Stella Juva, developed by students from Eindhoven University of Technology, aims to enable healthcare delivery in remote or infrastructure-limited regions. The project is expected to embark on its journey in July 2026, marking a significant step in redefining the role of solar-powered mobility—from transport solutions to mobile energy systems supporting essential services. The Stella Juva project focuses on integrating advanced solar technology directly into a functional ambulance vehicle. AIKO’s ABC solar cells are key to this project, providing the energy required to power both the vehicle and its onboard medical equipment.
"Stella Juva pushes the boundaries of what solar technology can achieve in real-world applications. We chose AIKO as our partner due to their industry-leading efficiency and proven reliability, which is crucial for a vehicle that must operate independently in diverse conditions," said David Komdeur, Photovoltaic Systems Engineer at Solar Team Eindhoven.
Komdeur further explained the design of the ABC cells. ABC cells utilize a full back-contact design without front-side metallization, maximizing light absorption. "In addition, silver-free metallization reduces the risk of microcracks and contributes to long-term durability. The low-temperature coefficient, combined with strong resistance to degradation, helps maintain stable performance across a wide range of environments," added Komdeur.
The project highlights how solar energy can be used not only for transportation but also as a mobile energy source capable of supporting essential services such as medical equipment in areas where infrastructure may be limited or unavailable.
Solar Team Eindhoven has achieved significant innovations prior to this project. The team has won the World Solar Challenge Cruiser Class four times consecutively and has consistently introduced revolutionary concepts in solar mobility. Previous milestones include Stella Vita, a solar-powered camper designed for long-distance travel, and Stella Terra, the world’s first off-road solar vehicle capable of operating in extreme environments. With Stella Juva, the team expands its vision into the realm of sustainable healthcare.
The project reflects the team’s continued focus on extending the application of solar-powered vehicles beyond experimental prototypes toward practical and functional use cases.
The partnership marks a further expansion of AIKO’s collaboration with leading solar mobility teams, moving beyond competitive platforms toward real-world applications of zero-carbon mobility and sustainable living. By integrating ABC technology into a functional emergency vehicle, the collaboration demonstrates how advanced photovoltaic innovations can contribute to both clean transportation and critical societal needs.
For AIKO, this reflects a broader commitment to enabling high-efficiency solar technology in emerging application scenarios, supporting projects that integrate energy generation directly into mobility and infrastructure, and exploring how photovoltaic innovations can deliver value beyond traditional installations.