Revolution in Home Energy in the U.S. – American Startup Simplifies Integration of Renewable Energy Systems and EV Chargers
ConnectDER Secures $35 Million to Expand Innovative Energy Adapter Technology. ConnectDER, an innovator in energy technology, announced in early December that it has raised $35 million in a Series D funding round. The funds will be used to further develop and scale the production of its revolutionary meter socket adapter, which significantly simplifies the integration of solar panels, energy storage systems, and EV chargers with the U.S. electrical grid.
Innovative Solution for Aging Electrical Systems in the U.S.
The IslandDER adapter eliminates the need for expensive upgrades to electrical systems in American homes. This issue is particularly acute in older buildings—according to ConnectDER, approximately 60 million properties in the U.S. have outdated systems incapable of supporting modern energy technologies.
The cost of replacing an entire electrical panel ranges from $2,000 to as much as $15,000, often posing a barrier to the adoption of renewable energy. Nationwide, the problem is estimated to represent a $100 billion challenge. The ConnectDER adapter can be installed in just minutes and costs less than 10% of a typical panel upgrade.
Funding and Development Plans
The Series D funding round was led by Decarbonization Partners (a joint venture between BlackRock and Temasek) and MassMutual Ventures, with additional support from existing investors including Avista Development, Clean Energy Ventures, and LG Technology Ventures.
ConnectDER plans to use the funds for:
Market Expansion: The product is currently approved in over 20 states, with plans to achieve nationwide reach within a few years.
Increased Production: More than 25,000 ConnectDER devices are already in operation.
Product Innovation: Further development of adapter technology for new applications.
The ConnectDER adapter for solar systems is priced at $559 (MSRP), while the version for EV chargers costs $875. Both products meet U.S. safety standards (UL and NEC), ensuring ease of installation and reliability.
The company has partnered with major installers, including Sunrun, enabling coordinated installation of adapters alongside solar and energy storage projects.
Impact on the Renewable Energy Market
ConnectDER’s technology opens up new opportunities for millions of U.S. households previously excluded from electrification and renewable energy adoption. This solution is a step toward mass adoption of green energy, reducing costs and technological barriers.
Source: esgtoday.com