Powering a Circular Future: Biosphere Solar’s Journey from Vision to Impact

When you think of solar panels, the first images that come to mind are probably sleek black rectangles on rooftops. But for Biosphere Solar, founded with the mission to establish fair and circular standards in the solar industry, solar panels represent much more than clean energy. They embody fairness, transparency, and circularity. Or in other words: principles that are often missing from the current solar landscape.

The Dutch startup has been pioneering a model where solar technology is not only renewable in its function but also in its design, materials, and ownership structure. From open-source standards to steward-ownership, Biosphere Solar is determined to change how the world thinks about solar.

In 2024, they took part in Catalyse NEB, the EIT Community NEB’s accelerator programme supporting ventures that embed sustainability, inclusivity, and aesthetics at the core of their business models. We chatted with Perine Fleury, Steward and Co-founder of Biosphere Solar, to reflect on their journey so far and what lies ahead.

A Turning Point: The First Panels Off the Line

When asked about a proudest moment, Fleury doesn’t hesitate:

“The first production of our solar panels with our production partner Kameleon Solar. This was a key milestone as it showcased our ability to provide custom-made, EU produced, and of course circular solar panels. What a moment that was!”

The production run was more than a technical success. It symbolised proof of concept. The panels demonstrated scalability and reinforced a partnership with Kameleon Solar that, according to Fleury, has become “an excellent partnership that has brought much to Biosphere Solar.”

Seeing Change Take Root

Biosphere Solar’s vision is not an abstract one; demand is already growing.

“The desire for circular solar panels is growing. We’re seeing this through the increase in requests from companies, individuals and even governmental bodies that reach out to us asking for our product and support in bringing about circular solar energy. It is galvanising, humbling, and deeply encouraging to witness this shift in mentality.”

This grassroots interest confirms that the transition to circularity is no longer a distant or small idea. It’s a movement gathering speed.

Lessons from the Journey

Startups often learn as much from setbacks as from successes. For Fleury, one of the most important insights has been about mindset:

“Stress in high doses is unnecessary and counterproductive. Realising that the stressful situations will only continue, change and grow was a big eye-opener: having a positive and calm mindset will be more conducive to a good outcome than worrying about things that are beyond one’s control.”

It’s a lesson that resonates not only in entrepreneurship but in the sustainability journey itself: staying grounded, even when challenges multiply.

Building a Mission-Driven Team

Biosphere Solar didn’t emerge from a single founder’s vision, but from a collective belief in fair and circular solar energy.

“Since the beginning, it has been about our vision and mission. It is a vision that many have contributed to as volunteers, interns, students, working individuals, partners, or in other forms.”

The team has grown into a diverse group of engineers, visionaries, and business developers, all united by a passion for positive change. Fleury notes that their differences have become strengths, shaping a collaborative culture where ownership and empowerment are central.

Leadership at Biosphere Solar reflects this ethos. The company follows an Autonomous Team structure combined with SCRUM, adapted to their needs. “We strive for equity and horizontal decision-making… A culture which holds space for both wellbeing and badbeing. Above all, we trust one another.” Their steward-ownership model also ensures the company remains true to its mission as it scales.

The Biosphere.Solar team — *The Biosphere Solar team*

Looking Ahead: Global Scaling, European Roots

2025 promises to be an exciting year for Biosphere Solar. The startup is expanding to China, working at the very heart of the solar industry to amplify its impact. At the same time, they are launching their first Horizon Europe project, involving partners across more than a dozen European countries.

On the home front, streamlining European production of solar panels is another priority, and proof that their growth is both global and deeply rooted in Europe.

A Solar Future, Fair and Circular

Biosphere Solar’s story is a reminder that innovation is not only about technology, but about the values we embed in it. By bringing circularity into the very fabric of solar production, they are proving that the energy of the future can be not just clean, but fair.

“That, more than anything, is what has shaped the way we work”, Fleury concludes. With projects now scaling in Europe and beyond, this sentiment shows what happens when vision and impact move hand in hand: a solar future that powers people, planet, and possibility.

How to Support Biosphere Solar

Fleury makes it clear that the movement for circular solar is a collective one:

Adopt their panels: “We are always on the lookout for new solar projects to provide our solar panels to.”

Spread the word: Follow them on social media (LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube), contribute to their GoFundMe, or join their Discord to share ideas.

Connect them with changemakers: Fleury dreams of collaborations with Jeremy Rifkin and Kate Raworth, whose work on open-source models and doughnut economics inspires the team.