1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,540 Okay, so get this right, there's this company, 2 00:00:02,540 --> 00:00:05,300 they're called IndieLux, and they're based in Germany. 3 00:00:05,300 --> 00:00:07,100 Okay, I'm familiar with Germany, of course, 4 00:00:07,100 --> 00:00:09,600 but not this company, what do they do? 5 00:00:09,600 --> 00:00:13,880 So they're all about solar power, but like, with a twist. 6 00:00:13,880 --> 00:00:16,040 Imagine, ugh, it's like this, 7 00:00:16,040 --> 00:00:18,500 you know those balcony power plant setups? 8 00:00:18,500 --> 00:00:20,180 Yeah, I've heard that term thrown around, 9 00:00:20,180 --> 00:00:22,640 balcony craft work, it's like small scale solar 10 00:00:22,640 --> 00:00:24,200 for apartments and such, right? 11 00:00:24,200 --> 00:00:26,140 Exactly, that's what IndieLux is into. 12 00:00:26,140 --> 00:00:29,340 But what's wild is they're making it crazy simple. 13 00:00:29,340 --> 00:00:32,340 Their website makes it sound as easy as plugging in like, 14 00:00:32,340 --> 00:00:33,940 I don't know, a toaster. 15 00:00:33,940 --> 00:00:35,440 Hmm, bold claim. 16 00:00:35,440 --> 00:00:38,680 But honestly, making solar that user friendly would be huge. 17 00:00:38,680 --> 00:00:41,100 People are more conscious of green energy than ever, 18 00:00:41,100 --> 00:00:43,040 but the tech can be intimidating. 19 00:00:43,040 --> 00:00:44,080 No, for sure. 20 00:00:44,080 --> 00:00:45,740 And that's where IndieLux seems different. 21 00:00:45,740 --> 00:00:48,500 But before we go full solar nerd on this, 22 00:00:48,500 --> 00:00:51,600 what's the big deal about this company specifically? 23 00:00:51,600 --> 00:00:55,080 Why are WE doing a deep dive on them? 24 00:00:55,080 --> 00:00:56,740 Well, from what I'm seeing on their site, 25 00:00:56,740 --> 00:00:59,880 they're not just some new kid on the block, you know? 26 00:00:59,880 --> 00:01:02,380 They've been at this for a while, which in the tech world, 27 00:01:02,380 --> 00:01:03,440 that's saying something. 28 00:01:03,440 --> 00:01:04,780 OK, so spill the tea. 29 00:01:04,780 --> 00:01:05,620 What's their story? 30 00:01:05,620 --> 00:01:07,940 Well, they've been ahead of the curve for a while now. 31 00:01:07,940 --> 00:01:12,480 Back in 2014, get this, they patented a tool-free mounting 32 00:01:12,480 --> 00:01:14,140 system for their panels. 33 00:01:14,140 --> 00:01:14,980 2014. 34 00:01:14,980 --> 00:01:16,220 Well, that's forward thinking. 35 00:01:16,220 --> 00:01:16,840 Right. 36 00:01:16,840 --> 00:01:18,540 Most companies were still figuring out 37 00:01:18,540 --> 00:01:20,240 how to make the panels themselves back then, 38 00:01:20,240 --> 00:01:21,540 and IndieLux was already thinking 39 00:01:21,540 --> 00:01:23,480 about user friendly installation. 40 00:01:23,480 --> 00:01:25,380 OK, color me impressed. 41 00:01:25,380 --> 00:01:27,300 So it's not just about the tech itself. 42 00:01:27,300 --> 00:01:29,340 They're thinking about the whole experience. 43 00:01:29,340 --> 00:01:33,940 But hold on, back in 2014, were these balcony setups even legal? 44 00:01:33,940 --> 00:01:36,180 I feel like there were a lot of regulations around solar 45 00:01:36,180 --> 00:01:36,860 back then. 46 00:01:36,860 --> 00:01:38,340 That's the really interesting part. 47 00:01:38,340 --> 00:01:41,580 They were actually instrumental in changing German regulations 48 00:01:41,580 --> 00:01:43,180 to allow for these smaller setups. 49 00:01:43,180 --> 00:01:44,340 Wait, are you serious? 