Our background
Find out how it all happened
Solkompaniet was founded in 2010 by Lars Hedström and Petter Sjöström, who have worked with solar energy since 2002. At first, we did preliminary studies and built smaller solar installations for property owners who wanted to try the new technology. Our customers who built early on found that solar energy was a very smart way to utilize their roofs. Solar power has contributed to lowering their operating costs and has been an important part of their sustainability efforts.
Solkompaniet Sverige AB includes Solkompaniet Park EPC AB and Light Leap. Our education platform Solelskolan educates and trains the industry's solar cell installers.
Our goal is that in 2030, solar energy will account for ten percent of Sweden's electricity needs and be an important contribution in the transition to a completely renewable power system.
Our background - step by step
2023
Sweden's largest solar park - Kungsåra 22 MW
Sweden's largest solar park to date, Kungsåra solar park outside Västerås. Solkompaniet has been hired to be responsible for the construction of the park, which will be 22 megawatts. The project is developed by Helios Nordic Energy AB for the German investor Commerz Real. Photo: Helios Nordic
2022
We build Sweden's largest solar roof
Sweden's largest solar roof to date of 8.9 MW for NREP, Logicenters and Axfood outside Stockholm. We have also entered framework agreements with both Niam and Polhem Infra for the purpose of planning, developing and building large-scale solar power parks in Sweden. We have also built Sweden's largest agrivoltaic solar park, Solvallen in Fellingsbro.
2021
Sweden's largest solar park 18 MW
We have built Sweden's largest solar park at the time, Martin & Servera's Aurora solar park in Skurup, for Alight. We have also built Sweden's first agrivoltaic solar park, Kärrbo Prästgård outside Västerås. We have also designed and installed solar cells at Sweden's first zero-energy hotel in Solna, which was named BREEAM Building of the Year.
2020
The largest roof installation in the Nordics at the time
60,000 square meters and an installed power of five megawatts make the solar cell plant in Borås the largest in the Nordics at the time. NREP's logistics branch, Logicenters, and Speed Group are behind the investment. We are also building a large solar park at Sweden's lowest point in Kristianstad for C4 Energi.
2019
Starts the education platform Solelskolan
We have always shared our knowledge and experience regarding solar energy. Now we gather all our educations and courses under a common umbrella and create Solelskolan. We are also building the largest solar park in northern Sweden, in Östersund, Jämtkraft and Östersundshem are behind the investment.
2018
Founds the solar wholesaler IBC SOLAR AB
Since the start we have bought supplies from the German system supplier IBC SOLAR. A company with quality in focus. Together, we wanted to share our know-how and the quality-assured solar systems with more people in Sweden. We are therefore starting their first franchise company, the solar wholesaler IBC SOLAR AB. Wholly owned by Solkompaniet.
2017
Sweden's largest solar roof – Apotea.se in Morgongåva
The 1,500-kilowatt solar installation at Apotea.se new logistics facility begins, it will be the largest rooftop installation in Sweden. Apotea's ambition is to have the smallest possible environmental impact and they therefore want to produce solar electricity corresponding to their annual consumption.
2016
Sweden's first separate service department
As the solar market grows and property owners now own both more and larger solar installations, the need for service arises. We think that a dedicated service organization is what is required, in order to build up broad and deep competence and to be able to offer high quality service.
2015
Starts Solelkommissionen (the Solar Commission)
Sweden's regulations need to be updated and adapted in order for solar energy to get the right conditions. We are taking the initiative to form a network, Solelkommissionen (the Solar Commission), together with a few, selected companies that have taken a strategic position for solar energy. Together we work for changes.
2014
New logo, new name. Welcome Solkompaniet!
As the solar industry in the Nordics grows, we realize that the Swedish market will be more than enough. The name Direct Energy which was taken in a context with a more international expansion in mind has played its part. We want to be called what we are and give customers and suppliers the right associations when they hear the company's name.
2013
Frodeparken, the Nordics' largest solar cell facade
The arched building Frodeparken, right by Uppsala central station, is ready. This project was one of the first collaborations between Solkompaniet Konsult and Solkompaniet's project company. The owners, Uppsalahem AB, were able to boast the largest solar cell facade in the Nordics at the time of 100 kilowatts.
2012
Solkompaniet Konsult is formed
Solkompaniet's consulting company is formed to be able to focus on research and strategic studies in a separate company.
2011
Price-wise milestone with the Ethnographic Museum, Stockholm
We are building a 600 square meter solar installation on the roof of the Ethnographic Museum in Stockholm. It was the first installation in Sweden that cost less than SEK 20,000 per kilowatt.
2010
Founds Direct Energy
Lars Hedström and Petter Sjöström found what is today Solkompaniet. Solar energy has not yet made its breakthrough in Sweden, but they are determined to make it happen. After making some calls to the nearest customers, they realize that the customers want more solar energy and want them to get up and running again.
2009
Works for GPV, Gällivare Photovoltaic
Our founders work for the Swedish module manufacturer GVP and sell modules all over Europe. Gällivare Photovoltaic was hit hard by the financial crisis and operations ceased in 2009.
2008
Installation of solar cells in Cairo
Through an agreement with the National property Board, our founders Lars Hedström and Petter Sjöström travel abroad. They are installing a 30 kilowatt installation at the Swedish embassy in Cairo, Egypt. The following year, they install solar cells on the ambassador's residence in Tel Aviv, Israel.
2007
The Government Court visits Fläckebo. Is it okay to have solar cells at the church?
Representatives from the Government Court visited the church together with our founders. Unfortunately, it was rejected. Until the year 2019, no older churches have received permission. Today there are several churches, both older and more modern, around Sweden that use the power of the sun.
2006
The first solar installations via public procurement
Lars Hedström and Petter Sjöström win their first public procurements. And installs solar systems on roofs for three different nursing homes. The customer is the Local Administration in Gothenburg.
2005
SPIA, Scandinavian PV Association is formed
Our founders realize that with joint efforts we can speed up the development of solar energy in Sweden. They are working to create the organization SPIA, which focuses on solar energy, to be formed.
2004
Pre-study of solar cells for the arena Nya Ullevi in Gothenburg
Clearly, the pride of Gothenburg should have solar cells! Lars and Petter do a preliminary study to investigate how. Clients include Göteborg & Co. During the year 2006, they then win the public procurement and begin the installation of the facility, which is completely ready in the summer of 2007.
2003
First consulting assignment
The Swedish Energy Agency orders a market survey on the conditions for solar energy in Sweden.
2002
We are facing a climate crisis - something must be done!
Our founders Lars Hedström and Petter Sjöström start working with solar energy after they realized that we are facing a climate crisis.