Our commitment extends to the dual usage concept, optimizing existing infrastructures and land for both conventional and renewable purposes: Uwe Rosenkranz of R&L Co., Ltd.

“As we advance in renewable energy, R&L stays committed to reducing our carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

R&L Co., Ltd., also known as R&L Solar Solutions, is a global renewable energy service provider headquartered in Tokyo. Specializing in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) and O&M (Operations and Maintenance) services, R&L supports power companies and commercial solar projects in Australia, Taiwan, and Europe. The company’s vision is to create a borderless future for sustainable energy, furthering innovation and growth alongside its international partners.

The Silicon Review reached out to Uwe Rosenkranz, CEO and Founder of R&L Co., Ltd., and here’s what he had to say.

Interview Highlights

Please tell us about the circumstances or events that led to the founding of R&L Co., Ltd.

With a longstanding presence in Japan, I founded R&L in 2009—a company committed to innovative sustainable energy solutions. Specializing in clean and renewable energy, we actively contribute to innovative solutions, with a strategic emphasis on dual land usage and leveraging existing infrastructure.

R&L stands as a leader in deploying large-scale renewable energy initiatives, excelling in feasibility studies, engineering design, procurement, construction, and operation.

Q. As a leading developer of large-scale solar power projects, what are R&L’s key focus areas?

As a leading developer of large-scale solar power projects, R&L’s key focus areas are diversified to maximize the usage of land through various applications. The company focuses on the dual usage of land, incorporating innovative solutions such as:

Agri PV: Combining of Agriculture with Energy production, R&L focuses on Agri PV, allowing for the simultaneous use of land for solar energy generation and farming. This approach promotes sustainable land use and supports local agriculture.

Solar Carport: R&L prioritizes the development of solar carports, utilizing open spaces for solar panel installations above parking areas. This dual-purpose application not only generates solar energy, EV charging stations but also provides shade and shelter for parked vehicles.

Solar Roof: The implementation of solar panels on rooftops is a key focus area for R&L. This strategy involves utilizing existing structures to harness solar energy, contributing to increased sustainability in both residential and commercial settings.

Energy Walls alongside Railway Tracks: R&L is dedicated to deploying energy walls alongside railway tracks, leveraging available land for solar panel installations. These walls serve the dual purpose of generating solar energy and providing noise barriers along railway corridors.

Energy/Noise Protection Walls alongside Highways: R&L extends its focus to constructing energy and noise protection walls alongside highways. These walls integrate solar panels, addressing environmental concerns by simultaneously generating clean energy and mitigating noise pollution.

These innovative applications reflect R&L’s commitment to not only advancing large-scale solar power projects but also integrating renewable energy solutions into various aspects of infrastructure and daily life. By exploring dual usage concepts across diverse landscapes, R&L aims to contribute to sustainable energy practices while addressing broader environmental and societal needs.

Q. Can you provide us with one or two success stories, detailing specific client challenges and how R&L’s solutions contributed to their success?  

Success Story 1: Innovative Foundation Replacement and Global Expansion

Client Challenge: In 2013, R&L faced a client challenge centered around the replacement of concrete foundations for solar power projects. Traditional methods in Japan were proving to be time-consuming and resource-intensive, hindering the scalability of solar installations. Additionally, the need for efficient land utilization was a pressing concern.

R&L’s Solution: R&L introduced a groundbreaking solution by replacing concrete foundations with steel piles, incorporating pile driving machines and steel piles. This innovative approach revolutionized solar project foundations, significantly reducing installation time and optimizing the use of available land. The methodology was first implemented by R&L in Japan, and its success prompted subsequent deployments in Taiwan and Australia.

Outcome: The introduction of steel piles and pile driving machines not only addressed the initial client challenge but also positioned R&L as a frontrunner in efficient solar infrastructure development. The global expansion showcased the adaptability and effectiveness of R&L’s solutions in diverse geographical contexts.

Success Story 2: Solar Carport Transformation in Aichi ken

Client Challenge: R&L encountered a challenge where a client sought to repurpose a parking lot into a sustainable energy production facility. The objective was to find a solution that not only optimized the space but also generated clean energy for the client’s own consumption.

R&L’s Solution: R&L implemented a Solar Carport solution in Aichi ken, transforming the parking lot into a dual-purpose space that served as both a parking for vehicles and a sustainable energy production facility. By strategically integrating solar panels into the carport structure, R&L maximized energy generation while maintaining the functionality of the parking area.

