“AI enables visualization, automation and precision that were previously unthinkable.”

The transition to renewable energies is one of the greatest challenges of our time – and it stands or falls with the question of how quickly complex technologies can be rolled out on a broad scale. In Berlin, autarc is working to lower this hurdle: with a platform that automates the entire planning process for heat pump and PV systems, the start-up aims to enable craft businesses to implement more projects in less time and with greater precision.

In this interview, Thies Hansen, CEO of autarc, talks about the original vision behind the development, the strategic advantage of Berlin as a location, and the role of AI in the digitalization of skilled trades. We learn how autarc is addressing the shortage of skilled workers and process interruptions, which technological developments the company is pushing forward next, and why its sights have long been set beyond Germany.

Hello Thies, autarc has developed a platform that automates the entire planning process for heat pumps and PV systems. What was the original vision behind this concept, and what opportunities does the use of artificial intelligence open up for optimizing energy projects that were previously unthinkable or impossible to implement?

In 2021, it was clear to us that the market was shifting from oil and gas to heat pumps – but planning for them is complex. Up to 1.000 data points had to be collected manually beforehand. With autarc, we now automate this process completely: our LiDAR scan captures rooms in a matter of seconds; a house can be completely digitally mapped in around 15 minutes. Our system uses this data to calculate heating loads, hydraulic balancing, heating surfaces, and complete plans, including PV design. New features such as radiator detection via LiDAR further raise the bar – making us unique worldwide.  

AI also enables visualization, automation, and precision that were previously unthinkable: complete planning directly on site, quick adjustments in the 3D model, intelligent quotation and route planning, and optimized system planning. This allows our users to not only speed up the planning process, but also raise its quality to a new level.

In Europe, craft businesses are at the heart of the energy transition, as they are responsible for installing and maintaining technologies such as heat pumps and PV systems. How does autarc's software solution help these businesses increase efficiency and drive the energy transition forward?

Our clear goal is to have one million systems installed with the direct support of autarc by 2030. With our help, companies are already saving up to 20 hours per project, which radically reduces the time required. Companies that previously avoided heat pumps or PV systems are now venturing into these technologies.  

The software enables them to operate efficiently, precisely, and in a customer-friendly manner—and the concrete result is that they can ultimately complete significantly more installations, successfully convert more customer inquiries, and scale their business sustainably.

In recent years, Berlin has established itself as a hub for technology and innovation. What does this location mean for autarc, and how does Berlin's start-up ecosystem benefit the company?

Berlin is a real strategic advantage for us—the extraordinary combination of highly qualified engineering, AI, and energy talent with a genuine passion for the important topic of energy transition is probably unique in Europe. In addition, there are countless concrete opportunities here to actively network with renowned universities, leading research institutions, and relevant associations and to launch innovative projects together.

Your software saves up to 20 hours of planning time per project. What specific feedback have you received from customers, and what metrics do you use to measure the success of the individual solution?

Our most important KPIs are: time savings, installation rate, and quote conversion. Customers report dramatic time savings—in fact, we often talk about up to 20 hours less planning effort per project. Businesses of all sizes use our platform and report that they are winning significantly more orders thanks to faster and more professional quotes, while at the same time tapping into new areas such as PV and working more efficiently overall.  

This feedback shows us that our solution actually delivers the desired results in practice and helps craft businesses successfully expand their business model.

The installation of heat pumps and PV systems poses a major challenge, especially in view of the shortage of skilled workers and the complexity of the entire process. How does your platform help to overcome this challenge?

For a long time, complexity was the biggest hurdle in the market. Many companies have avoided heat pump or PV projects because planning and data collection seem too time-consuming – especially in the system. Our solution eliminates this bottleneck. Automation reduces complexity to a minimum, so that specialist partners only have to check the final results. Since we cannot replace skilled workers, our leverage lies in making existing teams even more productive.

Looking to the future: What technological developments are you promoting at autarc within your own company, and where do you see the greatest contribution you want to make to the digital transformation in the energy sector?

Our approach is to automate the entire planning and simulation of renewable energies in residential buildings. This starts with collecting all relevant building data and continues with standardizing the interfaces between trades and simplifying communication with the customer. The goal is to avoid all process interruptions, reduce friction, and use AI to optimize not only individual work steps but entire process chains.

Berlin is known for its strong network in the AI and energy sectors. What added value does cooperation with other companies and research institutions in the region offer you?

Berlin offers truly ideal conditions for successfully combining energy, AI, and engineering. Thanks to our established connections to important associations, renowned universities, and strong project networks, we can quickly access specialized expertise, conduct demanding research together, and launch innovative pilot projects. Short decision-making processes and the exceptionally high density of relevant players significantly accelerate technological innovations.

What are autarc's long-term goals in the European energy sector, and how do you intend to further advance the digital transformation in the skilled trades?

We see that many European markets, such as France, the UK, and Italy, face the same structural challenges as Germany. In all countries, the collection and processing of technical building data for complex technologies is time-consuming—but crucial to convincing end customers. Our goal is to automate these processes internationally and thus significantly accelerate the expansion of renewable energies.

Thank you very much for talking to us.