Photoncycle: A Vision for Year-Round Renewable Energy

Introduction

As the world transitions toward renewable energy, one challenge remains critical: how do we store and use solar energy efficiently when the sun isn’t shining? Traditional energy storage solutions fall short in providing long-term, seasonal storage, leaving homeowners dependent on the unpredictable energy markets. Photoncycle is changing that. By leveraging cutting-edge solid-state hydrogen technology, the company is enabling homeowners to achieve true energy independence. This is how Photoncycle was founded and why it plays a key role in the future of renewable energy.

The Founder’s Vision

Bjørn Brandtzæg’s journey into renewable energy started long before Photoncycle. As a seasoned entrepreneur in the energy sector, he worked on large-scale energy projects and saw both the challenges in realizing these projects and their vulnerability. This led him to believe that a more distributed approach to energy production and storage would be the solution for the future. He also observed the difficulties homeowners faced in securing reliable and affordable renewable energy. The idea for Photoncycle was born out of a desire to create a truly independent and sustainable energy solution—one that could store renewable energy seasonally and be accessible to everyday consumers.

During his time at MIT in 2020, Brandtzæg collaborated with experts working on future energy solutions.

It became clear to him that while solar energy had the potential to power homes, its intermittent nature required an innovative storage solution. He envisioned a system that would allow homeowners to harness summer’s energy surplus and store it for winter, effectively bridging the seasonal energy gap.

Building on his extensive experience—having raised over $1.3 billion in investments for large-scale energy infrastructure projects—Brandtzæg assembled a team of top engineers and chemists to bring his vision to life. Photoncycle is now pioneering solid-state hydrogen storage technology, developed in a state-of-the-art hydrogen lab in Oslo. This cutting-edge facility serves as the innovation hub where the team is refining the technology, ensuring homeowners can produce, store, and consume their own energy on a scale never seen before.

His mission is clear: to make energy independence a reality for homeowners while contributing to a resilient, fossil-free energy future.

The Key Challenge: Solar Energy’s Seasonality

One of the biggest obstacles to a fully renewable future is that solar energy is not always available when we need it. During summer, solar panels generate more electricity than a home can use. But in winter, when energy demand is highest, solar production drops significantly. Without a way to store large amounts of energy for long periods, homeowners remain reliant on the grid, which often still depends on fossil fuels. Additionally, self-consuming solar energy is always more cost-effective, as the difference between buying and selling electricity can be at least six times, making storage a financially smart choice.

This challenge is not just an individual problem—it affects entire societies. Fluctuations in renewable energy supply drive electricity price volatility, strain national grids, and slow down the transition to a carbon-free future. As Brandtzæg puts it, "If we want a truly sustainable energy future, we need solutions that work for both individual homeowners and the broader energy system. Seasonal storage is the missing piece in this transition." Photoncycle aims to change that by providing a storage solution that bridges the seasonal energy gap.

The Solution: Seasonal Energy Storage with Solid-State Hydrogen

Photoncycle’s innovation lies in its patented solid-state hydrogen-based storage system. Unlike conventional home batteries, which have limited capacity and degrade over time, this technology allows solar energy collected in the summer to be stored for months and used in winter. With a storage capacity of 10,000 kWh—700 times more than standard home batteries—homeowners can rely on their own energy year-round.

Why This Matters:

• Energy Independence – No longer be at the mercy of rising electricity prices or grid outages.
• Cost Savings – Store energy when it’s abundant and affordable, avoiding high winter electricity costs.
• Sustainability – Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower your household’s carbon footprint.

A Consumer-Focused Approach: What This Means for You

For homeowners, Photoncycle is more than just an energy storage system—it’s a pathway to a more self-sufficient and predictable energy future. Imagine being able to produce your own renewable energy, store it for months, and use it when you need it most. No more surprise electricity bills, no more dependence on fluctuating energy markets.

With minimal maintenance and long-term reliability, Photoncycle’s system offers a practical and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. Whether you’re an eco-conscious homeowner looking to lower your carbon footprint, or someone wanting to future-proof your home against energy price spikes, Photoncycle delivers a solution that makes sense.

Looking Ahead

As Photoncycle moves closer to market launch, the company continues to refine its technology and expand its team. In 2025, Photoncycle will enter the Danish market, providing a groundbreaking alternative to gas-based heating and enabling homeowners to transition to fully renewable energy. Additionally, the company has ambitious plans to establish a dedicated manufacturing facility in Scandinavia, ensuring that both product development and production remain rooted in the region. As Brandtzæg puts it, "We are not just building a product; we are creating a new way for people to take control of their energy needs, ensuring that clean, reliable power is available regardless of the season." With innovation at its core, Photoncycle is set to revolutionize how households generate, store, and use clean energy—empowering individuals and contributing to a more resilient, sustainable society.