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Progress over perfection

Grouphug Solar make ridiculously good looking solar panels that are easy to use

Please introduce yourself and your startup Grouphug Solar to our readers!

Hello! My name is Krystal and I’m the founder of Grouphug Solar. We make ridiculously good looking solar panels that are easy to use because renewable energy shouldn’t be so complicated. 

How did you get the idea of Grouphug Solar?

It solved a problem for me! I lived in an apartment in New York & I really wanted to do something in renewable energy. I knew solar panels were out there, but I didn’t have a rooftop. So I started making solar panels that could harvest sunlight through my window and look like a piece of home decor. That is how our first product, the Window Solar Charger, was born! 

Why did you decide to start with Grouphug Solar?

I’d always wanted to start my own business, but I hadn’t found something I was very passionate about yet. I was very invested in and passionate about fighting climate change. If I can make a tiny dent and change people’s view of solar energy and educate them a little – I will be happy! 

What is the vision behind Grouphug Solar?

We believe creativity & design can push solar technology to be more accessible. There is a world where renewable energy can be user friendly, and ridiculously good looking! And most importantly, they’ll reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. We’re not going to be able to go off the grid overnight, but we can take steps to getting there.

How difficult was the start and which challenges you had to overcome?

Starting was more exciting, than difficult! The most difficult challenges were prototyping and producing our product on a budget. We’re a small company who operates with a “scrappy” mentality. 

Who is your target audience?

Our target audience is people who rent, live in apartments, or do not have the resources to invest in residential rooftop solar. Many of our early customers are curious about solar energy, but didn’t know where to start. We see Grouphug as your first step in solar energy. 

What is the USP of your startup?

Our unique selling proposition is design. Most people think of solar panels as being large, clunk, & unattractive. Our products showcase solar panels with style in shapes & sizes you’ve never seen before.

Grouphug Solar ridiculously solar panels

You and your Startup are in the show Shark Tank. Can you tell us something about?

After launching a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019, we were invited by a producer on Shark Tank to appear on the show. It was a very nerve wrecking experience! We were such a young company that was just getting started. But I decided to go on and give it a shot. Life is short, why not go for it? 

Which was your favorite investor in the show Shark Tank?

Mark Cuban is my favorite Shark – even before going on the show and striking a deal with him. Before going on the show, I watched almost every episode of Shark Tank. I could see that Mark really invests in the entrepreneur and is more willing to take risks on technology based products like ours.

What happened after Shark Tank? 

After appearing on Shark Tank, there is a period of due diligence that lasts a few months. Now we are working with Mark. He is very open & responsive. Grateful to have him as a partner! 

Can you describe your typical workday ?

Every day is different! I like to wake up and go for a walk in my local park to start my day. Then I reserve an hour every morning to answer any customer emails that come in. As a solo founder, I juggle many different sides of the business. So one day I might be working on logistics and manufacturing and the next day I may be on sales calls for hours.  

Where do you see yourself and your startup Grouphug Solar in five years?

I see Grouphug as paving way for a new future of solar energy that is more integrated in the home and people’s lives. Every sunny surface is an opportunity to harvest energy that is otherwise lost. 

What 3 tips would you give to founders?

– Fall in love with the problem, not the product. 

– Build a great support network of people who can cheer you on!

– Progress over perfection. Embrace transparency & honesty. Success isn’t a straight line, everyone knows that. 

More information you will find here

Thank you Krystal for the Interview

Statements of the author and the interviewee do not necessarily represent the editors and the publisher opinion again.

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