Roel van den Berg

Renewables entrepreneur

Roel van den Berg is the founder of Autarco, a company specializing in solar energy solutions. He established Autarco on July 4, 2011, in Hong Kong, inspired by a desire to create a brand that simplifies solar energy for consumers. The name "Autarco" is derived from the Greek word "autarky," which means self-sufficiency, reflecting his vision for sustainable energy solutions.1 2

Background and Education

Roel has an educational background in industrial engineering, having earned a Master's degree in Innovation Management from Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (2006-2008) and also studied at Boğaziçi University (2006-2007) .3 4 His diverse experiences and international exposure have contributed to his entrepreneurial journey.

Vision and Business Model

Van den Berg recognized early on that the traditional multi-brand approach in solar installations was complicating the market and creating risks for consumers. He aimed to provide a single-brand solution that would offer complete transparency and reliability in solar energy systems. This approach not only protects customers but also supports quality installation partners.2 Under his leadership, Autarco has developed innovative software tools that create digital twins of solar systems, allowing for real-time performance monitoring and optimization.1 2

Achievements

Since its inception, Autarco has grown significantly, expanding its reach beyond its initial markets and establishing a strong presence in Europe. Roel emphasizes the importance of making solar energy accessible and efficient, aiming to contribute to global energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.1 2

In summary, Roel van den Berg is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to transforming the solar industry through innovation and a commitment to customer satisfaction. His leadership at Autarco reflects his passion for renewable energy and sustainable practices.