SoloPower
SoloPower Systems is a Portland-based photovoltaic manufacturer producing ultra-lightweight CIGS thin-film solar modules for commercial rooftops, off-grid applications, and BIPV installations in over 20 countries, using proprietary electroplating deposition technology.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersPortland, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What SoloPower does
SoloPower Systems, Inc. is a Portland, Oregon-headquartered photovoltaic manufacturer that produces CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide) thin-film solar modules deposited via a proprietary electrochemical process onto flexible stainless steel substrates. The resulting modules, marketed under the SoloPanel (SP1, SP3, SF1) family, are up to 85% lighter than traditional crystalline silicon PV panels and integrate directly with roofing membranes (EPDM, TPO, modified bitumen, metal standing-seam), enabling non-penetrating installation on weight-constrained commercial, industrial, government, and military rooftops. The company also offers the SoloBucket portable off-grid power kit for emerging markets and the Integrated Module Packaging (IMP) building-integrated PV system developed with the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium.
The business model is hardware sales-led: SoloPower sells modules through direct enterprise sales for large commercial and government projects and through a global network of regional distributors and channel partners, including Dumont Power (South Africa), Bharat Light and Power (India), PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate (Jordan/Middle East), Direct Group Africa (sustainable housing), and a Korean joint venture with CTI Co. Customer segments include weight-constrained commercial and industrial buildings (primary), BIPV construction projects, U.S. government and military installations requiring Buy America compliance, and emerging-economy off-grid consumers. Pricing is quote-based enterprise sales with no publicly disclosed price list.
SoloPower was recapitalized in 2013 via a comprehensive restructuring and technology acquisition from the original California-based SoloPower Inc., then ramped a 70 MW (scalable to 220 MW) production line at its Portland facility in 2014 with a $90 million credit facility from Hudson Clean Energy Partners. By 2016-2017 the company had executed first commercial deployments in South Africa, India, Jordan, and the United States (Fairfield, CT fire station), and had shipped UL-, IEC-, and FM-certified modules into more than 20 countries across five continents. Headcount is 51-100 employees and revenue is not publicly disclosed.
SoloPower firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SoloPower
- Legal name
- SoloPower Systems, Inc.
- Website
- https://solopower.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- SoloPower Systems is a Portland-based photovoltaic manufacturer producing ultra-lightweight CIGS thin-film solar modules for commercial rooftops, off-grid applications, and BIPV installations in over 20 countries, using proprietary electroplating deposition technology.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SoloPower industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Thin-Film Photovoltaic Solar Modules
- NAICS
- Wiring Device Manufacturing (33593), Communication and Energy Wire and Cable Manufacturing (33592)
- SIC
- Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar PV Module & Cell Manufacturing (Crystalline, Thin-Film) (EUAMAHAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- PV Balance of System (BOS) & Electrical Infrastructure (Inverters, Transformers, Cabling, Substations) (EUACAGAC), Solar PV Module Manufacturing (Cells, Modules, Thin-Film) (EUAMABAD)
Keywords
Where SoloPower is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Portland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
SoloPower business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Solar Module Hardware Sales: Sale of CIGS flexible thin-film solar modules (SP1, SP3, SF1 series) for commercial, government, and residential rooftop applications. Modules are sold directly and through channel partners for building-integrated PV (BIPV) installations.
- Off-grid Portable Power Systems: SoloBucket portable power kit containing flexible solar panel, battery, connectors, lights and chargers for emerging market off-grid applications. First order of 10,000 units placed with Dumont Power for South Africa.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
SoloPower product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SoloPower Systems designs and manufactures CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium di Selenide) flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules (SP1, SP3, SF1 series) on flexible stainless steel using a proprietary electrochemical deposition process. Modules are up to 85% lighter than traditional glass PV panels and are installed using non-penetrating adhesive Integrated Module Packaging (IMP), enabling rooftop solar on commercial, industrial, government, and residential buildings with weight or structural constraints. The company also sells the SoloBucket portable off-grid power kit and provides project design and application support.
