Solhyd: Producing Green Hydrogen Directly from Sunlight and Air

Solhyd: Producing Green Hydrogen Directly from Sunlight and Air

Hydrogen is increasingly considered a key molecule for decarbonising industry, transport, and energy systems. However, most hydrogen today is still produced through energy-intensive industrial processes that rely on fossil fuels. Even green hydrogen production typically requires electrolysers together with power electronics, water supply and treatment, and access to large amounts of grid electricity. As demand for low-carbon fuels grows, new technologies are emerging that aim to simplify hydrogen production and enable decentralised energy systems. Solhyd, a technology company originating from research at KU Leuven in Belgium, develops solar hydrogen modules that generate green hydrogen directly from sunlight and moisture in the air. Instead of producing electricity like conventional photovoltaic panels, Solhyd modules convert direct DC solar energy into hydrogen gas using integrated technology designed to work with the fluctuating power supply of renewable energy. By combining solar energy conversion with atmospheric water capture, the system enables hydrogen production without external water supply or grid connections.

Technology and Product

Solhyd’s innovation is a hydrogen-producing module that converts solar energy and water vapour from the surrounding air into hydrogen gas. The module integrates a direct one-to-one connection between the solar panel and a proprietary technology that enables water splitting directly within the module. Air flowing through the module provides moisture, which is captured inside the system. Under sunlight, the device separates water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gases. The hydrogen can be stored or used as an energy carrier, while oxygen is released into the atmosphere. As the system operates without liquid water supply or direct grid electricity, the modules can function as stand-alone hydrogen generators for decentralised energy production and can be integrated with grid-connected solar installations.

Solhyd hydrogen panels convert sunlight and atmospheric moisture directly into green hydrogen. (© Solhyd)

Industrial Fit and Applications

Decentralised hydrogen production is increasingly considered an important element of the emerging hydrogen economy. Solhyd’s technology enables hydrogen to be produced directly on site rather than transported from central production facilities, reducing the cost and complexity of hydrogen transport and handling. Potential applications include hybrid solar parks producing both electricity and hydrogen for large industries, as well as on-site hydrogen supply for fuel cell electricity generation and small-to-medium industrial processes. Because the modules resemble conventional solar panels in size and installation requirements, they can be deployed on available surfaces or integrated into existing solar installations.

Concept of decentralised hydrogen production using Solhyd panels with hydrogen storage. (© Solhyd)

Founding Team

Solhyd was founded in 2023 and originated from research at KU Leuven, where scientists began developing hydrogen-producing solar technology in 2011. The project was initiated by Jan Rongé (CEO) and Tom Bosserez (CTO) within the research group of Professor Johan Martens. The team is advancing the technology toward commercial deployment through pilot projects and industrial partnerships.