Startups @ HSWT | Part 49: Siam Sun

renewable energy management at HSWT and today, with his company Siam Sun and his partner company AERO Solar & Automation, ensures that the benefits of sustainable solar energy can be utilized in Thailand.

How did you come up with the idea of ​​promoting solar power plants in Thailand?

Thanks to the great flexibility of HSWT, especially the very free design of the practical semester, I was able to spend valuable time in Thailand during my studies and lay the foundations for starting my own business. Thailand is blessed with abundant sunshine year-round, yet solar energy accounts for only a negligible three percent of the national electricity mix. One reason for this is the reluctance of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in solar power systems; they often lack either the capital, the willingness to take out a solar loan, or the enthusiasm for renewable energies.

How did you manage to convince people of your idea?

I then considered whether smaller solar installations for small and medium-sized businesses (e.g., pharmacies, restaurants, spas) might also be viable for a PPA business model, where we finance and own the systems and sell electricity to customers at a price lower than grid electricity. Customers are much more easily convinced when they don't have to invest anything themselves. This way, we can equip many more roofs with solar panels and contribute to the energy transition, which makes us very proud.

Who helped you the most when you started your company?

My girlfriend Maria, who was willing to start the company with me and, with her status as Miss Universe Thailand, naturally brings a great deal of customer trust. And Rolf, who, with his full support for every initiative from the very beginning, even during my time as an intern in his company or now as a business partner, plays an indispensable role and, with his experience, not only passes on valuable knowledge and enables valuable work, but also lends a family atmosphere to everyday work.

What experience or tips would you like to share with other startups?

Besides the idea itself, what really helped us get started was the coming together of strong people, each making an indispensable contribution to the overall result in their own field. That would probably be the most valuable piece of advice I could give: approach interesting people and consider whether something new and great might emerge from their collaboration.