50 00:01:44,340 --> 00:01:45,180 Yeah. 51 00:01:45,180 --> 00:01:47,620 Imagine being so passionate about your product 52 00:01:47,620 --> 00:01:51,580 that you actually help rewrite the rulebook that's IndieLux. 53 00:01:51,580 --> 00:01:53,300 This founder sounds like a total rock star. 54 00:01:53,300 --> 00:01:54,140 What's their deal? 55 00:01:54,140 --> 00:01:55,940 He's a regenerative energy engineer. 56 00:01:55,940 --> 00:01:59,020 And let me tell you, his passion for democratizing energy 57 00:01:59,020 --> 00:02:01,820 production really comes through in everything they do. 58 00:02:01,820 --> 00:02:03,740 I'm picking up what you're putting down. 59 00:02:03,740 --> 00:02:06,940 So it's not just business for them, it's personal. 60 00:02:06,940 --> 00:02:09,140 But let's dive into the nitty gritty of their tech 61 00:02:09,140 --> 00:02:09,940 for a second. 62 00:02:09,940 --> 00:02:12,540 They've got this ready-to-plugin system, right? 63 00:02:12,540 --> 00:02:14,740 Right, it's one of their big selling points. 64 00:02:14,740 --> 00:02:18,540 So my question is, and maybe this is obvious, 65 00:02:18,540 --> 00:02:22,740 but why not just go for bigger panels if you want more power? 66 00:02:22,740 --> 00:02:24,740 What's so special about their system? 67 00:02:24,740 --> 00:02:26,940 Ah, that's where things get interesting. 68 00:02:26,940 --> 00:02:28,740 It's not always about going bigger. 69 00:02:28,740 --> 00:02:30,940 Sometimes it's about being smarter. 70 00:02:30,940 --> 00:02:32,740 Think about it like this. 71 00:02:32,740 --> 00:02:35,740 You wouldn't plug 10 space heaters into one outlet, right? 72 00:02:35,740 --> 00:02:36,240 Oh, wow. 73 00:02:36,240 --> 00:02:37,540 That's asking for a disaster. 74 00:02:37,540 --> 00:02:38,340 Exactly. 75 00:02:38,340 --> 00:02:40,740 Larger solar panels on a balcony can actually 76 00:02:40,740 --> 00:02:43,040 pose a similar risk to your home's wiring. 77 00:02:43,040 --> 00:02:44,940 You could overload your circuits. 78 00:02:44,940 --> 00:02:46,540 OK, now it's making sense. 79 00:02:46,540 --> 00:02:47,940 Too much of a good thing, I guess. 80 00:02:47,940 --> 00:02:48,440 Exactly. 81 00:02:48,440 --> 00:02:50,540 So IndieLux's ready-to-plugin system 82 00:02:50,540 --> 00:02:53,640 is designed to provide higher wattage, up to 2,000 watts, 83 00:02:53,640 --> 00:02:55,740 without overloading your circuits. 84 00:02:55,740 --> 00:02:57,640 It's like they've engineered a safety net right 85 00:02:57,640 --> 00:02:58,640 into the system. 86 00:02:58,640 --> 00:03:01,740 So more power, but safely. 87 00:03:01,740 --> 00:03:04,140 That's reassuring, especially for something 88 00:03:04,140 --> 00:03:05,740 you might be installing yourself. 89 00:03:05,740 --> 00:03:07,340 And I see on their website, they even 90 00:03:07,340 --> 00:03:09,740 got a chart comparing their tech to competitors. 91 00:03:09,740 --> 00:03:11,060 I always find those interesting. 92 00:03:11,060 --> 00:03:11,940 What's the verdict? 93 00:03:11,940 --> 00:03:13,540 It's clear they're not just trying 94 00:03:13,540 --> 00:03:15,220 to be the cheapest option out there. 95 00:03:15,220 --> 00:03:17,820 Their focus seems to be on striking that balance. 96 00:03:17,820 --> 00:03:22,500 Accessible, powerful, but also responsible solar technology. 97 00:03:22,500 --> 00:03:23,300 Smart. 98 00:03:23,300 --> 00:03:25,100 They've really thought this through. 99 00:03:25,100 --> 00:03:26,460 But here's the thing. 100 00:03:26,460 --> 00:03:30,020 They're pretty upfront about looking for investors, right? 