OpenSolar Secures $20 Million for AI Technology Expansion
Sydney-based OpenSolar, a developer of solar design and sales software, has successfully completed a $20 million equity financing round aimed at bolstering its recently introduced AI-driven operating system. This funding will enable the company to further enhance its innovative technology.
OpenSolar, which proudly claims to offer the world’s first free end-to-end solar design and sales application, currently serves over 25,000 solar installation businesses across more than 160 countries. The announcement of the $20 million (approximately £15 million) equity financing came late last week, highlighting the company’s growth and ambition.
Investment from Leading Tech Firms
The equity raise attracted significant interest from prominent technology investors, including Titanium Ventures, Google, and the 2150 Sustainability Fund, among others. OpenSolar plans to utilise this new capital to further develop its AI technology solutions and expand its global reach.
Launch of OpenSolar 3.0
This funding news follows the recent launch of OpenSolar 3.0, the latest iteration of the company’s comprehensive operating system for solar installers, which debuted in mid-September. The new software integrates AI-powered design, lead generation, and a fully streamlined workflow, all while remaining free for users.
OpenSolar 3.0 supports solar businesses throughout the entire workflow, offering features such as AI-driven customer self-service estimates, design capabilities, interactive proposals, financing options, payment tools, and integrated hardware purchasing and project management.
Utilising Google’s Solar API
The platform harnesses Google’s Solar API data, which provides detailed rooftop assessments based on extensive geospatial data and computing capabilities, allowing for accurate evaluations of solar energy potential. This API is the advanced successor to Project Sunroof, a project initiated by Google engineer Carl Elkin as part of the company’s “20% time” initiative, encouraging employees to pursue personal projects during work hours.
The synergy between Google’s Solar API and OpenSolar 3.0 equips solar installers with the necessary tools to design rooftop solar systems accurately, eliminating the need for expensive in-person evaluations.
Free Software for Installers
OpenSolar’s software is available at no cost to installers, with the project’s development funded through partnerships in manufacturing, finance, and distribution. Andrew Birch, co-founder and CEO of OpenSolar, stated, “The ability for any contractor to access world-class software and imagery for free is supporting the rapid transition to low-cost clean energy.”
Since its inception, OpenSolar technology has facilitated the design of 6 million solar systems, resulting in $10 billion worth of solar sales. Birch added, “With the next generation of AI tools, we can elevate solar growth, reduce delivery costs, and aim for solar to account for 50% of global energy by 2035.”
