“Everything about solar panels five to ten years ago was purely about standardization, yields and cost reduction. Our focus on aesthetics was new,” Marloes reflects on the market at the time. When the demand for energy-generating facades started to grow while suitable products were still lacking, she saw her chance. “The construction industry is not waiting for classic black solar panels in facades because they do not match the aesthetic wishes of users. So how do you still generate sustainable energy? Our facade panels are the answer to that.”
Long lead time due to complicated market
Marloes quickly noticed that her product was a hit, but it took a while before the turnover reflected that. “For us, demand is not the problem: everyone thinks our product is cool and wants it. But the lead time in construction is long due to slow processes, legislation and regulations and material prices that are through the roof. Despite the necessary orders, it took a while before our turnover reached a higher level. Fortunately, you can see from everything that this market is really going to take off soon. I am convinced that ultimately no more facades will be made without solar panels.”
Changing role as CEO at Solarix
“One of the challenges for me as an entrepreneur is to grow with the company,” Marloes continues. “As we grow, we get more and more parts and departments. A larger operational team and more complex finances, for example. So growing is not just more of the same: the organization changes and with that my role as CEO changes too. The question is how I want to give substance to that. That is a personal process and with every growth step of our company a new challenge. But I also enjoy that journey.”
Growth financing
ROM InWest invested in Solarix in early 2023 to help the young company grow. Marloes: “Up until then, we had only developed custom facades. External financing was needed for the development of a standardized modular product with which we could scale up. And for the expansion of our team to meet the growing demand for projects. We are now on the dividing line between startup and scale-up. Because we still develop custom-made panels in addition to our standard product, we can continue to distinguish ourselves and grow at the same time.”
Tips and explanations about scaling up
“ROM InWest also connects us with other entrepreneurs,” says Marloes when asked about their further support. “We have already had several sessions with them in which their business developers give tips on topics related to scaling up. All that knowledge is incredibly valuable for our growth path towards the prominent European player that we want to become. Until we are fully independent, we hope to be able to continue to count on financial support and advice from ROM InWest.”
Dream project: 'educational' facade panels
Of the many projects that Solarix has realized so far, some stand out. “For primary school De Kikker in Amsterdam, we renovated the entire facade and installed green solar panels. What is special is that these panels also have an educational function: the children see that you can generate beautiful, special facades with sustainable energy. In this way, they also learn why that is important. Partly with that extra social aspect, this was really the crowning glory of our work so far. It would be great if we were to receive more of these projects as assignments in the future.”
Next growth steps
Solarix has already gone through quite a few growth phases, but Marloes says she is not easily satisfied due to her perfectionism. “The next steps I want to take as an entrepreneur are further scaling up, assembly automation and bringing in-house colour technology. I would also like to realise even larger projects. In a few years, I want Solarix to be one of the leading market players, preferably even the market leader. At the same time, I also have to look back every now and then and give myself a pat on the back for what we have already achieved.”
Tips for other entrepreneurs
That last point is, according to Marloes, a tip for every entrepreneur. “And to creative people like me who are going to start a business, I want to say to follow your gut feeling and keep working from your passion. In the meantime, realize that in order to set up a company, you need to know where you want to go and make hard choices with that dot on the horizon. Choose one concept, focus everything on that and park your other ideas. That is the only way you can be successful in business and make an impact with your company.”
