BlackRock and Temasek Lead $35M for ConnectDER
Philadelphia-based ConnectDER has raised $35 million in a Series D funding round, led by Decarbonization Partners, a venture fund established by BlackRock and Temasek. This significant investment will enable the company to scale its market presence, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and accelerate innovation in its energy solutions.
ConnectDER’s Mission and Technology
Founded in 2011, ConnectDER focuses on simplifying the adoption of clean energy technologies in residential settings. Its flagship product, the Meter Socket Adapter (MSA), allows homeowners to integrate solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers directly into their electrical meter socket. This eliminates the need for costly service panel upgrades and complex installations. Currently available in over 20 U.S. states, the MSA technology is already in use by 25,000 households and is expanding rapidly.
Next-Generation Product Launch
With the new funding, ConnectDER introduced the "IslandDER," a next-generation adapter designed to manage solar, battery storage, EVs, and other distributed energy resources. This product enables homes to seamlessly disconnect and reconnect from the grid, providing greater energy resilience and cost efficiency.
Addressing Barriers to Clean Energy
ConnectDER’s solutions target a critical issue: over 60 million U.S. homes cannot install solar panels or EV chargers without expensive electrical upgrades. By addressing this challenge, the company is helping to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies, reduce installation costs, and expand access to renewable energy solutions.
Investor Confidence and Goals
Decarbonization Partners, which prioritizes investments in climate-focused innovations, emphasized the transformative potential of ConnectDER’s products. Additional participants in this funding round include MassMutual Ventures, Clean Energy Ventures, and LG Technology Ventures. These backers underscore the growing interest in technologies that enable affordable and accessible home electrification.
CEO Ivo Steklac expressed confidence in the company's direction, highlighting that the funding will support ConnectDER’s commitment to providing innovative, cost-effective solutions that advance the clean energy transition.
This investment not only validates ConnectDER’s pioneering approach but also reflects a broader trend of strategic investments aimed at achieving a net-zero economy by 2050