Founded in 2009 as a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg, Germany, the SolarSpring GmbH, membrane solutions has grown into a world market leader for membrane distillation technology.
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Our core team of 6 engineers and scientists, most of which have been with the company since “day one”, is entirely committed to water treatment and drinking water production.
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SolarSpring systems can be found all over the world and are built at our company venue the “Solarhaus” in Freiburg, Germany.
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We cooperate and network internationally with smart and creative individuals, but since we value the preservation of resources and local partnerships most of our suppliers are regional.
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As a reward for our innovative ideas and developments we were awarded the “Land of Ideas” prize in 2012 and the “Technology-Transfer-Prize” in 2014
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The team
Daniel Pfeifle
„The Allrounder“
After my apprenticeship as a motocycle technician I studied Renewable Energy Systems at the university of Applied Science in Nordhausen which I completed as a Dipl. Ing. (FH). Starting in 2009, I worked at the Fraunhofer ISE designing and constructing membrane distillation systems and commissioned many plants around the world including in Namibia, Spain and Italy. Since 2012 I have been responsible for MD system manufacturing at SolarSpring and took over the position of CEO in 2016. I have two lovely daughters and spend a lot of time outdoors with my family.
Alexander Wolf
„The Perfectionist“
I joined SolarSpring for my Diploma Thesis titled “Planning, development and construction of a solar-powered Ultrafiltration System for drinking water production” and have been part of the company ever since. I am a specialist for membrane filtration proud creator of the SolarPurification product line and father of three children.
Rebecca Schwantes
„The MemBrain"
I am a trained motorcycle technician, mechanical engineer (Dipl. Ing. (FH)) and graduate from Uni Braunschweig’s M.Sc. program “ProWater”, but moreover I am fascinated by the scientific depths of MD and how to bring the technology forward. That’s why SolarSpring put me in charge of our R&D projects. The company work morale is enhanced by my two loyal canine companions who give unconditional support to all employees, but will ward of unwanted intruders if necessary.
Philipp Siegmann
„The Quarterback“
For some years now I have been dedicated to the combination of sun, water and … coffee, which resulted in the friendly takeover of not only the systems manufacturing and marketing department, but also the main administration of SolarSpring’s very fine Italian Espresso machine. Before joining the company, I studied Renewable Energy Management (Dip. Ing. / FH) and founded the company NeoEnergy which sells PV-systems.
Kirtiraj Chavan
„The Batsman“
With a background in chemical engineering (VIT Pune, India) and after working for some years as a process design engineer, my transition to membrane distillation was very smooth and started with a Master Thesis for completion my M.Sc. programme „Process Engineering“ (Offenburg). I stayed on at SolarSpring and dove straight into research on the more “chemical” new applications for MD. I really like life in Freiburg but have noticed a strong lack of good street food and cricket.
Leon Bührer
„Man of Action“
Educated at the Fraunhofer ISE and with experience in fuel cell testing, Leon assembles our plate and frame MD modules and designs manufacturing equipment. He is also responsible for quality assurance.
Alexander Shadhkin
„Expert construction engineer“
SolarSpring is proud to benefit from Alexander's 40 year experience in 3D construction design.
Frank Schlegel & Jochen Holz
„Sales experts"
You will meet Frank and Jochen when purchasing SolarSpring products and services.
These two experienced professionals will be happy to answer all your sales related questions.
Manuela Verini
„Queen of Accounts“
Manuela is our accountant and makes the cliché of a boring bookkeeper seem absurd. Make sure to catch the latest news on her extensive Grandfondo cycling career next time you meet her.
Jumana Sabbagh
„The Designer“
Jumana takes care of our corporate appearance in print as well as online.
The Interns
„The Interns“
Our interns are an important part of the team. Currently with us on internship or conducting a thesis are:
Patanjali Vatnal – Membrane distillation