The demand for silent and compact alternatives to traditional heat pumps is growing rapidly. Especially in densely populated residential areas, issues related to noise and limited space are becoming increasingly important. In addition, expanding the electrical grid connection of homes is no longer possible everywhere.
Dutch manufacturer HR energy responds to this with its PVT heat pump system. PVT is a technology that can be added behind existing or new solar panels. This replaces the conventional outdoor unit, making the system silent, maintenance-free, invisible, and therefore also suitable for densely populated areas. Due to the high efficiency of the PVT heat pump system, upgrading the electrical connection is usually not required.
Since its launch in 2021, HR energy has experienced strong growth. The systems are supplied through a nationwide network of installers to a wide range of markets, including private homes, new-build, renovation, and transformation projects. Through international partners, the solutions are now also being applied across the rest of Europe.
To further accelerate this growth, the company has raised € 5.6 million in growth financing from impact investor SHIFT Invest and InnovationQuarter Capital, the investment fund of the regional development agency for South Holland. The investment enables HR energy to scale up production and further expand the organisation and support towards installers.
Responding to market developments
Robbert van Diemen (HR energy): “The energy transition requires solutions that can be effectively applied within the built environment. We see factors such as noise, space, and affordability playing an increasingly important role. Our PVT system is now competitive with traditional heat pumps and demand is growing rapidly. With this investment, we can continue scaling up and make this technology available to an even broader market.”
Koen Hooning (SHIFT Invest): “HR energy is the best-kept secret in the energy transition. With this investment, we facilitate the further scaling of this technology and once again take a major step towards a fossil gas-free future.”
Jareth van der Putten (InnovationQuarter Capital): “HR energy addresses a concrete bottleneck in the energy transition of buildings. By combining heat and electricity into one system, they make sustainability more scalable, simpler, and applicable everywhere.”
Growth and organisational development
Simultaneously with the investment, the company’s management structure is being strengthened. Alongside Robbert van Diemen, co-founder and CEO of HR energy, Jan-Jaap van Os joins as COO. Van Os is the former founder and CEO of solar panel manufacturer Exasun and brings extensive experience in scaling sustainable technology companies. Together, they will lead the daily operations of HR energy.
Co-founder Ronald van der Ende will fully focus on further innovation and product development.