Martyn Szczepankowski (SunRoof): Our goal is to create a virtual power plant, which is the largest network of connected solar roofs

SunRoof is a pioneering company with roots in both Poland and Sweden, operating in the realm of renewable energy. The cornerstone of our offerings lies in our innovative 2-in-1 solar roofs, an ingenious fusion of roofing solutions with integrated photovoltaic systems.

At the heart of our endeavor is Martyn Szczepankowski, one of our co-founders, who also serves as the Head of Central and Eastern Europe for SunRoof. He recently provided us insights into the startup’s evolution, the distinctive features of our product, and the evolving dynamics of the market.

Through our conversation with Martyn Szczepankowski, we delve into the journey of SunRoof’s development, how our unique 2-in-1 solar roof product addresses the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, and how the renewable energy landscape is adapting to the changing needs and preferences of consumers. Stay tuned for an enlightening discussion that sheds light on the promising path SunRoof is paving in the renewable energy sector.

How did the idea for SunRoof come about?

SunRoof was conceived with the vision of facilitating an unwavering shift towards ecological transformation. The brainchild behind the concept of solar roofs is Karol Kaniuk, who initially formulated the idea in Sweden. As a construction engineer, Karol engineered a revolutionary 2-in-1 system that seamlessly integrates roofing and photovoltaic technology. However, for the project to truly flourish, he required the support of a robust business framework. This is where his brother, Lech Kaniuk, entered the scene as the current CEO of the company. With Lech’s involvement, SunRoof’s momentum surged forward. Within a year, the company achieved a remarkable 500% year-on-year growth, even before embarking on its international expansion.

My association with SunRoof began in 2019, right when Lech Kaniuk was introducing groundbreaking solar innovation to Poland. Presently, we take immense pride in having amassed a portfolio of over 1,000 clients from across the globe. Moreover, we’ve secured the mantle of being the market leader and the swiftest growing entity in the realm of building-integrated photovoltaic installations (BIPV).

The journey from Karol’s inventive concept to becoming an industry leader with global recognition is a testament to our commitment to revolutionizing sustainable energy solutions. Through tireless dedication and a shared vision, SunRoof continues to redefine the possibilities of ecological progress.

What is your solution and what advantages does it have over standard PV installations?

At SunRoof, we’ve pioneered a transformative technology that reimagines conventional roofing and standalone photovoltaic panels. Our groundbreaking 2-in-1 integrated roof system is a harmonious fusion of unmatched aesthetics and unparalleled efficiency. In fact, it outperforms competing solutions by generating more energy per square meter, while consuming fewer resources and leaving a smaller ecological footprint. This innovation propels us into a new era of sustainable living and renewable energy.

Yet, SunRoof extends far beyond the realm of roofing. Alongside roofs embedded with photovoltaic cells, we present facades and SunPort solar sheds, seamlessly integrating renewable energy into diverse aspects of daily life. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive energy management system, offering a holistic approach to sustainable energy utilization. Recently, we introduced the My.SunRoof digital platform, empowering our clients to track every facet of their roof’s journey from design and construction to commissioning. By doing so, we’re revolutionizing the solar journey for our customers and establishing pioneering benchmarks within the solar industry.

Who is the recipient of your products?

Our solutions attract the attention of a wide range of customers who are aware of the need for sustainable development and want to use the potential of solar energy in a modern and effective way. The offer is dedicated to both private homeowners and housing communities or developers who want to create future-proof, ecological housing estates .

Investors of commercial buildings and local governments also see the benefits of our products and are happy to use them. An example is the library in Stężyca or the charging station for electric buses. We recently won a tender for a solar roof for a railway station.

This shows that the recipient of the SunRoof offer can be any owner of a property, new or intended for renovation.

You are treated as one of the most dynamically developing Polish startups. What markets are you already operating in?

Are we present on European markets Polish, Swedish, German and we run pilot projects in the USA

Absolutely, the past three years have marked a significant period of growth and advancement for SunRoof. As a dynamic startup, we have not only garnered the attention of customers but also secured investments from prominent sources. In January 2023, we successfully extended our funding from the September 2022 Growth round to reach a total of EUR 28.5 million. Esteemed climate technology-focused funds have joined us as investors, contributing to our overall funding accumulation of EUR 35 million since our inception.

