Bila Solar: Reinventing a Cleantech Brand for a New Market

Bila Solar is a cleantech solar panel pioneer. Their ultra lightweight, glass-free solar panels make it possible to capture solar energy from any surface.

Bila came to Glantz with plans to launch the business in North America and to announce a new US factory. The company tasked Glantz with bringing their company to market with a new name, brand, and website. Our challenge was to position the business as a disruptor while leveraging its founder’s long-standing respect in the industry.

How did Glantz build Bila Solar's brand identity and logo?

Our first step was naming the company. To differentiate it, we avoided literal “sun” tropes in both brand names and imagery. In the process, we considered each name’s meaning, length, ease to pronounce, and sonic and visual connotations. After creating a list of more than 100 company names, Bila Solar was the clear winner.

To turn this into a memorable brand, we drew inspiration from the modularity of Bila’s solar panels. Our design mimics how solar panels lock together in a consolidated system. We paired the logo with a sophisticated color palette of future-focused gray gradients and a disruptive chartreuse burst. The end result is a brand that blends minimalism with innovation.

How did Glantz bring Bila Solar's brand to life through collateral and events?

Launching the brand in North America required an instructive brand identity system. We used abstract visual devices and sophisticated typography to communicate the flexibility and lightweight nature of the product. These design themes cascaded across PowerPoint templates, sell sheets, corporate letterhead, and business cards.   

We brought the brand to life during a global cleantech trade show. We created a tech-forward trade show booth to welcome customers. Bright pops of chartreuse guided attendees from afar to enter the booth, where they could touch the floating solar panels. The Bila team landed dozens of new customers.

How did Glantz build the digital foundation for Bila Solar's new brand?

Finally, we extended the brand to the digital space. Bila’s new website supports marketing efforts to capture leads via a contact form. By featuring a mix of manufacturing videos, compelling installation case studies, and impressive product stats, customers can quickly vet the company and see Bila’s potential.

Crafting the Complete Customer Journey

At Glantz, building a brand doesn’t stop after the creation of logos and guidelines. Bila Solar’s brand steps across many media and we’re excited to see it continue as the Bila story continues to make headlines.