Supersola

Supersola, a Dutch cleantech company founded in 2017 by Julius Smith and Tom White, is focused on making solar energy accessible to a broader consumer market. The company has engineered a plug-and-play solar panel system designed for immediate use out of the box, targeting individuals in rental homes or those who cannot install permanent solar systems. The product is a self-contained unit with an integrated micro-inverter and ballast tanks that are filled with water to secure the panel, eliminating the need for professional installation. Users can simply unfold the panel, fill the tanks, and plug it into a standard earthed socket to start generating power.

Supersola's business model revolves around direct-to-consumer sales and partnerships with major retail distributors. The company generated €1.6 million in revenue in 2023. The product is designed to be modular, allowing customers to start with a single panel and connect up to three units to increase their energy generation. The electricity produced first powers appliances in the home, and any excess energy is fed back into the grid. Initially, Supersola's go-to-market strategy included sales through large retailers like Praxis in the Netherlands and Castorama in France, as well as online platforms.

Despite early traction and raising €1 million in a 2023 funding round from investors including ROM InWest and Techfund One, the company faced financial difficulties. A downturn in the solar market, influenced by uncertainty around feed-in tariffs, led to a significant drop in sales in 2024, culminating in bankruptcy. However, in late 2024, Green Impact Investing, an investment fund founded by the creators of Greenchoice, acquired Supersola's brand, inventory, and assets, seeing value in the product's design. Under this new ownership, Supersola has been relaunched with a revised business model that includes a rental option for €6.50 per month, aiming to lower the entry barrier for solar energy adoption for a wider audience, including renters.

Keywords: plug-and-play solar, consumer solar, residential renewable energy, portable solar panel, DIY solar, rental solar panels, clean technology, sustainable energy, direct to consumer energy, modular solar system, Green Impact Investing, Julius Smith, Greenchoice, home energy generation, self-install solar, flat roof solar, ballast solar panel, energy accessibility, retail solar products, European cleantech