These financial resources have been instrumental in bolstering the development of our innovative products as well as facilitating our expansion into international markets. Our presence is firmly established in various European countries, including Poland, Sweden, and Germany. Moreover, we are actively engaged in pilot projects within the United States. This strategic approach allows us to bring our cutting-edge 2-in-1 solar roof technology and comprehensive energy solutions to a diverse range of markets, ultimately advancing the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable practices on a global scale.

Are you planning further expansion?

Our vision is anchored in the ambitious objective of establishing a formidable worldwide brand within the renewable energy sector. While we are committed to strengthening our prominent stance in the European market, our aspirations extend beyond and encompass expansive global growth. In pursuit of this mission, we strategically allocated resources last year to the digitization and automation of crucial financial, sales, and marketing operations. As a result of these endeavors, we have undergone a substantial transformation into a highly digitized enterprise, armed with the capability to extend our innovative solutions to an even broader spectrum of customers across the globe. This digital evolution positions us to effectively scale our operations and bring our state-of-the-art 2-in-1 solar roof technology to more regions, thereby contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable energy practices on an international scale.

Why do most Poles still choose typical roofing and PV installations mounted on them?

Integrated solutions are becoming popular, especially among those who like to stay ahead of trends. But now, even more investors are realizing the benefits of solar roofs, especially when it comes to their stylish design and efficiency. We all know that solar power is great, but there’s still a lot to learn about the cool ways we can use it. Architects are also playing a big role in making solar roofs more popular. They’re putting options like SunRoof into their designs and showing clients why it’s smart to go for eco-friendly and good-looking choices. This teamwork is making solar roofs catch on and helping people see how they can be both useful and beautiful.

How has the energy crisis affected the demand for your products?

The worldwide energy crisis has definitely pushed more investments into photovoltaics. When the usual energy sources aren’t easy to access, are in short supply, or cost a lot, people are turning to other options like solar power. We’ve also noticed a bigger interest in our range of products that help people achieve maximum energy self-sufficiency.

Do you see your chance in the ever-faster development of electromobility?

The best solution is a combination of electromobility and photovoltaics, which provides clean, free electricity to charge electric cars

The shift towards electric transportation is inevitable. More electric cars are hitting the roads in Poland, and local governments are also joining the electrification movement. Starting in 2028, municipalities with a population of at least 50,000 residents will need to ensure that at least 30% of their vehicles are zero-emission or bio-methane vehicles. This emphasizes the importance of developing charging infrastructure and making charging stations accessible.

To address this, a smart approach involves combining electromobility with photovoltaics, allowing electric vehicles to be charged with clean and free solar energy. Our offerings, such as SunPorts, modern photovoltaic shelters, are well-suited for this purpose. SunPorts not only provide electricity for charging but can also power devices within buildings.

The push for charging infrastructure is also evident in large retail chains and shopping malls. According to EU regulations, starting in 2025, these facilities will be required to have numerous charging points across their premises in Poland. Our projects involving photovoltaic shelters for shopping malls are currently in their final stages.

Additionally, businesses are increasingly showing interest in photovoltaic roofing. Entrepreneurs are looking to optimize parking spaces by installing charging stations for employees and customers, as well as utilizing SunPorts to power their operations. In the face of rising energy costs, photovoltaics offer a practical way for companies to save money. For businesses focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting, implementing solar roofing solutions can contribute to meeting their sustainability goals.

Are you looking for new products using the technology you have developed or are you focusing on the development of the current ones?

We bridge the gap between traditional construction and the digital realm. Our solar roofs mark the starting point of our comprehensive strategy. Our ultimate vision involves establishing a virtual power plant, an extensive network interlinking various solar roofs. Our aim is to empower customers to effectively oversee the energy generated by their roofs, capitalizing on surplus energy through selling it for profit. The integrated system will offer guidance on optimizing surplus energy use, facilitating its sale, and granting users the flexibility to select their electricity supplier of choice in real-time.