One year after winning the audience award at the Smart Energy Event start-up competition, Solarsplit is taking another step forward with the cantonal rollout of its solar-focused app. The Neuchâtel-based start-up, which uses technology to simplify access to photovoltaic installations, is gradually expanding its presence in French-speaking Switzerland. It is already available in the cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel and is preparing to expand into Valais.
Founded in 2022 to address the complexity of solar offerings, Solarsplit now offers an integrated solution that supports homeowners from start to finish. ” In 2022, we noticed that many solar panel offers were difficult to understand. Homeowners were confused. ” explains Bryan Umana, partner and COO of Solarsplit. Together with his team, he wondered why not accelerate the transition by leveraging technology for a community of building owners?
The platform is structured around three main modules. Solarsplit “Install” connects homeowners and installers through a series of online questions that assess solar potential and suggest three relevant installers in the area. The service also includes other equipment such as batteries and heat pumps.
Artificial intelligence for energy optimization
The “Monitoring” module is becoming increasingly important in Solarsplit’s offering. “It tells you what to do with the energy you produce,” says Bryan Umana. Artificial intelligence optimizes self-consumption and sends personalized notifications, for example when sand from the Sahara may affect the panels’ performance.
With its “Invest” module, the start-up is also adapting to new community groupings, a regulatory change that opens up new opportunities for sharing solar energy between neighbors. It thus enables participatory investments in solar installations.
An ambitious cantonal rollout
Since early 2025, Solarsplit has offered a downloadable app that is being rolled out canton by canton. After Neuchâtel, the canton of Vaud joined the platform on March 6. “Ultimately, we want to be present throughout Switzerland,” says Bryan Umana. Valais will be the next step, with a launch planned for November 6.
“We have made a lot of progress since last year,” says the COO. The start-up has carried out some very complex projects involving terraced houses, heat pumps, batteries, and electric charging stations. This increase in expertise is supported by a large ecosystem of partners who are backing Solarsplit’s development.
