Planno, a Dubai-based climatetech startup specializing in geospatial AI for the solar industry, has announced a strategic investment from Incubayt Investments, a venture firm focused on sustainability. Founded in 2023 by Daniel Domingues, Planno leverages satellite imagery and local market data to assist solar developers, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms, and public agencies in identifying optimal rooftops for solar installations. This investment marks Incubayt's inaugural foray into geospatial AI within the solar sector, facilitating Planno's expansion beyond the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) into 16 diverse markets, including regions in Europe, Africa, and the United States.
Sami Khoreibi, founder of Incubayt, emphasized the importance of intelligence in the solar industry, stating that while capital and sunlight are abundant, the lack of actionable data presents a significant gap. He noted that Planno's platform addresses this need by providing crucial insights into where solar projects can be effectively developed. With the global demand for electricity surging and energy prices fluctuating due to geopolitical tensions, the ability to harness rooftop solar represents a critical opportunity for commercial operators seeking to control costs.
Despite Dubai's reputation as a leader in rooftop solar, Planno's analysis reveals that only a small fraction of commercial and industrial rooftops are currently equipped with solar panels. With only 5.6% of the 15,283 rooftops analyzed hosting solar installations, there remains a substantial untapped capacity of 4 GW. This trend is mirrored across major Gulf cities, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in the sector. Following the investment, Planno aims to democratize access to data for solar developers of all sizes, not just the largest players, thereby fostering a more competitive landscape in the renewable energy market.
The strategic investment from Incubayt positions Planno to capitalize on the growing interest in sustainable energy solutions while addressing a critical gap in the solar market. As the firm expands its operations and customer base, it is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of solar energy deployment in the region and beyond, aligning with global sustainability goals and investment trends.
Sami Khoreibi, founder of Incubayt, emphasized the importance of intelligence in the solar industry, stating that while capital and sunlight are abundant, the lack of actionable data presents a significant gap. He noted that Planno's platform addresses this need by providing crucial insights into where solar projects can be effectively developed. With the global demand for electricity surging and energy prices fluctuating due to geopolitical tensions, the ability to harness rooftop solar represents a critical opportunity for commercial operators seeking to control costs.
Despite Dubai's reputation as a leader in rooftop solar, Planno's analysis reveals that only a small fraction of commercial and industrial rooftops are currently equipped with solar panels. With only 5.6% of the 15,283 rooftops analyzed hosting solar installations, there remains a substantial untapped capacity of 4 GW. This trend is mirrored across major Gulf cities, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in the sector. Following the investment, Planno aims to democratize access to data for solar developers of all sizes, not just the largest players, thereby fostering a more competitive landscape in the renewable energy market.
The strategic investment from Incubayt positions Planno to capitalize on the growing interest in sustainable energy solutions while addressing a critical gap in the solar market. As the firm expands its operations and customer base, it is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of solar energy deployment in the region and beyond, aligning with global sustainability goals and investment trends.
Source: Wamda
