Texas-based startup Janta Power has secured $5.5 million in seed funding to advance its vertical solar tower technology, which generates 50% more energy than traditional flat-panel solar systems. The funding, led by MaC Venture Capital and supported by Collab Capital, reflects strong investor confidence in 3D solar systems poised to reshape renewable energy production globally.
Traditional solar panels, which require large flat areas for installation, are limited in their ability to capture sunlight effectively. The sun’s movement across the sky means flat panels are only most efficient when the sun is directly overhead, missing much of the day’s available energy. Janta Power’s innovative approach addresses this limitation by stacking solar panels vertically to create a compact, three-dimensional structure that captures more sunlight throughout the day.
Each of Janta’s solar towers features smart tracking software that dynamically follows the sun’s path from sunrise to sunset, optimizing energy production. This design allows the towers to generate approximately 50% more energy while using only one-third of the land required by traditional solar farms. The result is a steadier flow of electricity across the entire day, reducing stress on power grids and lowering the need for short-term backup energy sources.
The company’s vertical orientation also enables the towers to capture sunlight during early morning and late afternoon when flat arrays are least efficient, further enhancing overall efficiency. Janta’s towers are built for durability, with steel frames and modular foundations that can withstand winds up to 170 miles per hour, making them suitable for a wide range of environments.
Pilot programs are already operating at major international airports, including Munich International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and facilities managed by Aena, which oversees over 70 airports worldwide. The company’s 3D geometry provides a capacity factor of around 32%, compared to 22% for flat panels, translating to a reduction in the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) to approximately $0.05 per kilowatt-hour, significantly below the global average of $0.15.
This efficiency advantage positions Janta Power’s technology as a viable solution for industries that require reliable and consistent energy, such as data centers, universities, and telecommunications operations. The compact footprint of the towers also makes them suitable for urban areas, airports, and industrial zones where traditional solar farms are not practical. For consumers, these innovations could lead to cleaner, more stable, and more affordable power for local grids, supporting a greener energy future.
As the company continues to expand its technology, Janta Power’s vertical tower design and smart tracking system exemplify the potential of creative solutions in clean energy. If we can rethink the shape of solar energy, the question remains: what other aspects of our world could we redesign to achieve a smarter, more sustainable future?