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- Otonomi Solutions, a Montreal-based tech startup specializing in digital tools for solar professionals, is expanding into the Canadian market through a partnership with Trans-Canada Energies Distribution (TCED).
- The company aims to boost off-grid solar adoption, offering digital solutions that simplify and speed up project design, thereby catering to both newcomers and experienced professionals in the renewable energy sector.
- The strategic partnership with TCED marks a significant milestone for Otonomi, as it leverages TCED's established network to further its reach and impact in Canada's growing renewable energy market.
As Canada continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, Montreal-based Otonomi Solutions Inc. is stepping in to offer cutting-edge digital tools for solar professionals.
Established in June 2021, Otonomi is now broadening its footprint by partnering with Trans-Canada Energies Distribution (TCED), a significant player in the Canadian energy sector.
Solar Energy Boom in Canada
According to the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA), solar is increasingly prominent, with a quarter of Canada’s installed power capacity added in 2022 alone. While Alberta has been a frontrunner, contributing 759 MW of solar capacity, other provinces like Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Yukon are also showing promise.
However, these gains still fall short of CanREA’s ambitious 2050 vision, which envisions an additional annual deployment of 1.6 GW of commercial solar energy. Even as Canada remains heavily reliant on hydroelectricity, natural gas, and crude oil, there’s a growing commitment to transition toward cleaner energy solutions.
Manitoulin Island Off-Grid House sits quietly on a coastal property on Lake Huron. (Solares Architecture Inc.)
Digital Transformation in Solar Energy
Otonomi Solutions Inc., co-founded by Floréal Villanova and Théo Germain, aims to drive the adoption of off-grid solar power.
They argue that off-grid solar is not only a reliable but also a rapidly implementable energy source, especially considering Canada’s vast territories and challenging weather conditions.
“People often think they have to be connected to the public grid, but off-grid options offer independence from factors like inflation and geopolitical issues,” said Floréal Villanova, CEO of Otonomi Solutions Inc.
To overcome the complexity and labor-intensiveness often associated with off-grid solar project design, Otonomi has introduced two digital tools: Otonomi PV, launched in 2022, and Otonomi DX, launched in 2023.
These tools aim to make the design of autonomous solar projects more straightforward and efficient, thereby aiding both newcomers and experienced professionals in the industry.
“With an aging workforce and growing demand, digitalization helps bridge the gap. Our tools address the sector’s most pressing challenges,” commented Théo Germain, CTO of Otonomi Solutions Inc.
Strategic Partnership with TCED
Emboldened by its success in Quebec, Otonomi is venturing into a strategic partnership with TCED.
In June, Élise Rozon, President of TCED Group, invited the Otonomi co-founders to present their products at the annual Batteries Expert franchisee gathering. By July, a pilot project was already underway, and multiple licenses were sold within the Batteries Expert network.
“Our duty is to collaborate with partners like Otonomi that simplify the purchasing process for consumers. We aim to expand our franchise network across Canada, and Otonomi’s tools could be instrumental in this endeavor,” Rozon said.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for Otonomi, paving the way for the company’s larger ambitions in the Canadian market.
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