Making retrofit decisions easier to defend
SolMod Systems is building the tools and technology to help facilities teams, sustainability offices, and building owners turn underperforming facades into adaptive energy assets — starting with the windows.
Our mission
We exist to make building retrofit practical, measurable, and worthwhile. Not by selling promises, but by providing a system that can be piloted, measured, and scaled based on real results.
Our approach starts with comfort and operational reality — because those are the things that drive decisions in existing buildings. Energy generation and grid impact are important, but they follow from a system that works for the people inside the building first.
Why this matters
Most of the buildings that will exist in 2050 are already built. Decarbonization cannot happen on new construction alone. Retrofit is the primary path — and buildings need solutions that work with their existing structure, budget cycles, and procurement processes.
Windows are the weakest point in most building envelopes. They drive overheating, strain cooling systems, and represent untapped surface area for distributed energy. SolMod addresses all three.
David (Dave) MacDonald
Energy Systems | Building Science
Dave founded SolMod Systems to close the gap between building performance problems and the retrofit options actually available to facilities teams. His background spans energy systems and building science, with experience at Apple and the University of California, Davis.
Based in the Greater Sacramento area, Dave brings a data-driven, measurement-first approach to building retrofit — prioritizing comfort and operational reality over theoretical savings claims.
He is usually accompanied by Morty, his service dog and SolMod's unofficial head of morale.
Built from direct experience
SolMod was founded out of frustration with the gap between building performance problems and available retrofit options. Too many products require invasive installation, ignore occupant comfort, or promise savings without transparent measurement.
We started by asking a simple question: what if you could shade a window, improve airflow, and generate electricity — all from a single exterior-mounted system that does not require window replacement or building electrical work?
That question led to the SolMod louver system and a pilot-first approach that prioritizes measured results over marketing claims.
How we work
Scope before claims
We define what can be measured before we promise what can be achieved. Every engagement starts with honest assessment of fit.
Align with real workflows
We work within existing facilities, procurement, and sustainability processes — not around them.
Communicate plainly
Pilot readouts are written for decision teams, not for marketing. Assumptions, constraints, and results are stated clearly.
Get Involved
Want to work with us?
Whether you are a potential pilot partner, investor, or advisor — we would like to hear from you.