A Conversation with Bernd Laufenberg, Head of Solar at dach energiezukunft Group

Bernd, dez Group is built on the idea of integrating flat roof refurbishment with solar energy installation. What makes this combination a strong value proposition for your clients?

Integrating roof refurbishment with solar installation solves a major pain point for clients. Instead of coordinating multiple contractors, they benefit from a seamless, full-service solution delivered by a single provider. This is particularly attractive to large corporates aiming to modernize their real estate while advancing sustainability goals – it’s an all in one strategic move. Critically, a photovoltaic system is only as effective as the roof it sits on. Proper insulation and structural load capacity are essential for long-term performance and fast return on investment. That’s where our combined expertise truly adds value – ensuring both the roof and the solar system are built to last and perform at the highest level.

You’ve recently taken over leadership of the solar division. What have been your top priorities in the first few months, and what changes are you implementing to prepare for the next phase of growth?

My initial focus has been on professionalizing the organization ­– streamlining internal processes, defining clear roles and responsibilities, and driving sales momentum. We’ve introduced new project management tools to improve efficiency and launched targeted sales initiatives that have already resulted in major framework contracts. It’s all about establishing a scalable, high-performance set-up that supports sustained and predictable growth.

dez recently secured new framework agreements with two major grocery chains. How do these partnerships align with your go-to-market strategy, and what do they mean for future pipeline development?

These contracts represent a significant milestone. They provide recurring project volume, improve planning security, and validate our value to clients with large, distributed real estate portfolios. This is exactly the kind of strategic partnership we aim for as we scale the business.

With the acquisitions of JNS Group and Schmidt Group in 2024, dez now spans from Bavaria to Northern Germany. How are you leveraging this expanded geographic footprint to grow solar capacity and improve delivery efficiency?

Our expanded footprint is a major advantage – it reduces travel times, enables smarter resource allocation, and strengthens our local presence across key regions. With our own teams operating nationwide, we can deliver projects faster, with higher quality and improved margins. We’re also working to standardize project processes across all locations, which is crucial for scaling efficiently and maintaining consistency as we grow.

Looking ahead to 2025, where do you see the biggest opportunities for dez’s solar segment? Are there any trends or innovations you’re particularly excited about?

2025 is our scale-up year. Market demand is strong, and with our solid backlog and new contracts, we’re well-positioned to accelerate growth. I’m especially excited about integrating AI into our project planning workflows – this will significantly boost efficiency and accuracy. We’re also actively pursuing additional solar-focused acquisitions to increase our capacity and extend our regional reach. Backing all of this is our shareholder Vidia, whose operational expertise and scale-up capital provide the backing we need to move fast, make smart decisions, and build a truly nationwide platform.