Made in Canada: This is our story.
How it Started
LightLeaf Solar was inspired by a month-long, independent, solar-powered boat voyage that Rick Retzlaff took through Puget Sound in 2017. The trip was a great success, but existing solar solutions were a disappointment. Glass panels were too heavy and flat, flexible panels were fragile and had to be pasted on. There had to be a better way. Drawing on his background in both aerospace style composites and battery electric powered systems, Rick developed an innovative solar panel that is both lightweight, structural, and rigid - perfect for building boats.
After teaming up with some partners, our team is ever-growing and continuing to bring the best solar power to things that move.
We see the need for our solar solutions around the world, in adventurers, engineers, and business owners. Our panels have limitless applications, and this fact alone drives us forward.
Our mission is to integrate LightLeaf Solar panels into mobile applications, crafted to be functional and aesthetically appealing.
Our vision is to create the world’s best solar solutions, to power new opportunities.
Meet the Founders
-
Chief Executive Officer
Rick has many years of experience as a professional engineer, professor and entrepreneur. He has worked in automotive design, and advanced CAD system design.
Outside of the office, he is building aircrafts and electric vehicles, piloting them, and sailing boats of all sizes. His most challenging feat, though, was fathering four kids—three of which are triplets.
rick.retzlaff@lightleafsolar.com | LinkedIn
-
Chief Marketing Officer
Katrina is an award-winning social impact entrepreneur who specializes in tech, communications and digital strategy. She was recently awarded the International Women in Tech ® award for “Women in Communications”, shortly before releasing her first book. A mother of two boys, Katrina enjoys spending time off work either with her family or tending to her permaculture garden.
katrina@ethicaldigital.ca | LinkedIn
Meet the Team
Dawson Beesley
Production Manager
Eric Gerwing
Development Engineer
Olha Kyva
Business Manager
LET’S GET SOCIAL!
