Inheriting research & development background since 1975, SolarBK is proud to be a pioneer in laying the groundwork for clean energy industry in Vietnam and is now a leading company in this field.
To carry out the mission of applying clean energy into everyday life, we have researched and developed many solutions to make Solar power energy more diverse, convenient and cheaper.
Reconstruction - Affirmation for Vietnamese brands
Phase 1: Fundamental research
1975
A group of experts from Thai Nguyen University of Technology & Hanoi University of Science and Technology started their research on renewable energy. Head of the research: Mr. Nguyen Huu Hung.
1990
Mr. Nguyen Huu Hung and Ms. Duong Thi Thanh Luong moved to Ho Chi Minh City to start their research at the Research Center for Thermal Equipment and Renewable Energy (RECTERE) of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. At that time, RECTERE was the only agency that Ministry of Science and Technology appointed to take the main charge of many state-level wind and solar projects.
1994
Mr. Nguyen Huu Hung took the main charge of the Ministry-level project "Darrieus type soft-blade vertical axis wind turbine". The topic was highly appreciated for its excellent content and was granted the certificate of merit for innovative solution by Ministry of Education and Training. The Center also researched, installed and tested many solar water-heating systems to find out the best type for Vietnam’s conditions.
2004
Ms. Duong Thi Thanh Luong took the main charge of the project "Completion of technology and design of solar water heaters for residential and industrial applications in Vietnam” - under the program of Department of Science and Technology of Ho Chi Minh City.
Phase 2: Establishment and development
2006
Bach Khoa Investment & Development of Solar Energy Corporation (SolarBK) was officially established in order to publicize research outcomes to market.
2008
The company converted to the form of a joint-stock company with greater aspirations and goals. In February 2008, SolarBK achieved ISO 9001-2000 - quality management system.
10/2008 - 2010
Implemented the project of clean energy and lighting for the entire Truong Sa islands and DK1 rigs, marking a significant milestone in bringing clean energy to the islands and the development of SolarBK.
2009 - 2010
SolarBK developed the system and set up branches across the country: - August 2009, SolarBK Company of the Central region - September 2009: SolarBK company of the Southern region - January 2010: SolarBK company of the Northern region
02/2011
SolarBK was named in Top 100 Vietnam Best Places to Work and awarded Gold Star Award.
04/2011
Developed Department for Research and Development to ensure technology autonomy. SolarBK got the certificate of first Energy-Efficient product for solar water heater from Ministry of Industry and Trade.
10/2011
SolarBK achieved ISO 9001:2008 - quality management system.
2012
SolarBK won the Energy Globe Award for the Master Project in Lighting and Clean Energy in Truong Sa Islands, and joined in the United Nations Global Compact on energy and environmental issues.
09/2012
The affiliate company, IREX, was established and became the first Vietnamese-owned facility to manufacture solar panels.
11/2012
As directed by Ministry of Industry and Trade, the ESCO of EVN and SolarBK was established to develop the ESCO model - the solar hot water service for businesses. SolarESCO Joint Stock Company was established.
09/2013
IREX Energy Joint-Stock Company was granted IEC/UL international certificate, TÜV Rheinland for solar panel. Mr. Nguyen Duong Tuan – CEO of SolarBK became the Energy Globe Ambassador 2013.
10/2013
SolarBK was the first unit to implement the commitment program to save 60% energy for customers using solar hot water.
Phase 3: Technology autonomy – Proud of Vietnam
06/2014
IREX attended InterSolar in Munich, Germany. This was the first time for the solar panel of Vietnam to be proudly presented at the Europe’s largest exhibition on solar power. IREX won the first export orders.
08/2014
IREX expanded with new construction in Phu My Industrial Park, Phu My Town, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, and achieved UL 1703: 2002 certificated for compliance with quality and safety rules.
04/2015
Successfully implemented the pilot project of turning seawater into fresh water at Song Tu Tay Island – Truong Sa Islands. This technology was later deployed in other coastal and island areas.
06/2015
IREX attended InterSolar for the second time in Munich, Germany.
07/2015
IREX inaugurated a fully automated production line and put it into solar cell production in Vietnam, starting to be fully active in technology, production, and product quality control from end to end.
01/2016
For the first time in Vietnam, SolarBK introduced SSOC™ (Solar System Operation Center) – The technology connects and monitors clean energy equipment such as seawater filtration device, solar power systems and other clean energy supply systems.
05/2016
Won the Energy Globe, National Award category with the project "Clean energy seawater desalination system on Song Tu Tay Island.
06/2016
This marked the third time in a row of SolarBK attending the Intersolar exhibition in Germany as the only unit from Vietnam.
07/2016
Opened SolarBK office in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
02/2017
IREX started to expand the construction investment project of "Plant complex in manufacturing high-tech renewable energy equipment" in Phu My (Ba Ria - Vung Tau). The project consisted of two main items: the clean energy plant and the center for research and development of renewable energy products.
06/2017
Promoted and associated business activities with environmental and social responsibility through the campaign "I choose environment".
09/2017
SolarBK/IREX was the only unit of Vietnam to attend Solar Experience Space, the largest global event for clean energy, held by Solar Power International in the US. IREX became the first enterprise to provide a comprehensive solution for this market.
10/2017
SolarBK inaugurated the Solar Experience Space at the campus of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. This was the first model which allowed the young, especially students who are passionate about research, to experience clean energy in Vietnam.
11/2017
SolarBK’s representative was invited as the speaker at The Future of Energy Summit by Bloomberg New Energy Finance held in Shanghai.
12/2017
SolarESCO and ICD Tan Cang Song Than Joint Stock Company marked the successful cooperation with the first solar power project following the ESCO model; the phase 1 of the project had a capacity of 500 kWp.
01/2018
Completed and put SolarBK’s headquarter into operation.
06/2018
Again, SolarBK attended Intersolar 2018 in Germany and won The Smarter E Award, Outstanding Project category.
08/2018
SolarBK and BIDV Insurance Corporation (BIC), Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam - Vung Tau Con Dao Branch cooperated to launch BigK solar power solution with electricity output insurance and financial aid service for the first time in Vietnam.
09/2018
Continued to participate in SPI 2018 in the US.
Phase 4: Reconstruction - Affirmation for Vietnamese brands
2019
IREX achieved ISO 14001: 2015 - environmental management system for solar panel and solar water heating system.
05/2019
SolarBK and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology signed the agreement on comprehensive cooperation in the fields of funding, training cooperation, recruitment, scientific research and technology transfer.
06/2019
IREX is covered by Munich Re - the world's largest reinsurer for solar panels produced at IREX plant, helping customers feel safer when using made-in-Vietnam products with international standards. IREX attended Intersolar in Germany for the fifth time in a row and expanded its attendance in the SNEC exhibition in Shanghai.
08/2019
SolarBK restructured in the model of a Corporation, including member companies: SolarBK, SolarGATES, SolarESCO, and IREX, with 4 main business areas: production & technology, investment, trade and support for educational and community-oriented activities.
04/2020
SolarBK/IREX received SkyStream technology transferred from the US, the small-sized wind turbine suitable for Vietnamese sea and islands.
07/2020
IREX surpassed over 500 candidates to win the Sustainable Energy Award 2019 sponsored by Ministry of Industry and Trade and presided over by Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development.
09/2020
SolarBK and the Trade Union of Vietnam Electricity signed the cooperation agreement for rolling out the solar power program to millions of roofs. At the same time, SolarBK and Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Khanh Hoa power companies, etc. signed development agreements.
