Innovation

Saltoki e-Solar, a division of Saltoki S.A., was created to lead the company’s transition toward renewable energy. Headed by Miguel Garmendia, the division focuses on providing complete solar energy systems that combine high-quality photovoltaic panels, inverters, and intelligent energy management tools. The innovation began as part of Saltoki’s strategic plan to align with European climate goals and to help professional installers and consumers adopt clean energy in both residential and commercial sectors across Spain.

What makes this innovation unique is its integration of renewable technology with an advanced supply-chain system that offers real-time inventory tracking, digital support, and post-sale assistance. Saltoki collaborates with international manufacturers and tests products in its own laboratories to guarantee performance. The company is also developing AI-based solar systems capable of learning from users’ energy habits, optimizing energy production, and interacting with real-time energy markets to maximize efficiency and savings.

This innovation has had a measurable impact on both society and the environment. Saltoki e-Solar installations reduce household energy dependence on the grid from 100% to approximately 25%, cutting electricity costs and lowering CO₂ emissions. The initiative fosters sustainable urban development, cleaner air, and a culture of responsible energy use. By empowering installers with training and tools, Saltoki not only drives its own growth but also accelerates Spain’s renewable energy transition — fully supporting the UN SDGs for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).

Inspiration

Miguel Garmendia, Head of Saltoki’s Photovoltaic Solar Energy Division, was inspired by a deep commitment to sustainability and the belief that innovation must serve both people and the planet. During the interview, he emphasized that Saltoki’s motivation was to “make renewable energy accessible, reliable, and profitable for everyone, not just an alternative for a few.” He explained that the company’s leadership recognized solar energy as a free, abundant resource that could empower installers and consumers while helping achieve the European Union’s climate objectives.

Garmendia also highlighted that Saltoki’s family-oriented culture fostered a long-term vision rather than short-term profit. “We wanted to go beyond selling materials; we wanted to build knowledge and confidence among professionals,” he said. This mindset inspired the creation of Saltoki e-Solar, combining advanced technology, technical support, and education to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy.

Ultimately, the inspiration came from the desire to contribute meaningfully to the global transition toward sustainability, showing that a traditional distributor could reinvent itself as a key player in clean energy innovation.

Overall impact

Saltoki e-Solar has significantly influenced both the energy market and the environment in Spain. By providing more than 12,000 installations annually, the company has helped thousands of homes and businesses reduce grid dependency and lower their carbon footprint. In the short term, customers benefit from lower electricity costs and improved energy efficiency. In the long term, this innovation supports national goals for decarbonization and energy independence.

The company’s comprehensive approach—combining renewable products, digital tools, financing, and education—has strengthened its partnerships with installers and created a community of professionals dedicated to sustainable practices. Evidence of impact includes measurable reductions in energy consumption (up to 75% less reliance on the grid per household) and the company’s growing leadership in Spain’s photovoltaic distribution market.

Beyond economic results, Saltoki’s innovation contributes directly to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Climate Action (SDG 13). Through these efforts, Saltoki demonstrates how business innovation can create long-term social, environmental, and economic value.

Business benefit

Because Saltoki embraced renewable energy innovation through its e-Solar division, the company has achieved sustained growth and diversification. By expanding into the photovoltaic energy sector, Saltoki opened new markets across Spain and attracted a wider range of professional clients. This diversification reduced dependence on traditional construction materials and created a stable new source of revenue.

The innovation also strengthened customer loyalty and retention. Saltoki transformed its relationship with installers from a simple supplier–buyer interaction into a long-term partnership based on technical support, digital tools, and financing services. As a result, the company’s client base has grown significantly, and customer satisfaction levels are higher than ever.

Additionally, the initiative has improved the company’s internal culture and employee wellbeing. Saltoki’s commitment to sustainability has inspired its 4,000 employees, who take pride in contributing to clean-energy progress. The company’s growing reputation as a national leader in photovoltaic distribution has also enhanced its brand value and opened doors for collaboration with major international manufacturers and investors. In short, by investing in renewable innovation, Saltoki strengthened its competitiveness, financial stability, and long-term purpose.

Social and environmental benefit

Saltoki’s innovation has a direct and measurable positive impact on both society and the environment. Each photovoltaic installation contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy independence. On average, Saltoki e-Solar projects help households and businesses lower grid dependency by up to 75%, significantly cutting electricity costs and carbon footprints.

The company’s educational approach—offering technical training and consulting—empowers installers and small businesses to participate in the clean-energy transition. This has created new jobs in the renewable sector and fostered sustainable economic growth in local communities.

Environmentally, Saltoki’s systems promote responsible energy consumption and the use of renewable sources, aligning with the European Green Deal and several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By combining technology, education, and sustainability, Saltoki demonstrates how a business can drive meaningful progress toward a cleaner and more resilient planet.

Interview

Miguel Garmendia, Head of the Photovoltaic Solar Energy Division, Saltoki Group