seed Round
- Target amount: £2.5m (AUS $5m)
- Minimum contribution: £280k
For further information or to speak with Kardinia directly contact:
Annika Borrmann at annika@greenbackers.com
