A Vision Takes Shape

3 min read

Welcome to SOLS Offgrid!

In this first of our blog posts, we're thrilled to take you behind the scenes, and shed light on our mission to help create more sustainable lifestyles in this world.

The journey begins with our founder, Marcus, a man with a diverse range of experiences in life. He is not your typical entrepreneur and has a variety of skill sets and qualifications, holding a degree in Marine Biology, an MSc in Coastal & Ocean Policy and is a qualified electrician. He was an avid guitar player back in the day, and in numerous bands, hitting the pinnacle of success when playing in battle of the bands at Plymouth University, claiming a close second to an about to skyrocket Muse! While these credentials might seem like an unusual combination, it's exactly this eclectic mix of life experiences that has shaped the vision for SOLS Offgrid.

From Diving to Sustainability

It was from around 2002 - 2009 that Marcus had a diving and wildlife excursions business in Panama, where he devoted seven years to guiding clients through the wonders of the underwater realm and uncharted islands. Panama's untamed and scenic landscapes helped fuel a passion for environmental preservation, and provided inspiration to consider practical ways to contribute meaningfully. In a world witnessing rapid population growth, untouched, offgrid locations of beauty are bound to attract the next generation of explorers, escapists, and thrill seekers, in search of the ultimate destination. These adventurers will undoubtedly come armed with an array of battery powered electronic devices and for an array of reasons. It's imperative that such journeys are enabled without leaving a lasting impact on these delicate ecosystems, and so too begs the question, how do you keep all these tech devices charged when you're off the grid for a meaningful amount of time? You can’t carry an unlimited supply of battery power, or can you?

Off-grid living is a way of life for many in Panama, and Marcus encountered a pressing need for solar lighting and power solutions. Seeing the practical challenges that people faced, and most importantly, the lack of effective solutions to meet these challenges, provided the context in which the seeds of SOLS Offgrid were sown. A real life response to these real world needs.

Diving in Boca Chica, Panama Pacific Coast

A Practical Insight into Solar Lighting

Arriving back in the UK, Marcus spent 2 years training and qualifying as an electrician before heading out on his own as a sole trader. It didn’t take long for him to build up a large client base around London, undertaking a diverse range of jobs from full rewires of houses and restaurants in central London, to garden installations and lighting. It quickly became evident that there was a demand for quality solar garden lighting, as it was frequently asked for by clients. This proved to be an invaluable insight into the world of solar garden lighting as he understood what people wanted and the common frustrations clients experienced with existing products. This too became a driving force behind SOLS Offgrid’s commitment to quality and innovation.