About Alex
"The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why."
- Mark Twain
ALEX SHOER
Alex is an entrepreneur, environmentalist, and innovator focused on creating solutions that address some of our biggest challenges. He is currently the Managing Partner of GridVest Partners.
In 2011, Alex left his career in banking to work on clean energy. He saw that China had incredibly ambitious goals to improve its environment. So he moved to Shanghai on a whim and quickly saw that renewable energy and energy efficiency at factories and commercial buildings was the most impactful way to decrease coal consumption, the most significant contributor to air pollution, which kills more than 1.6 million people annually in China alone.
MY WORK AT GRIDVEST
Simplifyin battery storage and microgrids...
GridVest is a distributor and financier of commercial-scale Microgrid and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We source tier-1 battery systems for developers, EPCs, installers and end-users.
We offer competitive pricing and favorable payment terms, even to entities with limited credit history. Orders can be placed for as little as 10% down.
GridVest is investing in a clean and resilient future by making battery storage equipment more accessible, transparent and cheaper.
Aspen Institute Climate Policy
After attempting other approaches for impact, I took a shot at policy
Power outages in California have dramatically increased over the last 5 years. Outages can be a significant health and safety risk for the local community, especially for economically disadvantaged populations. Community members require central locations with reliable backup electricity that can provide a range of essential services. Frequent power outages have fueled the proliferation of backup diesel generators, but these generators are only a short-term solution that comes at a high cost to environmental impact and human health.
MY WORK AT SEEDER ENERGY
Planting the 'seeds' for a cleaner tomorrow...
Alex started Seeder in order to make it easier to deploy solar on the rooftops of commercial and industrial buildings and was one of the first companies in China to offer third-party financing.
The market for solar has grown exponentially and in 2017 China installed more than 50 gigawatts of solar, more than the rest of the world combined.
Seeder has become a thought leader and one of the leading international renewable energy advisors in China working with numerous fortune 500 companies to source renewables and advise on transactions.
Press
And mentions in the news
Solar News
Why A Solar Tariff In The U.S. Could Benefit Other Countries
Shoer said. "If global solar panel prices go down, every country outside the U.S. would benefit."
RE in China
Future Energy: China leads world in solar power production
"We will source the capital to finance, pay for the whole project and then sell the power at a discount," Shoer says.
Future Energy
Energy Storage, China And IOT
“While there are mandates in terms of efficiency targets and sustainability in buildings, there’s a knowledge and access gap between available solutions, qualified providers and financing options,”
Going Green
Fighting Pollution with Solar
"Chinese landlords are retrofitting buildings to reduce energy costs and improve air quality in hopes of distinguishing themselves from the competition in a market getting hit by too much supply and an economic slowdown."
Turning Rooftops into Renminbi
Seeder Co-founder and CEO Alex Shoer tells Insight about his ambition to bring solar power to the factory rooftops of China.
"American entrepreneur Alex Shoer is trying to build his own lucrative business on a much smaller scale by helping businesses in Shanghai and nearby cities lower their energy costs and become more environmentally friendly one megawatt at a time. The evolving recipe is simple in principle, with building owners generating their own green energy using rooftop solar power systems."
Speaking Engagements
With a decade of experience in clean energy, sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship and doing business in China, I love sharing my experiences and learnings with the world.
Future is Now: Shanghai
How Shanghai is Shaping our World
A short documentary funded by the French Utility, Enel to document the amazing speed, scale and solutions being implemented in the world's largest cities.
US-China REIF
Bridging US and China Relations
The U.S.-China Renewable Energy Industries Forum, brings together 100-200 government, industry, and academic leaders from both countries to discuss energy policy.
Up On The Roof
Using Rooftops in China Wisely
Sharing my thoughts on how to best utilize the rooftops of China's buildings on ICS, Shanghai's government-run TV station.
Climate Summit
A Leading Voice on the Climate
The U.S.-China Climate Leaders Summit in Beijing demonstrated the ongoing strength of the U.S.-China relationship on climate change.
Endorsements
What others have to say...
Yossi Feinberg
Professor of Economics @ Stanford
Alex participated in the first Stanford Ignite program in Beijing. He is a most impressive person. Not only does he lead a visionary initiative, he is also an action oriented person and most importantly a great team player.
Shelli Trung
Proptech VC, Top 100 angel investors
I invested with Alex and Seeder after only one in person meeting as his commitment was evident. His story, passion, and mission of global impact combined with practical expertise in solar and finance have been impressive. I have greatly enjoyed being a part of their team as they continue to champion for long-overdue clean energy solutions.
Zac Aghion
GM of International, Localytics
Alex has the intuitive understanding of how to package and market a product that is so important for success in business. Combined with deep domain expertise and global relationships, he is clearly a world class asset for anyone looking for a partner with international reach.
Florian Bohnert
CMO, EMURGO
For as long as I've known Alex, he's driven with determination and passion, growing it into an international business with a real value proposal for customers on both sides of the Pacific. I can only admire his vision, courage and resilience, all qualities of a great entrepreneur.