Outcome: The Solar Carport initiative not only met the client’s goal of repurposing the parking lot but also provided a reliable source of clean energy for their own consumption. This success story exemplifies R&L’s commitment to innovative solar solutions that align with clients’ specific needs while contributing to sustainable energy practices in diverse settings.

Q. Tell us about the R&L team. What value do they bring to the company?

The R&L team stands as a formidable force, combining seasoned industry veterans with the fresh perspectives of young, innovative talents. This strategic blend of experience and youthful energy brings value to the company, nurturing a vibrant work environment that drives R&L to the forefront of the solar power industry.

Key Attributes of the R&L Team

Diverse Expertise: The team features a diverse pool of talent, including experienced professionals in civil engineering, static engineering, and electrical engineering. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that R&L is well-equipped to handle the intricacies of large-scale solar power projects, from conceptualization to execution.

Experience: R&L benefits from the wealth of experience within its ranks. Seasoned professionals bring a deep understanding of the solar energy landscape, having navigated through industry trends, technological advancements, and evolving market dynamics. This experience serves as a guiding force for strategic decision-making and problem-solving.

Innovative Thinking: The infusion of young talents injects the team with fresh and innovative thinking. These emerging talents contribute cutting-edge ideas, technological insights, and a forward-looking perspective that aligns with the ever-evolving nature of the renewable energy sector.

Collaborative Culture: The collaborative culture within the R&L team fosters open communication and knowledge-sharing. This collaborative spirit ensures that insights from diverse backgrounds and experiences converge to create comprehensive and effective solutions.

Solid Engineering Foundation: The team’s collective expertise includes solid engineering principles, covering civil, static, and electrical engineering domains. This foundation ensures the precision, reliability, and safety of R&L’s solar power projects, meeting and often surpassing industry standards.

Put simply, our team’s collaborative spirit, coupled with a solid engineering foundation, positions R&L as a leader in the large-scale solar power project development space, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s sustainable energy demands.

Q. What new endeavors is R&L currently undertaking?

R&L is actively involved in groundbreaking projects that redefine the scope of solar applications:

Vertical Installation (Solar Fence) with Bifacial Modules: R&L is exploring vertical solar panel installations, particularly through Solar Fencing, using bifacial modules. This innovative approach optimizes land use and enhances energy efficiency.

High Snow Load Regions: Addressing the challenges of high snow load regions, R&L is undertaking projects tailored to these specific environments, showcasing adaptability in sustainable energy solutions.

Railways and Highways Integration: R&L is actively integrating solar solutions alongside railway tracks and highways. These initiatives leverage existing infrastructural networks for clean energy generation, emphasizing R&L’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.

In short, R&L’s ongoing initiatives reflect a focus on innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to advancing solar technology applications across varied landscapes and environmental conditions.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up?

At R&L, we value CO2 savings as the currency of the future. Our commitment extends to the dual usage concept, optimizing existing infrastructures and land for both conventional and renewable purposes. As we advance in renewable energy, R&L stays committed to reducing our carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Uwe Rosenkranz | Founder & CEO

Uwe Rosenkranz brings a wealth of experience as a German Engineer with a remarkable career spanning over three decades in Japan. His professional journey includes a significant tenure as a Service Manager and nearly two decades dedicated to the Photovoltaic industry.

Uwe Rosenkranz stands as a visionary leader, blending technical expertise with a passion for learning, a dedication to a healthy lifestyle, and a profound connection to the Japanese culture. His accolades underscore not only personal achievements but also the success of R&L in the vibrant and competitive field of solar energy.

In 2019, he earned the prestigious title of APAC Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing his leadership and innovation. R&L, under his guidance, secured a spot among the Top 10 Solar Energy Providers in 2022, further solidifying his impact in the industry.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Uwe Rosenkranz embraces a range of interests for personal enrichment. He’s an avid reader and his active engagement in sports and swimming not only underscores a dedication to a healthy lifestyle but also parallels the discipline he applies to his professional endeavors.

Uwe’s love for Japanese cuisine reflects his deep cultural connection. His appreciation for the flavors mirrors a broader admiration for the country integral to his personal and professional journey.

“Put simply, our team’s collaborative spirit, coupled with a solid engineering foundation, positions R&L as a leader in the large-scale solar power project development space, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s sustainable energy demands.”