EnFoil: Ultra-Thin Flexible Solar Panels for European Strategic Autonomy
EnFoil is a Belgian deep-tech spin-off emerging from years of European research to redefine how and where solar energy can be harnessed. The company develops ultra-thin, flexible photovoltaic “solar foils” that can conform to surfaces once considered impractical for solar panels, from curved vehicle roofs to portable structures[1][2]. These pliable solar strips are only a few millimeters thick yet remarkably robust, delivering nearly standard panel efficiency in a lightweight form. By enabling custom-shaped solar modules that simply glue onto trucks, tents, or even building materials, EnFoil aims to embed renewable power into the fabric of everyday objects[2][3]. The technology was born in the labs of Hasselt University and imec (a leading microelectronics R&D center), reflecting Europe’s cutting-edge expertise in advanced materials. Now, EnFoil is translating that scientific innovation into a manufacturable product, with pilot production underway in Belgium[4][5]. This young company’s journey encapsulates a broader strategic goal: strengthening European autonomy in critical energy tech by reducing reliance on imported Chinese solar panels[6][7]. EnFoil’s story is therefore more than just entrepreneurial—it’s about Europe engineering its own solutions to power, resilience and security.