Munich Startup: What does your startup, Solation, do? What problem do you solve?
Sebastian Hugl, Solation: We We have set ourselves the goal of working hand in hand with regional tradespeople to enable green energy for everyone and to resolve the complexity surrounding electricity and energy. In addition to a transparent and fair PV planning process for homeowners, we also offer a patented tenant electricity solution for apartment building owners. 53 percent of all Germans live in rented accommodation and have no access to self-generated solar power. Solation enables landlords to profitably sell electricity to tenants with an innovative solution – without the complex task of acting as an energy supplier.
Donate surplus electricity to social or public institutions
This innovative approach also makes it possible for the first time to donate surplus electricity to social or public institutions. In doing so, we aim to contribute to the efficient and sustainable distribution of surplus electricity in Germany. It is particularly important to us to offer our customers transparent product information, open and non-binding advice without sales pressure, and structured, digitalized project planning. We also attach great importance to a fair and equitable working environment for our employees and our partner companies.
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Sebastian Hugl: Solations Approach to the tenant electricity solution is truly unique and patented. Furthermore, Solation addresses a widespread problem in the industry: a lack of transparency. Through easy-to-understand and fair processes, we aim to create new standards in an often opaque industry, thus enabling everyone to access green energy.
Munich Startup: What is your founding story?
Sebastian Hugl: I'll try to keep it brief: I've already founded two companies. My last one gave me a lot of knowledge about patents, and I wanted to use this knowledge to create something meaningful. Together with my friends Max and Tim, I realized that there was still a lack of sensible solutions, especially in the energy sector, and so the three of us founded Solation. With our patented tenant electricity solution, we want to do something good for people who can't afford to own their own home but still want to live sustainably. At the same time, we've created a company that operates on an equal footing with its partner tradespeople and its own employees. Our motivation was to create a business model that puts people at the center and enables green and fair energy for everyone.
Solation: “The market is overregulated and grid operators have no interest in decentralized power supply.”
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Sebastian Hugl: We're still at the very beginning and face many business challenges. Market regulation and the slowness of grid operators are two of them. The market is overregulated, and grid operators have no interest in decentralized power supply. In addition, the German market and German customers are unfortunately not particularly innovative, and alternative and sustainable concepts are not sufficiently promoted in politics. We hope that our work can raise awareness and thus have a positive impact on the expansion of green energy supply in Germany.
Munich Startup: How are things going?
Sebastian Hugl: Despite the challenging macroeconomic situation, we're doing very well. We currently employ twelve people, generate seven-figure revenue, and remain privately owned.
Munich Startup: You recently relocated your headquarters to Munich. What made you choose this startup location?
Sebastian Hugl: Even though we disagree on the founding team, as a Munich native, I believe that Munich is simply the nicest place to be – perhaps even nicer than Kissing, where my co-founder Max is from. The decision to move from Kissing to Munich was also influenced by the availability of qualified talent. We plan to continue growing, which will make it easier to fill our positions with the best possible talent.
Munich Startup: Quick exit or long breath?
Sebastian Hugl: We're not aiming for a quick exit with Solation. Our goal is to operate in an ecologically and economically sustainable manner and to build a business model that is successful in the long term and thus has a positive impact. What we don't want is excessive growth that comes at the expense of our employees or our partner tradespeople.
