Taking Ideas from Research Lab to Market
Building the Future of Solar Monitoring
SEPT's journey began in Summer 2023 during the NSF Innovators Program at Aalborg University in Denmark, where we identified a critical challenge: understanding solar panel degradation and developing affordable solutions for second-life applications.
What started as a research challenge has evolved into a mission to solve a major industry gap—the lack of low-cost tools to continuously monitor individual solar panels, which causes many panels to be prematurely decommissioned.
Through 4 prototypes, 4 startup programs, 3 competitions, and countless iterations, we've discovered what the solar industry really needs: affordable, code-compliant monitoring that prevents premature panel decommissioning.
Founder's Story
From architecture student in Guinea to renewable energy innovator
Academic Journey
From Guinea to Oregon
Adama Toure began his academic journey studying architecture in Conakry, Guinea, where he experienced firsthand the impacts of unreliable energy infrastructure and climate change—experiences that continue to drive his work today.
Motivated by the pressing need for energy security and climate resilience, he pursued a B.S. in Renewable Energy Engineering at the Oregon Institute of Technology.
NSF Research Program
Aalborg University, Denmark • 2023
In 2023, Adama participated in the NSF-funded Innovator Research Program at Aalborg University in Denmark, where he investigated photovoltaic (PV) module degradation and developed a technology to make second-life panels a viable solution for underserved communities.
Founding SEPT
Solar Energy Protection Technology
He founded SEPT (Solar Energy Protection Technology) with his classmate Jordan Harris-Toovy to bring a low-cost monitoring device to the second-life PV market.
Our Timeline
Taking research projects from lab to market—explore every milestone of our journey
NSF Innovators Program
Researched solar panel degradation and fault detection. Identified the need for a hardware system to collect real-time data.
✓ Research foundation established
Partnership & First Design
Adama returned to the U.S. and partnered with Jordan Harris-Toovy. Jordan sketched the first design and began building Prototype 1.
✓ Team formed, hardware design initiated
Prototype 1 Built
Built Prototype 1 (PCB + Arduino Nano) with basic multimeter-like readings. Determined it was insufficient for meaningful analysis.
✓ First working prototype, identified limitations
Catalyze Klamath
Pitched at Catalyze Klamath Challenge using Prototype 1. Selected for the InventOR Prototyping Competition.
✓ Market validation and resources secured
Prototype 2: Enhanced PCB Design
Developed second-generation PCB with improved sensor integration and data collection capabilities. This iteration enhanced voltage and current monitoring, laying the groundwork for machine learning data acquisition.
✓ Improved hardware foundation for ML training
OIT IdeaFest Demo
Built cardboard shading model to demonstrate fault detection. Exhibited at OIT IdeaFest—first public hands-on testing.
✓ Educational demonstrations validated concept
InventOR 2024 Award Winner
Pitched at InventOR focusing on second-life solar reuse. Received the Visionary Award—a pivotal moment for SEPT. InventOR has been supporting SEPT throughout its journey by providing connections to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that have been instrumental in our growth.
✓ Visionary Award winner and ongoing partnership
Strategic Pivot
Realized landfill-prevention business case was not strong enough. Pivoted to provide a device for the utility PV industry to detect and locate panel faults—addressing a critical gap in solar operations.
✓ New market direction identified with clear value proposition
American-Made Solar Prize
Identified critical market gap: utility PV operators lack affordable tools for panel-level fault detection. Applied to American-Made Solar Prize Round 8 with this new solution.
✓ Clear problem definition and validation
Prototype 3: Solar Sense
Built Prototype 3 featuring real-time fault localization capabilities. This working prototype demonstrated panel-level monitoring with ML-powered fault detection—a complete solution integrating hardware sensors with intelligent software analytics.
✓ First production-ready prototype with commercial viability
VertueLab 45Camp
Participated in VertueLab 45Camp accelerator program to refine business model and develop go-to-market strategy.
✓ Enhanced entrepreneurial skills and network
Market Research
Conducted market research: utility PV reluctant to add system costs. Expanded research to commercial PV. Learned commercial systems need low-cost, code-compliant, single-device solutions.
✓ Product-market fit identified in commercial PV
TiE XL Bootcamp
Prepared next pitch addressing multi-device burden. Continued refining hardware and software. Completed TiE XL Bootcamp—learned about startup ecosystem, due diligence, investor relations.
✓ Business acumen strengthened, systems refined
Prototype 4: In-House Manufacturing
Developed in-house manufacturing capabilities, enabling production of professional-grade PCBs from Jordan's home lab. Fourth-generation design features SEPT branding, advanced component integration, and optimized sensor architecture—demonstrating our ability to manufacture commercial-quality hardware independently.
✓ Manufacturing capability established, commercial-quality production achieved
OEN Angel Oregon
Participated in the AOBIO Capital Readiness program—a transformative experience that taught us the essential vocabulary of entrepreneurship and how to avoid costly mistakes as new founders. Through mentorship, cohort discussions, and structured guidance, we clarified our problem, value proposition, and growth path.
✓ Capital readiness achieved, entrepreneurial foundation strengthened
Software Dashboard Prototype
Built first prototype of software dashboard to visualize real-time panel data and fault detection. Transformed hardware solution into a complete monitoring system for solar operators.
✓ Complete hardware-software solution achieved
Neural Network Builder Launch
Reimagined and rebuilt our software from the ground up. Launched an interactive Neural Network Builder as an educational tool—allowing anyone to learn the process of building neural networks. Currently in development, this platform demonstrates our commitment to making AI-powered solar monitoring accessible and transparent.
✓ Educational platform launched, software architecture modernized
Janus Innovation Hub
Janus Innovation Hub is a startup accelerator that empowers immigrant-led ventures through mentorship, resources, and connections to transform innovative ideas into impactful, investment-ready businesses. The Janus program aims to set SEPT on the right path toward becoming a sustainable enterprise, achieving its mission of making solar smart and safe.
✓ Positioned for commercial deployment
Plug and Play 2025 Summit
Selected to participate in the prestigious Plug and Play Tech Center Summit—one of the world's largest innovation platforms connecting startups with corporate partners. This opportunity positions SEPT to engage with global energy leaders, explore strategic partnerships, and scale our solar monitoring technology into enterprise markets.
✓ Global network expansion and corporate partnership opportunities