Glint Solar

Overview

Glint Solar is a Norwegian software-as-a-service (SaaS) company specializing in solar energy project planning and evaluation. Founded in 2020 by Harald Olderheim, Even Kvelland, and John Modin, the company is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Glint Solar has been instrumental in aiding solar developers across more than 35 countries by offering data-driven insights to streamline the process of identifying and evaluating viable solar project sites. The company recently completed a Series A funding round, raising $8 million to fuel expansion and product enhancement efforts. Major investors include Smedvig Ventures, Antler Nordic, and Momentum.

Recent Developments

  • November 2024: Glint Solar secured $8 million in Series A funding, led by Smedvig Ventures with participation from Antler Nordic, Momentum, and Futurum Ventures. The funds are designated for market expansion and product development aimed at easing the solar project permitting process. The company has seen rapid customer growth, tripling its base since its $3 million seed round in 2022. Source
  • August 2024: The company is actively addressing glint and glare impact assessments as solar farms encroach closer to urban settings. Comprehensive evaluation tools like the Solar Glare Hazard Analysis Tool are integrated to predict and mitigate potential visual disturbances. Source
  • April 2024: Glint Solar proudly announced a partnership initiative alongside KiloWattsol and Fraunhofer ISE to enhance solar project site evaluation methodologies further, indicating its long-term commitment to innovation and collaboration in solar technology.
  • March 2023: The company explored new partnerships and engagement tactics by participating in global events such as Intersolar 2023, emphasizing the global solar development network. This participation showcased its international operational scope and collaborative approach.

Company Information

AttributeInformation
Founding Date2020
HeadquartersOslo, Norway
FoundersHarald Olderheim, Even Kvelland, John Modin
RevenueNot publicly disclosed
ProfitsNot publicly disclosed
Key InvestorsSmedvig Ventures, Antler Nordic, Momentum, Futurum Ventures
IndustrySolar Energy, Renewable Energy, Software
Number of EmployeesApproximately 3 (as of Dec 2023)

Early History

Glint Solar was founded in 2020 during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unique challenges and opportunities. With the solar industry experiencing a lag in project progression due to cumbersome site identification processes, founders Harald Olderheim, Even Kvelland, and John Modin saw an opportunity to innovate. Utilizing satellite data and machine learning, they developed tools offering detailed site analysis for solar projects. Their platform quickly gained traction with solar giants like Statkraft and E.ON, building a reputation for accelerating the solar adoption process. The company's inception was marked by adapting to remote startup constraints, laying a robust foundation that capitalized on rising renewable energy demands.

Company Profile and Achievements

Glint Solar has carved a niche in the renewable sector by focusing on solar project development software that addresses initial project challenges. The company's software suite employs geographic information system (GIS) data, AI, and cloud computing to enhance site evaluation processes. The platform offers:

  • Comprehensive Site Analysis Tools: Offering detailed assessments on topography, soil depth, solar radiation, and proximity to grid and substations.
  • Rapid Site Evaluation: With their tools, developers can reduce time spent on stalled projects by providing high-level project visualization and risk assessments.
  • Global Reach: Serving businesses across 35 countries, including partnerships with E.ON and Statkraft.
  • Key Milestones:
    • Completed $3 million Seed funding in June 2022.
    • Participated in significant global energy forums and forged strategic alliances to advance solar project methodologies.

Current Operations and Market Position

Glint Solar positions itself at the forefront of the solar energy industry's digital transformation. Its SaaS solution effectively bridges the gap between traditional, labor-intensive methods and modern, data-driven approaches. The platform's capabilities include:

  • Market Expansion Initiatives: Deploying new features to capture untapped markets, especially in Europe.
  • Contribution to Environmental Assessments: Enhanced software capabilities facilitate thorough visual and ecological impact analyses, a growing demand as more projects enter urban vicinities.
  • Support for Renewable Goals: Aiding developers in aligning with global renewable energy targets by providing tools that streamline the permitting stages of solar projects.

Conclusion

Glint Solar continues to be a transformative force in the solar energy sector, promoting streamlined and effective solar project development. By ensuring that developers can make informed, data-backed decisions quickly, Glint Solar addresses critical bottlenecks in expanding renewable energy infrastructure. Looking forward, with its recent funding and technological advancements, the company is poised to enhance its global footprint, promote sustainable energy solutions, and play an integral role in combating climate change through innovation and collaboration in the renewable energy sector.

References

  1. TechCrunch - Glint Solar Grabs $8M
  2. Glint Solar Official Website