Founded by U-M Alumnus, APT Solar Solutions Officially Opens for Business
Three-dimensional modular solar cells point to a brighter future for high demand, with the help of the newly created company APT Solar Solutions.
At University of Michigan’s Innovation Partnerships, a new start-up business enjoyed its moment in the sun when officials held a bell-ringing ceremony for APT Solar Solutions, a company designed to provide modular solar-powered lighting to residents, businesses and its partners. With CEO Dean Streck at the helm, APT Solar Solutions announced it is officially open for business in April.
The company, which began working with pilot partners in 2022, produces novel three-dimensional (3D) solar lights that collect and convert light from all angles, allowing them to provide at least 10-30 times more electricity than standard flat-panel solar lights, based on pilot data in varied solar input conditions. They also provide a clean and cost-effective alternative to wired outdoor lighting fixtures.
“The 3-D solar module is a patented technology developed at the University of Michigan,” said Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, an associate research scientist at U-M Climate and Space who is the inventor and the company’s founder and CTO. He is also an alumnus of the University of Michigan, after earning a Ph.D. in Space Plasma Physics in 2019. “The technology involves a number of cells stacked vertically on top of each other inside of a transparent tube. The vertical stacking of the solar cells allows us to have a very small footprint.”
After launching into the market with 3D solar outdoor lighting products for consumers and businesses, APT Solar Solutions aims to expand into smart infrastructure applications, such as security, surveillance and telecommunications, as well as applications such as electric vehicle charging and distributed solar energy. In time, the company also hopes to implement “solar forests,” creating large clusters of vertical solar-powered modules that can be tapped for large-scale electricity generation.
The solar modules have already been installed in many areas through pilot programs, receiving positive feedback from the end user. These modules have been installed in areas of Ann Arbor and other cities. Customized solar modules have also been installed to help sustain the dark skies at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. The lodge is home to one of Michigan’s International Dark Sky Parks, where guests can view the Northern Lights and take in the splendor of the Milky Way.
Keith Hughes, the Associate Director of Licensing, Physical Sciences & Engineering at Innovation Partnerships, credited the success of the start-up company to Akhavan-Tafti’s leadership and the work of his team, as well as the mentorship of Professor Nilton Renno, who elevated Akhavan-Tafti‘s ideas even when he was still a graduate student.
“Mojtaba is a tireless worker,” said Hughes. “He has spent countless hours on filing the I.P. as well as the technology. He has brought this innovative technology to where we are today.”
The company presented its leadership team during the ceremony, introducing Steve Annear, the president, and the newly appointed CEO Dean Streck, who previously worked as vice president for AiRISTA, general manager for VI-grade, and chief strategy officer for Avanceon.
“Dean has many years of experience with creating technology that customers want, and he knows how to scale products and make a successful company,” said Akhavan-Tafti.
Annear has been integral in the launch of APT Solar Solutions, lending his business acumen to the start-up’s vision and early steps toward growth.
“The support from this ecosystem around the University of Michigan has been wonderful,” said Annear. He said it took a village to bring the technology to its current success, and while much work waits ahead, he is very optimistic. “We look forward to huge success in the future.”
APT Solar Solutions moved its patented solar power technology from pilot to production with the support of many partners, including the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Ann Arbor Spark, and the University of Michigan. Leaders officially declared the company open for commercial orders and partnership engagement as of April 3, 2025, with the bell-ringing ceremony at U-M Innovation Partnerships where students, faculty, staff and clients gathered to celebrate.
To learn more about APT Solar Solutions, visit: https://aptss.com. For questions, please contact Dean Streck: [email protected].