Inovus Solar

Established in 2007, Inovus Solar operated as a specialized designer and manufacturer in the commercial solar lighting sector, with its headquarters in Boise, Idaho. The company was privately funded, securing $4.53 million over six funding rounds from investors including Arnold Venture Group and Point b.

Inovus Solar focused on producing off-grid, solar-powered lighting systems and related products for applications in remote monitoring and security. The firm catered its solutions primarily to military, municipal, and tribal government clients. Its business model involved streamlining the entire solar implementation process for its customers, covering energy production forecasts, lighting design, structural assessments, utility coordination, engineering, installation, and long-term maintenance.

The company's core product was a distinctive solar-powered light pole. A key feature was the use of flexible solar collectors that wrapped directly around the pole, a design choice intended to be more aesthetically pleasing and less susceptible to wind damage than traditional flat panels. These poles integrated lithium-ion batteries stored inside the pole itself. This design provided a less obtrusive, more architectural look compared to conventional solar lighting systems. The company offered both off-grid models with internal batteries and on-grid versions that could return energy to a utility during the day. Manufacturing partner Mack Molding provided a range of services, including machining, sheet metal fabrication, and final assembly.

In February 2017, Inovus Solar was acquired by SolarOne Solutions, a Massachusetts-based provider of professional solar area lighting. The acquisition was a strategic move to combine two complementary product lines, with Inovus's architecturally focused designs complementing SolarOne's more conventional, industrial systems. Following the transaction, all Inovus Solar personnel became part of SolarOne, with the Boise operations continuing. At the time of the acquisition, Doug Stewart was the CEO of Inovus Solar, and he transitioned to a role as a board member and strategic advisor for the merged entity. David Gonzalez served as the Chief Technology Officer.

Keywords: solar lighting, off-grid lighting, commercial solar, renewable energy, solar-powered light poles, LED lighting, solar streetlights, grid-independent lighting, sustainable infrastructure, municipal lighting, architectural lighting, flexible solar collectors, energy systems, public lighting, SolarOne Solutions, Doug Stewart, David Gonzalez, solar technology, energy efficiency, smart city solutions, outdoor lighting, energy storage