Karolina Atspodina, co-founder of We Do Solar, Ukrainian entrepreneur from Berlin. Its mission is to make home solar energy accessible to everyone, whether you rent or own your home.
“The startup focuses on making renewable energy accessible to everyone.
"When I came up with this idea, I thought it was unfair that everyone who owns a home or can afford it has access to renewable energy, and people who live in apartments or rent their own homes don't have those opportunities." Atspodina said.
"So everything was built with the idea of providing renewable energy to those who want to install renewable energy in their homes. And now many people, especially in relation to the war, want to live more independently and produce and produce their own electricity.
We Do Solar Kit offers affordable solar panels that are easy to install on your balcony: “They are very light and thin and easy to install. We have an app where you can see how much CO2 you are saving and how much electricity you are producing,” says Atespodina.
We Do Solar launched in February 2022. "It was a complete coincidence that the war started at the same time," Atpodina said. Of course, it was a very difficult time because I also have family and friends. Many friends in Ukraine. Take the border, people. , they developed their product, talked to investors, and it was completely crazy. But now it's a little easier, because at least I know that everyone in the world is safe," Atzpodina said.
We Do Solar's sales increased by 70% when energy prices rose after Russia invaded the country in March: “The product is in high demand, and of course our demand increased when the war started. We currently export goods to 24 countries in Europe and the United Kingdom will soon be on this list, Atpodina said.
"Everyone wants to get involved and do their part to save us from fossil fuels, especially fossil fuels that we buy elsewhere."
In a year of rising electricity prices, solar power has grown significantly in Europe, resulting in significant savings for European consumers.
Solar consumption in Europe is expected to double by 2022, according to industry group Solar Power Europe.
In the year In 2022, 47% more solar power will be installed in the EU than in 2021, enough to heat 12.4 million homes. By 2022, the unit's solar power generation capacity is expected to increase by a total of 25%, EuroNews reported.
Fast Solar Installations Across Europe The race to fully close the gap between Russian gas supply and demand will continue in 2023 and beyond.
Fatih Biral, Director General of the International Energy Agency, said, "The European Union has made significant progress in reducing its dependence on natural gas supplies from Russia, but it has not left the danger zone." "Most of the conditions that allowed EU countries to fill their storage facilities before this winter will not repeat themselves in 2023. A new IEA analysis shows that a strong push for energy efficiency, renewables, heat pumps and general energy storage measures is necessary. To reduce the risk of shortages and price increases next year.
For solar startups like We Do Solar, this means active expansion for several years as switching to renewables is not only an environmental concern, but also a pressing economic need.
We think the lightweight, easy-to-install Do Solar balcony solar panels can reduce household energy bills by up to 25% - and at €1,299 - an investment that will really pay off for families for years to come. .
"Each country has its own rules on how much you can install yourself without an electrician. For example, in Germany it's 600 watts, which is what our kit currently offers. It's 600 watts and can reduce your energy costs by up to 25%. If you want to install more and install more If you have the space, you can certainly do it with the help of an electrician," says Atespodina.
He is ready to bring the solar solution to his native Ukraine when conditions permit: “Ukraine now needs independent generators. My solution works if there is a grid.
"We will meet with the Ukrainian government and when the time comes we can start in Ukraine."
