Ecommerce Powerhouse - Shop Solar Kits
Born and raised in Meaford, Shop Solar Kits founders Alex Smith and Max Bair-Marshall are making solar simple. They remove the guesswork in sourcing, sizing and designing a solar solution for property owners with all-in-one solar kits. If you have been following the #vanlife or #cottagelife trends you may have pictured yourself living off-grid. Hot coffee in hand, fishing by the lake in total solitude. As the #1 source for mini off-grid, portable and emergency solar power, Shop Solar Kits can make that dream a reality. Travel through the backcountry, go offroad, or road trip with your own solar power source.
The idea for Shop Solar Kits began with e-commerce expertise and the notion that solar power and renewable energy were on the edge of becoming an affordable energy solution. Alex and Max jumped in learning everything they could about solar power and running an e-commerce business. Today they build and design custom solar kits for customers around the US, and are in the process of starting an online training platform to make solar power more accessible for everyone.
Customers are raving and Shop Solar’s growth has exploded since its first month in business in November 2018. With over 20,000 customers in the U.S. alone, Shop Solar Kits is on a mission to get one million people off the grid using solar energy. They are removing barriers to adopting a cleaner, more independent way of living with affordable and accessible solar kits.
“I thought it was too good to be true! The process of putting together a solar system seems very intimidating at first, but Shop Solar Kits made it super easy.” -Justin G., Shop Solar Customer.
Shop Solar Kits believes the future of energy lies in smaller, flexible sources of power as the infrastructure of the electrical grid becomes less and less reliable. Solar energy requires electricity instead of fossil fuels providing a green energy alternative. Every solar generator sold moves us toward net-zero emissions creating a healthier economy and environment.
As avid travelers, Alex and Max wanted a business where they could work from anywhere. They combined their past experience in the e-commerce space to develop an impressive solar energy product suite. In their first month in business, they had over twenty thousand dollars in sales. During this rapid growth period, the Georgian Bay Accelerator stepped in to help Shop Solar Kits set up its business for long-term success. A business deep dive, and the support of an executive in residence provided Shop Solar Kits with practical, day-to-day professional advice and coaching. As a result of the partnership, Shop Solar Kits was able to avoid many pitfalls like shipping and returns.
‘The guidance we received from the Georgian Bay Accelerator helped change our processes, corporate structure, discover new opportunities and improve how we manage our business” - Max Bair-Marshall, Shop Solar Kits Co-Founder.
Shop Solar Kits’s revenue has grown 174% since joining the Georgian Bay Accelerator in May 2021. The Shop Solar Kits team is expanding to meet consumer demand with four new employees and another eight positions planned in early 2022. Today their plan is “responsible growth” and eventually offering their product in Canada.
“Anyone thinking of joining the Georgian Bay Accelerator should know it’s a great experience. You’ll get a wealth of knowledge, and unbelievable value from seasoned entrepreneurs looking at your business.” Max Bair-Marshall, Shop Solar Kits Co-Founder.
For more information about Shop Solar Kits visit www.shopsolarkits.ca, or contact 1-877-242-2792.