Smart home solution developer dcbel is launching in Europe, announcing a number of key hires to manage the expansion.
The Montreal-based company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) driven all-in-one Home Energy Station dubbed dcbel r16. This connects residential solar power, electric vehicle charging and prosumer-centric energy systems to help maximise revenues from generation and self-consumption.
Launched in April 2021 in the US, dcbel r16 uses an intelligent AI algorithm that calculates the expected solar generation of PV assets based on micro-weather forecasts, and combines this with expected power demand from the home and EV.
dcbel, which to date has raised £35 million ($47.7 million), is now set to rollout the solution across Europe, announcing Laurent Schmitt, former CEO of Digital4Grids as head of Utilities & European Developments and Mark Harrison as head of UK.
Schmitt brings more than 25 years of experience in the energy and renewables industry and is currently also the chairman of the digital taskforce of SmartEn, at the European Association for Demand Response and Distributed Energy Resource Flexibility.
Harrison is joining dcbel from a Californian robotics company, where he has worked as a consultant.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to help prosumers reduce their carbon footprint and establish carbon neutrality as a lifestyle choice,” he said. “To bring this unique technology to the UK market, I’m keen to tap into my and Laurent’s complementary skillsets as we communicate the dcbel proposition to prosumers.
“Our immediate goals are to build dcbel’s installer network across the UK and Europe, establish relationships with key energy partners and refine the value proposition for prosumers by drawing on my experience bridging the gap between rational and emotional purchase behaviors.”
