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§ Private Profile · Philadelphia, PA, USA
Developer of meter socket adapters simplifying and accelerating connections for residential solar, battery storage, and EV chargers.
Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ConnectDER develops proprietary meter socket adapters that install between utility meters and sockets to simplify the connection of distributed energy resources like solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle chargers. The company's UL-listed devices bypass the requirement for electrical panel upgrades and in-home wiring, and they have shipped over 25,000 units across 22 states. ConnectDER sells its hardware to utilities, solar installers, and electricians, reaching a market of approximately 16 million households. The enterprise serves major utility customers such as PG&E and Green Mountain Power, while its investor base includes Decarbonization Partners, MassMutual Ventures, and Clean Energy Ventures. In December 2024, the business secured $35 million in Series D funding to scale its operations and support the rollout of new products like the IslandDER adapter. ConnectDER was founded in 2011 by Whit Fulton.
ConnectDER has raised $70.1M across 4 funding rounds.
ConnectDER has raised $70.1M in total across 4 funding rounds.
ConnectDER has raised $70.1M in total across 4 funding rounds.
ConnectDER's investors include Decarbonization Partners, BP Ventures, Clean Energy Ventures, Fifth Wall, Hitachi Ventures, Kompas VC, Pario Ventures, SOSV, Energy Innovation Capital, Avista Development, Skyview Ventures.
ConnectDER has raised $70.1M across 4 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $35.0M Series D in December 2024.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 1, 2024 | $35M Series D | Decarbonization Partners | BP Ventures, Clean Energy Ventures, Fifth Wall, Hitachi Ventures, KOMPAS VC, Pario Ventures, SOSV | Announced |
| May 1, 2023 | $27M Series C | Energy Innovation Capital | Clean Energy Ventures, SOSV | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2020 | $7M Series B | Clean Energy Ventures, Avista Development, Skyview Ventures | SOSV | Announced |
| Feb 15, 2017 | $1.1M Series A | — | — | Announced |
ConnectDER is a technology company specializing in meter socket adapters (MSAs) that enable plug-and-play integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels, battery storage, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers into residential electrical systems.[1][3][5] These UL-listed devices install between the utility meter and meter socket, eliminating the need for costly electrical panel upgrades, in-home wiring, or service replacements, thereby reducing installation time and costs for homeowners, solar installers, electricians, and utilities.[2][4][5] Serving primarily North American households—currently approved in over 20 states covering 16 million homes—ConnectDER addresses electrification barriers in the growing residential solar (projected 15% annual growth to 9 million homes by 2030) and EV markets, with over 25,000 units shipped across 22 states and recent $35 million Series D funding to scale manufacturing and launch the IslandDER for whole-home backup.[1][3][4]
Founded in 2011 in Philadelphia by Whit Fulton as Infinite Invention, Inc., ConnectDER emerged to tackle inefficiencies in natural resource use through simple hardware solutions for distributed generation.[1][3][6] The idea stemmed from solving "thorny problems" in clean energy adoption, with the first product launching in 2015 via collaboration with Green Mountain Power in Vermont.[3] Early traction built through partnerships with utilities, solar installers, and electricians, leading to over 20,000 units sold by the time Whit Fulton transitioned leadership; Ivo Steklac became CEO to drive growth into EV and storage markets.[1][3][4] Pivotal moments include nationwide expansion, state approvals, and the 2024 Series D round led by Energy Innovation Capital, reflecting evolution from solar-focused adapters to comprehensive resiliency solutions like IslandDER.[4]
ConnectDER rides the residential clean energy transition, fueled by surging solar adoption, EV proliferation (targeting 50+ million under-equipped U.S. homes), and battery storage growth amid grid strain from DERs.[1][2][4] Timing aligns with regulatory pushes for electrification, VPPs, and resiliency against outages, where high upfront costs and infrastructure barriers slow retrofits—ConnectDER bypasses these via standardized, utility-approved hardware.[2][5] Market forces like falling solar/EV prices and incentives (e.g., IRA) amplify its impact, accelerating deployment, cutting consumer costs, boosting U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, and expanding viable projects to grow the DER ecosystem.[4] By simplifying interconnections, it influences utilities, installers, and homeowners, enabling broader grid modernization and carbon reduction without massive overhauls.[2][3]
ConnectDER is primed for nationwide rollout with Series D capital fueling manufacturing scale-up, IslandDER commercialization, and entry into storage/EV segments, potentially capturing shares of the multi-billion residential DER market.[4] Trends like VPP expansion, AI-driven grid optimization, and policy-driven electrification will propel growth, evolving its role from solar enabler to resiliency leader amid rising climate risks.[2][5] As adoption barriers crumble, ConnectDER could redefine home-grid interfaces, unlocking DER potential for millions and solidifying its place in the energy transition—turning meter sockets into gateways for a cleaner, more resilient future.[1][4]