Technology that creates sustainability

and an overly expensive power cable when the Kverneland family needed electricity for their cabin in Søgne in 2000. “Solar cells are probably a good alternative,” the family thought, and set about installing them.

After many years of developing and testing solar power at his cabin, Jonas Kverneland wants to start his own solar cell company. His father Aksel is on board with the idea, and in the summer of 2016 they set up Kverneland Energi from the kitchen table at Aksel and Siv’s home. From here, the ball rolls fast and many private homes buy solar cell systems from Kverneland Energi.

A solar cell company with many projects and several employees needs both storage space and office space. The time in the kitchen is over and we move into premises with builder P. Undheim. We stayed here for two years before we needed more space again and moved to Plogfabrikkvegen 15 at Klepp Station.

Solar cells are proving to be a good investment for local farmers. They are also opening their eyes to cheaper, more sustainable energy. In the winter of 2018/2019, we installed a solar cell system at Lars Inge Nygård’s farm. The project is the start of an investment in the agricultural market, which is, and continues to be, a solid market for Kverneland Energi.

With solid experience in solar cells, we need bigger roofs to work on. The first industrial customer is Haugaland Kraft. After that, it’s one thing after another with solar cells for industrial customers and the team is growing in line with demand.

In April 2019, we installed the first AKVA Hybrid battery pack on the feed barge at Selsøyvær. The goal is to reduce diesel consumption, noise and exhaust on the barge by reducing the use of generator. The system is a success and hybrid systems are currently providing major savings on CO2 emissions in the aquaculture industry in Norway.

Now it’s the tourist cabins deep in the mountains that will have access to electricity without major C02 emissions. We are installing a renewable energy system at Stranddalen for Stavanger Tourist Association. The system is getting a lot of media coverage, and our brand as a solar cell company is strengthening both in the region and nationally.

With many customers on solar cells, the need for a management system increases. Software is tricky stuff, and we employ our own developers to build a tailor-made energy management system for our customers.

The road to the energy systems of the future is taking shape and in 2021 we joined the Elnett 21 project – a major investment in emission-free and electric transport.

Here we deliver solar cells and battery packs to the port of Stavanger – Risavika. Solar park for Avinor at Sola Airport. And solar cells, battery and fast charging for Rogaland Taxi. The project gives us valuable experience that we have used in new solutions and other industries.

In 2021, Store Norske is embarking on an energy transition in Svalbard. We installed a hybrid system with solar cells on the roof, ground level and battery that will halve the consumption of 200,000 liters of diesel a year.

And Plogfabrikkvegen 15 became too small. In October 2022, we packed our bags again and moved into new premises. Fortunately, we didn’t go very far this time, because moving is exhausting. Plogfabrikkvegen 30 is our new address, and that’s where you’ll find us today.

CO2 emissions from fossil fuels must be reduced, also in the construction industry. This means electrification of machine fleets and the need for fast charging. In the summer of 2022, we will start developing mobile fast chargers and battery containers that will solve the charging logistics for contractors. Thor Freyja and Odin will be part of our product portfolio.

Aksel wins the award for sustainability at this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year awards. According to the jury, his steadfastness, solid industry insight and clear goals have demonstrated his willingness and ability to innovate sustainably with a focus on quality at all levels.

In 2024, we will accelerate and establish series production of KE Thor. In addition, we see new opportunities in lightning charging. Stangeland Maskin will be the first customer and the starting point for our investment in stationary fast charging for heavy transport.

Made in Norway. With our new website, we have highlighted our products and clearly show what we actually deliver to the market in terms of our own manufactured solutions.