Waterloo start-up ROCKSOLAR Canada is at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution

“ROCKSOLAR Solar-powered water pumps contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the ecological impact of fossil fuel-powered alternatives. They operate quietly and do not release harmful pollutants, making them a green and responsible choice for water supply in remote locations.” -- David Yang, Founder, ROCKSOLAR

Interview with David Yang

By Suzanne Forcese

WT: David, can you give us an overview of ROCKSOLAR please.

Yang: Our mission is to deliver reliable and innovative energy products that support a greener, more sustainable future. We are proud to be at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, offering a comprehensive range of solar, wind, off-grid, and grid tie energy storage system (ESS) solutions.

WT: The ROCKSOLAR website showcases many cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for homeowners, cottagers, campers, businesses and industries. Let’s zero in on water solutions where access to clean and reliable water is a major challenge in remote areas where grid electricity is unavailable or unreliable.

Yang: For off-grid living offer a novel method for reliable water that requires a few simple steps.

The first requirement is the sun. The second is a lake, a river, a stream – a water source.

We harness the power of the sun with solar panels to charge batteries, store the energy and connect that energy to a pump.

WT: That sounds simple enough! Can we look at all the steps in more detail.

Yang: It is simple, and it makes life a lot easier in remote areas.

Harnessing the power of the sun, we provide state-of-the-art solar panels, solar kits, and grid-tie/off-grid systems to meet residential, commercial, and industrial energy demands.

Our solar kits range in capacity, components and features depending on individual needs. our solar panel kits are designed for different applications including residential, RVs and more. Each kit includes solar panels, an inverter, mounting hardware, and sometimes a battery system for storage.

WT: What sorts of data does a homeowner have to know in order to choose the appropriate solar kit?

Yang:  First of all, we take the worry out of that because we work closely with our customers to determine the needs.

We start by evaluating energy needs and assess solar potential – the amount of sunlight a property receives will influence the efficiency of the solar panels to choose the appropriate kit.

Selecting the right solar panel system is key to maximizing energy efficiency and reducing costs.

WT: Once the customer has the energy source covered, they need a pump.

Yang: Right! Our solar water pumps ensure energy efficient water management.

Access to clean and reliable water is a major challenge in remote areas where grid electricity is unavailable or unreliable. Traditional water pumping methods, such as diesel generators or hand pumps, often come with high operational costs, frequent maintenance and environmental concerns.

ROCKSOLAR Solar DC water pumps offer an innovative and sustainable solution for a consistent water supply using solar panels. With the ability to reach maximum depths over 1000 feet and maximum over 300 GPM.

ROCKSOLAR Solar DC water pumps are highly versatile and can be used for multiple applications:

• Drinking water supply
• Irrigation systems
• Livestock watering
• Emergency relief and disaster

WT: And can these pumping systems be customized?

Yang: ROCKSOLAR Solar DC water pumping systems can be customized based on water needs and environmental conditions.

Farmers, NGOs, and rural communities can install small-scale pumps for household use or high-capacity pumps for large scale irrigation and village water supply.

WT: Tell us about the Energy Storage Systems.

Yang: Advanced energy storage systems (ESS)technologies optimize energy usage, reduce dependency on grid power, and ensure uninterrupted energy supply.

In Canada, where power outages can be common in harsh weather conditions, having a back-u power source can provide peace of mind.

A home battery system can be charged by grid power or by solar energy. When there is a power outage, the battery immediately kicks in to supply energy to your home.

Unlike generators that rely on gasoline or diesel fuel, a battery back-up system is clean and sustainable. It is also quieter and much more affordable than traditional generators.

Once again, we work closely with our customers to select the best option in an ESS.

WT: ROCKSOLAR provides solutions for homeowners, farmers, campers. Do you also have solutions for commercial and industrial applications?

Yang: Yes! Here we work even more closely with our customers. Industry needs can be very sensitive to a host of many differing situations. What we want to ensure our industry customer benefits from the investment while knowing also they are making a significant environmental impact.

WT: Fueling Green Innovation is a federal program. How can your customers learn more?

Yang: As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable development, Canada continues to support the adoption of solar energy through various incentives and rebates designed to make solar technology more accessible to both homeowners and businesses nationwide. The 2025 lineup of incentives reflects a diverse approach to encouraging renewable energy investments across different sectors.

Clean energy must make sense!

ROCKSOLAR Solar-powered water pumps contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the ecological impact of fossil fuel-powered alternatives. They operate quietly and do not release harmful pollutants, making them a green and responsible choice for water supply in remote locations.

We encourage our customers to check out The Government of Canada website.

A detailed guide can be found here