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Based in San Francisco, California, CivicSolar is a business-to-business online solar equipment distributor that supplies photovoltaic modules, balance-of-systems components, and engineering services to commercial installers and developers. Operating a digital marketplace, the firm connects global manufacturers with thousands of contractors across the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America to facilitate solar and storage technology deployments. The enterprise scaled its operations with less than $5 million in total funding across two financing rounds, reaching profitability by its seventh month. By 2011, the distributor generated $12 million in annual revenue, eventually growing its workforce to approximately 75 employees. In 2019, the business was officially acquired by major industry competitor CED Green Tech, following strategic partnership efforts led by executives including Guillaume Casanova. CivicSolar was founded in 2009 by Kerim Baran, Michael Goldberg, and Stuart Rentz.
CivicSolar has raised $460K across 1 funding round.
CivicSolar has raised $460K in total across 1 funding round.
CivicSolar is a San Francisco-based solar distributor that partners with installers and developers across North America to provide high-quality photovoltaic (PV) systems, modules, and balance-of-systems components from leading manufacturers.[1][2][3] It solves key challenges in solar adoption by negotiating direct cost savings with global manufacturers, pre-qualifying equipment for performance and reliability, and offering engineering tools, installation expertise, and dedicated support to help customers design, sell, and install PV systems efficiently.[1][3][4] Now part of CED Greentech, CivicSolar serves the distributed solar photovoltaics market, including rooftop solar and solar farms, targeting sectors like energy, materials & manufacturing, and buildings.[1][2]
The company accelerates solar growth by streamlining procurement and project execution for installers, enabling them to win more projects and build scalable businesses through web-based tools and cost-effective distribution.[1][3]
CivicSolar emerged as an innovative player in the North American solar distribution space, headquartered in San Francisco with 21-50 employees, focusing on equipment and services tailored to installers and developers.[1][6] While specific founding details like exact year or founders are not detailed in available sources, it built early traction by addressing pain points in solar supply chains, such as high costs and unreliable equipment, through direct manufacturer negotiations and pre-qualified offerings.[1][3] A pivotal evolution came with its acquisition by CED Greentech, integrating it into a larger greentech distribution network and enhancing its market reach.[2]
CivicSolar rides the wave of distributed solar photovoltaics growth, including rooftop and farm-scale installations, amid rising demand for clean energy solutions in buildings, energy, and manufacturing sectors.[1] Its timing aligns with market forces like falling solar costs, policy incentives for renewables, and the need for reliable supply chains post-global disruptions, enabling faster adoption by bridging manufacturers and installers.[1][2][3] By empowering North American installers, it influences the ecosystem through nationwide partnerships, contributing to scaled solar deployment and greentech innovation via its integration with CED Greentech.[2][4]
CivicSolar's integration into CED Greentech positions it for expanded scale in a maturing solar market, with trends like advanced PV tech, energy storage pairings, and electrification driving demand.[2] Expect growth through enhanced digital tools and supply reliability as installers tackle larger projects amid net-zero goals. Its influence may evolve by deepening ecosystem ties, potentially leading in sustainable distribution as solar becomes mainstream—reinforcing its role as a key enabler from the outset.[1][3]
CivicSolar has raised $460K in total across 1 funding round.
CivicSolar's investors include ACME Capital, Canaan Partners, Catapult Capital, Earlybird Venture Capital, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Matrix, NFX, Quiet Capital, Tugboat Ventures, Aayush Phumbhra, Chris Yeh, Jonathan Swanson.
CivicSolar has raised $460K across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $460K Seed in December 2009.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2009 | $460K Seed | — | ACME Capital, Canaan Partners, Catapult Capital, Earlybird Venture Capital, Human Augmentation Syndicate, Matrix, NFX, Quiet Capital, Tugboat Ventures, Aayush Phumbhra, Chris YEH, Jonathan Swanson, SAM Shank, Shervin Pishevar, YAN David Erlich | Announced |
