Technology that creates sustainability

and an all too expensive power cable when the Kverneland family was to get electricity to the cabin at Søgne in 2000. “Solar cells are probably a good alternative”, the family thought, and started assembling.

After many years of developing and testing solar power at the cabin, Jonas Kverneland wants to start his own solar cell company. Father Aksel is on board with the idea, and in the summer of 2016 they establish Kverneland Energi from the kitchen table at Aksel and Siv’s home. From here, the ball rolls quickly 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 at building contractor P. Undheim. We stayed here for two years before we needed more space again, and took our moving load to Plogfabrikkvegen 15 at Klepp Stasjon.

Solar cells prove to be a good investment for the Jærbuen. The farmer also opens his eyes to cheaper, more sustainable energy. In the winter of 2018/2019, we installed a solar cell system at farmer Lars Inge Nygård. The project is the start of a focus on the agricultural market, which becomes, and still is, a solid market for Kverneland Energi.

With solid experience in solar cells, we need larger roofs to tackle. The first industrial customer is Haugaland Kraft. After this, it goes without saying with solar cells for industrial customers and the team grows 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 generators. The system is a success and hybrid systems today ensure large savings on CO2 emissions in the aquaculture industry in Norway.

Now it is the tourist cabins far up in the mountains that will have access to electricity without large C02 emissions. We are installing a renewable energy system at Stranddalen for the Stavanger Tourist Association. The system receives extensive media coverage, and our brand as a solar cell company strengthens both in the region and nationally.

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

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

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

In 2021, Store Norske will start energy conversion on Svalbard. We installed a hybrid system with solar cells on the roof, ground level and battery that will halve the consumption of 200,000 l of diesel per year.

And Plogfabrikkvegen 15 became too small. In October 2022, we again took our moving load with us and moved into new premises. We didn’t go so far this time, fortunately, because moving is tiring. Plogfabrikkvegen 30 is our new address, and this is where you will find us today.

CO2 emissions from fossil fuels must be reduced, also in the construction industry. This means electrification of machinery 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 the contractors. Thor, Freyja and Odin become part of our product portfolio.

Aksel wins the sustainability award during this year’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year award. According to the jury, with steadfastness, solid industry insight and clear goals, he has shown the will and ability to sustainable innovation with a focus on quality in all parts.

In 2024, we accelerate and establish series production of Thor. In addition, we see new opportunities within fast charging. Stangeland Maskin becomes the first customer and the starting signal for the investment in stationary fast charging for heavy transport. We transformed ourselves from being a solar cell supplier to a leading player in mobile and stationary DC charging. The year was crowned with the Transition of the Year award.