Norwegian startup turning netpens into floating solar farms
Startup eyes expansion in Chile as diesel dependence, power grid delays drive demand for off-grid energy.
Alotta, a Norwegian startup developing floating solar systems for aquaculture, has raised more than NOK 30 million ($2.7 million) to advance its unconventional approach: converting netpens into offshore solar platforms.
The Alesund-based company, founded in 2020 as Inseanergy and rebranded last year, installs solar panels on reinforced membranes fitted inside floating netpen frames once used to farm fish. The systems are designed to power feed barges and other equipment at farming sites, helping the sites cut their diesel consumption.
“Our goal is to enable low-footprint, grid-independent power where it’s needed most,” said founder Jan Erik Vage Klepp. “It’s not for everyone — but aquaculture needs cleaner energy.”