[3] The name stems from the farm Solberg and describes in part a hill where the sun goes down.

The enterprise was founded by Hovel Helseth and three other Drammen merchants who were supporters of the lay preacher Hans Nielsen Hauge.

In 1821 the company moved to Solbergelva in order to be able to take advantage of hydropower resources.

The history of Solbergelva is closely linked to the company Solberg Spinderi, which for many years employed a substantial part of the local workforce and were responsible for the development of housing for the employees.

Around the company there was a separate community with schools, chapels, housing and social care.