101 00:03:30,020 --> 00:03:32,580 That's a big part of why their website exists. 102 00:03:32,580 --> 00:03:33,980 Why now, though? 103 00:03:33,980 --> 00:03:34,900 What's the play? 104 00:03:34,900 --> 00:03:35,380 Yeah. 105 00:03:35,380 --> 00:03:37,140 I mean, it's not exactly subtle, is it? 106 00:03:37,140 --> 00:03:38,860 They're putting it out there, that's for sure. 107 00:03:38,860 --> 00:03:40,180 So what's the grand plan? 108 00:03:40,180 --> 00:03:41,740 Are they just trying to, I don't know, 109 00:03:41,740 --> 00:03:45,180 sell a zillion of these balcony setups and call it a day? 110 00:03:45,180 --> 00:03:47,340 Or is there something bigger going on? 111 00:03:47,340 --> 00:03:50,140 Well, if you dig a little deeper into their website, 112 00:03:50,140 --> 00:03:52,500 no pun intended, it seems like they're 113 00:03:52,500 --> 00:03:56,060 aiming for something a bit more ambitious. 114 00:03:56,060 --> 00:03:57,900 OK, I'm intrigued. 115 00:03:57,900 --> 00:03:58,700 Laid on me. 116 00:03:58,700 --> 00:03:59,540 Ambitious how? 117 00:03:59,540 --> 00:04:02,060 They're talking about building a whole ecosystem 118 00:04:02,060 --> 00:04:04,420 around this ready-to-plug-in technology. 119 00:04:04,420 --> 00:04:06,420 Hold up, a whole ecosystem? 120 00:04:06,420 --> 00:04:09,380 That's a pretty big step up from just selling these plug 121 00:04:09,380 --> 00:04:10,660 and play panels, isn't it? 122 00:04:10,660 --> 00:04:12,340 It is, but think about it. 123 00:04:12,340 --> 00:04:14,180 They're not just talking about manufacturing. 124 00:04:14,180 --> 00:04:16,180 They want to partner with distributors, 125 00:04:16,180 --> 00:04:17,820 create a network of installers, 126 00:04:17,820 --> 00:04:20,700 even ramp up their software capabilities 127 00:04:20,700 --> 00:04:22,300 the whole nine yards. 128 00:04:22,300 --> 00:04:24,540 Wow, so they're not just thinking about the tech itself. 129 00:04:24,540 --> 00:04:27,500 They want to change the whole landscape 130 00:04:27,500 --> 00:04:30,220 of how we access and use solar energy. 131 00:04:30,220 --> 00:04:33,100 Exactly, and honestly, that kind of disruption, 132 00:04:33,100 --> 00:04:35,300 that's what really gets investors excited. 133 00:04:35,300 --> 00:04:37,620 Because it's not just about making a quick buck, right? 134 00:04:37,620 --> 00:04:39,820 Right, this is about backing a vision, 135 00:04:39,820 --> 00:04:42,860 supporting a complete shift in the energy sector, 136 00:04:42,860 --> 00:04:44,260 long game stuff. 137 00:04:44,260 --> 00:04:45,220 Okay, I can see that. 138 00:04:45,220 --> 00:04:47,620 It's almost like, I don't know if this analogy works, 139 00:04:47,620 --> 00:04:50,820 but it's like, they want to be the Android of solar panels. 140 00:04:50,820 --> 00:04:51,700 I get what you mean. 141 00:04:51,700 --> 00:04:54,260 An open platform that other companies can build on, 142 00:04:54,260 --> 00:04:56,380 that's a bold move, for sure. 143 00:04:56,380 --> 00:04:58,060 But is it realistic? 144 00:04:58,060 --> 00:04:59,740 That's the million dollar question. 145 00:04:59,740 --> 00:05:00,580 Yeah, that's what I'm wondering, 146 00:05:00,580 --> 00:05:02,020 because we're not just talking about 147 00:05:02,020 --> 00:05:03,700 tweaking a design or something. 148 00:05:03,700 --> 00:05:06,500 This would require a massive overhaul. 149 00:05:06,500 --> 00:05:10,020 Infrastructure, consumer behavior, regulations. 