Solarge has managed to attract new financing in recent months: the impact funds Phase2.earth and Orchard Participations, together with existing investors (including Daan van der Vorm and Sytse Bouwer), are investing €3 million for further expansion the production facility in Weert.
Despite a difficult market, Solarge remains fully confident in the business case of their self-developed lightweight solar panels.
Jan Vesseur, CEO Solarge: “our product is different on all fronts: PFAS free, low carbon footprint, lightweight, circular, unbreakable and made in the Netherlands. People and companies that really want to make an impact choose Solarge. Impact investors like Phase2.earth understand this like no other. We are therefore very fortunate with their participation because, in addition to the investment, they also bring a strong ambition and network. At least as important for further scale-up.”
Boudewijn Poelmann, founder Phase2.earth and National Postcode Lottery: “We are extremely happy with our participation in Solarge. Especially since Solarge seems to be succeeding in resisting the dump of panels from China, caused by the ban on Chinese panels by the US, India and Australia. Thanks to Solarge, the production of solar panels for the Netherlands and the EU is maintained.
Due to the lightweight aspect, no less than 40% more roofs in the Netherlands are eligible for solar panels. Roofs that cannot currently support the weight of the 'classic' panels, but the Solarge panels can. Furthermore, they are non-toxic and recyclable at the end of their life cycle.
We also think it is important that the Solarge panels are guaranteed not to involve forced labor. Fortunately, more and more customers think so too. Governments, the largest buyers of solar panels, are also setting a good example.”