Product overview
SoloPower Systems is a photovoltaic technology company specializing in CIGS flexible thin-film solar technology. The product portfolio includes four main solar module products (SP1, SP3, SF1, SoloBucket) and an integrated packaging solution (IMP). SP1 and SF1 are flexible modules optimized for standing-seam metal roof integration (16-inch and 12-inch respectively), while SP3 is a large-format flexible module for commercial and industrial building applications with various roofing substrates (EPDM, TPO, Built-up-roofing). SoloBucket is a portable off-grid power kit for emerging economies. The IMP (Integrated Module Packaging) application integrates modules with roofing membranes for streamlined BIPV deployment. All products use proprietary CIGS technology deposited via electroplating on flexible stainless steel substrates, making them up to 85% lighter than traditional PV panels. SoloPower also provides design and installation services, customer support, and financing assistance for projects.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SoloPanel SP1: Second-generation flexible photovoltaic module optimized for sixteen-inch standing-seam metal roof integration with 60 series connected high-efficiency CIGS solar cells.
- SoloPanel SP3
- SoloPanel SF1
- SoloBucket
Products and services
- SoloPanel SP1 Second-generation flexible photovoltaic module optimized for sixteen-inch standing-seam metal roof integration. Features 60 series-connected high-efficiency CIGS solar cells, a proprietary moisture-barrier front sheet, sealed junction box, and protective back sheet, and is configured for adhesive applications enabling rapid installation with metal substrates.
- SoloPanel SP3 Second-generation large-format flexible CIGS module engineered for commercial and industrial building applications. Available in SP3S (153 series-connected cells) and SP3L (180 series-connected cells) variants. Configured for adhesive applications with EPDM, TPO, Built-up-roofing, and Modified bitumen substrates.
- SoloPanel SF1 Second-generation flexible CIGS photovoltaic module optimized for twelve-inch standing-seam metal roof integration. Employs proprietary electrochemical CIGS deposition on flexible stainless steel substrate with moisture-barrier laminate and 81 series-connected high-efficiency CIGS solar cells.
- SoloBucket Portable power plant in a 25-liter bucket featuring SoloPower's flexible CIGS SP1 solar panel, Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, DC lights, and power accessories. Weighs under 10 kg, operational in 2 minutes, and packable in 60 seconds. Designed for off-grid applications in emerging economies, with options for an AC converter and cell-phone interface supporting prepay / pay-as-you-go billing.
- Integrated Module Packaging (IMP) Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) module packaging solution incorporating a roofing membrane layer with SoloPower modules using engineered thermoplastic encapsulants and adhesives. Designed for non-penetrating, high-speed installation using roofing-industry standard procedures and workforce, eliminating racking, ballasts, and power tools while preserving roof integrity.
Quantifiable outcome
- 85% lighter than traditional PV panels
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use SoloPower
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
SoloPower technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature4 records
SoloPower partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, key and core.
- Davis Hill Development (Connecticut)supportingLeading renewable energy developer partnered for BIPV installation at Fairfield, Connecticut fire station. Project showcases integration with Carlisle SynTec roofing membrane and involvement of multiple stakeholders.
- PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate (Jordan)keyLong-term collaboration for commercial rooftop PV projects in Jordan and Middle East. Purchase agreement executed for two initial projects in Aqaba Special Economic Development Zone, 15km from Port of Aqaba.
- Bharat Light and Power (India)keyLong-term collaboration for Indian rooftop PV market. First project secured with leading Indian conglomerate (50 kW system). Partnership targets India's 40 GW rooftop PV goal by 2020.
- Direct Group AfricakeyPartnership for sustainable housing integration using EEZI Thermal Modular Building System. Letter of intent for 54 MW solar deployment on 15,000 low income and student housing units. Initial phase of 762 kilowatts commissioned.
- Dumont Power (South Africa)coreSoloPower's exclusive distributor for South Africa, based in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. Established 2015 as special purpose vehicle for distribution and support. Commissioned first commercial deployment and handles Solo Bucket distribution.
- U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC)corePVMC provides specialized technology services to SoloPower including technical support for manufacturing ramp-up, process development, and product advancement. PVMC is part of DOE SunShot Initiative and SUNY Polytechnic Institute. Collaboration enables access to advanced facilities, testing capabilities, and Best Known Methods (BKM) package development.
- University of WollongongsupportingPartnership where SoloPower technology was used by University team to win Solar Decathlon competition in Datong, China. Australian team placed first in engineering, solar, and architecture categories.
- CTI Co (South Korea)coreKorean joint venture establishing distributed manufacturing operations. CTI Co provides access to exceptional technical and manufacturing capabilities and strong demand for flexible and lightweight CIGS PV cells and module products in the Korean market.
- NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)coreDOE-funded technology hub with key competencies in thin film technologies. Provides technology partnership for process and reliability questions and material science. Full laboratory with state-of-the-art metrology and test equipment in Golden, CO.
- RETC (Renewable Energy Test Center)supportingIndependent test house with extensive know-how and expertise in solar. PVTest partnership for module verification and test under field conditions. Full laboratory and test sites in CA, NV, Philippines.
- Carlisle SynTec SystemssupportingRoofing membrane manufacturer whose Carlisle SynTec membrane is integrated with SoloPower modules for BIPV deployment in Fairfield fire station project.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SoloPower competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- First Solar: Largest commercial thin-film PV manufacturer (CdTe rather than CIGS). Directly comparable as the benchmark large-scale thin-film module producer competing for utility-scale and commercial rooftop projects.
- MiaSolé (Hanergy): Producer of flexible CIGS thin-film modules on stainless steel substrates. Closest direct technology analog to SoloPower's electroplated CIGS cells for BIPV and lightweight rooftop applications.
- Solar Frontier (Idemitsu Kosan): Japanese CIGS thin-film module manufacturer operating gigawatt-scale production. Comparable as a CIGS incumbent targeting utility and commercial solar with similar underlying chemistry to SoloPower.
- Global Solar Energy: U.S.-based flexible CIGS thin-film module manufacturer focused on BIPV and portable power. Closely overlaps SoloPower's lightweight rooftop and off-grid product positioning.
- Avancis: German CIGS thin-film module maker (now part of CNBM). Competes with SoloPower in the architectural and commercial CIGS segment with similar product positioning.
Emerging players
- Flisom: Swiss roll-to-roll flexible CIGS module developer spun out of EMPA. Comparable technology platform targeting BIPV and lightweight rooftop niches similar to SoloPower's SP1/SP3/SF1 lineup.
Broad incumbents
- SunPower (Maxeon Solar): High-efficiency back-contact c-Si module manufacturer targeting premium residential and commercial rooftops. Broad incumbent competing for the same lightweight/premium-roof segment that SoloPower addresses.
- LONGi Green Energy: World's largest c-Si wafer and module producer. Sets the cost benchmark that SoloPower's CIGS modules must compete against on $/W in commercial rooftop bids.
- Trina Solar: Vertically integrated c-Si module manufacturer with strong rooftop and utility-scale presence. Comparable as a large incumbent supplying the same end customers SoloPower targets.
Others
- Enphase Energy: Leading solar microinverter and MLPE manufacturer. Adjacent ecosystem participant whose power electronics pair with SoloPower modules in rooftop installations and shape the integrated bill-of-materials.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SoloPower social profiles
Digital presenceSoloPower compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
SoloPower financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SoloPower leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
SoloPower subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
SoloPower funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds11 records
Investors8 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SoloPower M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SoloPower
What does SoloPower do?
SoloPower Systems designs and manufactures CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium di Selenide) flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules (SP1, SP3, SF1 series) on flexible stainless steel using a proprietary electrochemical deposition process. Modules are up to 85% lighter than traditional glass PV panels and are installed using non-penetrating adhesive Integrated Module Packaging (IMP), enabling rooftop solar on commercial, industrial, government, and residential buildings with weight or structural constraints. The company also sells the SoloBucket portable off-grid power kit and provides project design and application support.
Is SoloPower a public or private company?
SoloPower is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was SoloPower founded?
SoloPower was founded in 2013. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is SoloPower based?
SoloPower is headquartered in Portland, United States, in the North America region.
How does SoloPower make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Solar Module Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are off-grid Portable Power Systems.
Who are SoloPower's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are First Solar, MiaSolé (Hanergy), Solar Frontier (Idemitsu Kosan), Global Solar Energy and Avancis. Flisom is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are SunPower (Maxeon Solar), LONGi Green Energy and Trina Solar. Enphase Energy is listed as an others.
Does SoloPower have an API?
No public API is recorded for SoloPower.
What industry is SoloPower in?
SoloPower's product category is Thin-Film Photovoltaic Solar Modules. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMAHAA, Solar PV Module & Cell Manufacturing (Crystalline, Thin-Film), with a secondary code of EUACAGAC, PV Balance of System (BOS) & Electrical Infrastructure (Inverters, Transformers, Cabling, Substations). Its NAICS code is 33593 and its SIC code is 3600.