150 00:05:10,020 --> 00:05:11,940 All of it, and let's not forget, 151 00:05:11,940 --> 00:05:14,780 convincing investors to buy into this vision 152 00:05:14,780 --> 00:05:16,980 and put their money where their mouth is, 153 00:05:16,980 --> 00:05:18,060 it's a long shot. 154 00:05:18,060 --> 00:05:19,620 It sounds like a wild ride, 155 00:05:19,620 --> 00:05:21,980 both for IndieLux and anyone who invents in them. 156 00:05:21,980 --> 00:05:23,980 Absolutely, but even with the risks, 157 00:05:23,980 --> 00:05:26,060 you gotta admit, there's something kind of inspiring 158 00:05:26,060 --> 00:05:27,340 about their story, right? 159 00:05:27,340 --> 00:05:28,460 Totally. 160 00:05:28,460 --> 00:05:32,020 It's refreshing to see a company so gung-ho 161 00:05:32,020 --> 00:05:34,500 about making a positive impact. 162 00:05:34,500 --> 00:05:36,340 They're not just trying to line their pockets. 163 00:05:36,340 --> 00:05:37,460 It's refreshing, isn't it? 164 00:05:37,460 --> 00:05:39,420 And you can tell it's not just a marketing ploy. 165 00:05:39,420 --> 00:05:40,500 They walk the walk. 166 00:05:40,500 --> 00:05:41,900 Remember how they pushed for those 167 00:05:41,900 --> 00:05:44,060 regulatory changes in Germany? 168 00:05:44,060 --> 00:05:45,340 That takes serious commitment. 169 00:05:45,340 --> 00:05:46,500 They're not just talking the talk. 170 00:05:46,500 --> 00:05:47,540 They're out there doing the work. 171 00:05:47,540 --> 00:05:50,540 Exactly, and that kind of proactive approach, 172 00:05:50,540 --> 00:05:51,780 that's what sets them apart. 173 00:05:51,780 --> 00:05:53,140 A lot of companies would just wait 174 00:05:53,140 --> 00:05:55,060 and see how the market evolves. 175 00:05:55,060 --> 00:05:58,380 But IndieLux, they're out there shaping the market 176 00:05:58,380 --> 00:05:59,620 to fit their vision. 177 00:05:59,620 --> 00:06:00,660 Love that. 178 00:06:00,660 --> 00:06:02,500 Okay, I'm getting a little fired up here. 179 00:06:02,500 --> 00:06:05,340 This is way bigger than just some company-hawking 180 00:06:05,340 --> 00:06:06,180 solar panels. 181 00:06:06,180 --> 00:06:09,980 This is about a fundamental change in how we view energy. 182 00:06:09,980 --> 00:06:12,100 But you know, all this talk about changing the world, 183 00:06:12,100 --> 00:06:13,620 it's easy to get swept up in the hype. 184 00:06:13,620 --> 00:06:15,700 What about the potential downsides? 185 00:06:15,700 --> 00:06:16,780 What could go wrong? 186 00:06:16,780 --> 00:06:17,620 Oh, for sure. 187 00:06:17,620 --> 00:06:19,780 Anytime you're talking about a venture this ambitious, 188 00:06:19,780 --> 00:06:21,620 there are inherent risks. 189 00:06:21,620 --> 00:06:25,180 Scaling up an operation like this takes serious capital, 190 00:06:25,180 --> 00:06:27,300 and there's no guarantee of success. 191 00:06:27,300 --> 00:06:29,760 So even if their tech is sound, 192 00:06:29,760 --> 00:06:31,300 the market might not play ball. 193 00:06:31,300 --> 00:06:33,660 Exactly, and the renewable energy sector 194 00:06:33,660 --> 00:06:35,520 is getting more competitive by the day. 195 00:06:35,520 --> 00:06:38,020 Investors are gonna be looking at everything, 196 00:06:38,020 --> 00:06:40,460 their financials, their team, 197 00:06:40,460 --> 00:06:43,460 the regulatory landscape, the competition. 198 00:06:43,460 --> 00:06:44,780 It's a lot to juggle. 199 00:06:44,780 --> 00:06:48,660 So it's not a sure bet by any stretch of the imagination? 200 00:06:48,660 --> 00:06:51,460 No, not at all, but there's something about Indilex's story 201 00:06:51,460 --> 00:06:54,180 that's just, I don't know, it's exciting, you know? 202 00:06:54,180 --> 00:06:55,940 I get it, it's like they've tapped into something 203 00:06:55,940 --> 00:06:57,300 bigger than themselves. 204 00:06:57,300 --> 00:06:58,740 It's not just about selling a product, 205 00:06:58,740 --> 00:07:01,500 it's about hope, isn't it? 206 00:07:01,500 --> 00:07:04,420 The idea that we can actually change things for the better. 207 00:07:04,420 --> 00:07:08,420 It is, it's inspiring, but it also begs the question, 208 00:07:08,420 --> 00:07:11,500 what can our listeners do with all this, right? 209 00:07:11,500 --> 00:07:13,740 Not everyone's about to start a solar company. 210 00:07:13,740 --> 00:07:15,660 Right, but maybe they don't have to. 211 00:07:15,660 --> 00:07:18,100 IndieLux is almost a case study, you know? 212 00:07:18,100 --> 00:07:19,540 It proves something is possible. 213 00:07:19,540 --> 00:07:22,580 Totally, and they're not even operating in Silicon Valley 214 00:07:22,580 --> 00:07:25,140 or some tech hub, if it can happen in Germany. 215 00:07:25,140 --> 00:07:25,980 It can happen anywhere. 216 00:07:25,980 --> 00:07:28,700 So for our listener who's fired up right now, 217 00:07:28,700 --> 00:07:31,740 but maybe feeling a little lost, what's a good first step? 218 00:07:31,740 --> 00:07:33,940 Aside from checking their local zoning laws, 219 00:07:33,940 --> 00:07:36,140 which, let's be honest, sounds kind of boring. 220 00:07:36,140 --> 00:07:38,860 Well, what struck me about IndieLux wasn't just the tech, 221 00:07:38,860 --> 00:07:41,300 but how they built that whole network. 222 00:07:41,300 --> 00:07:43,420 The partnerships, the installers, 223 00:07:43,420 --> 00:07:44,860 it takes a village, right? 224 00:07:44,860 --> 00:07:46,820 Ooh, I like where you're going with this. 225 00:07:46,820 --> 00:07:48,140 Find your people. 226 00:07:48,140 --> 00:07:51,380 Are there sustainability groups in your town? 227 00:07:51,380 --> 00:07:52,980 Online forums for this stuff? 228 00:07:52,980 --> 00:07:55,140 Even just asking around at a hardware store 229 00:07:55,140 --> 00:07:56,060 can be eye-opening. 230 00:07:56,060 --> 00:07:57,000 I love that. 231 00:07:57,000 --> 00:07:58,400 You never know who you'll meet. 232 00:07:58,400 --> 00:08:01,060 Maybe there's already a Balkan craft work enthusiast 233 00:08:01,060 --> 00:08:02,900 down the street and you just haven't bumped into them yet. 234 00:08:02,900 --> 00:08:03,780 Exactly. 235 00:08:03,780 --> 00:08:05,440 And even if it's starting smaller, 236 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:08,760 just becoming more mindful of your own energy use, 237 00:08:08,760 --> 00:08:09,800 it all adds up. 238 00:08:09,800 --> 00:08:12,620 Those small changes can have a ripple effect. 239 00:08:12,620 --> 00:08:15,580 If IndieLux can shake up the energy sector, 240 00:08:15,580 --> 00:08:18,020 imagine what a bunch of motivated listeners can do, right? 241 00:08:18,020 --> 00:08:18,860 Now you're talking. 242 00:08:18,860 --> 00:08:20,220 That's the kind of energy we need. 243 00:08:20,220 --> 00:08:21,180 See what I did there? 244 00:08:21,180 --> 00:08:22,400 Okay, I'll stop. 245 00:08:22,400 --> 00:08:25,580 But seriously, this has been an awesome deep dive 246 00:08:25,580 --> 00:08:29,140 from a company website to the future 247 00:08:29,140 --> 00:08:30,620 of how we power our lives. 248 00:08:30,620 --> 00:08:32,380 The pleasure was all mine, truly. 249 00:08:32,380 --> 00:08:33,780 And to everyone listening, 250 00:08:33,780 --> 00:08:36,740 keep those brains be-buzzing and stay curious.