Contractor's Corner

A Generation180 report released in 2020 found that 7,332 public and private K-12 schools in the United States had solar power. Seems like a lot, but that's only 5.5% of schools across the country. Educational institutions are a segment of the commercial solar market ripe with opportunity.

In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Solar Power World  talks with the leadership at Sunrise Power Solutions, one company taking advantage of the open K-12 market. The Long Island-based company works with a lot of schools because, as CEO Heather Ingebrigtsen says, they're the ideal customer. They usually have ample space for solar and the budgets to support energy projects.

CFO Mike Ingebrigtsen also explains the next installation market ready for takeoff: electric vehicle chargers. SPW editors also talk about Women's History Month and representation in solar.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/03/contractors-corner-sunrise-power-solutions/

Contractors Corner

Contractor's Corner: Sunrise Power Solutions

What started as being a nice neighbor to a regenerative farm has turned into a whole new way of building and maintaining solar projects for Silicon Ranch.

With close to 1 GW of installed projects, the utility-scale solar developer and owner was seeing the real impact of using herbicides and pesticides to manage vegetation growth. After siting a new project next to one of the larger regenerative ranchers in the Southeast, Silicon Ranch (whose mission is to be a supportive community member) wanted to ensure it wasn't applying chemicals or contributing to soil erosion that may affect the rancher's mission. With some tips from the rancher, Silicon Ranch dove into regenerative land management practices that could improve the land at each of its solar sites.

In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Silicon Ranch CEO Reagan Farr about the company's regenerative energy process, and how bringing more native plants and grazing livestock to solar sites can make a big impact on communities.

Silicon Ranch is celebrating 10 years in the solar industry, and so is SPW's Pickerel, so listen in as they talk about the decade-club.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/04/contractors-corner-silicon-ranch/

Contractor's Corner: Silicon Ranch

It's no secret that utilities are having a difficult time in California right now. With wildfires increasing in intensity each year, more utilities are having to shut down power to save their grids. It's pushing even more people to consider solar and storage to create their own microgrids to keep emergency services online.

So it's not especially surprising that the state's investor-owned utilities have cried that age-old claim that solar customers are not paying enough for grid upkeep. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is now considering a monthly charge for solar customers, and solar advocates have joined against this attempt by the utilities to "undermine consumer choice."

It leaves installers like Cosmic Solar in a precarious position. In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Cosmic co-owners Bahram and Judith Shadzi about how they are supporting the "Save California Solar" campaign while also diversifying into roofing and maintenance services to ensure the 13-year-old business stays afloat in the worst-case scenario.
https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/05/contractors-corner-cosmic-solar

Contractor's Corner: Cosmic Solar

Veregy is a newish energy services company (ESCO) with a much longer history. The company started in 2019 after six regional ESCOs merged to offer energy optimization and performance contracting to commercial clients nationwide. One of those companies was a commercial solar installer out of Arizona, and the new Veregy now focuses on a holistic energy package for customers — with energy efficiency, solar, smart building integration, maintenance services and more.

In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, John Mitman, VP of distributed energy resources for Veregy, describes the joining of knowledge and expertise as a way to better execute on customer goals. Now when K-12 school districts and healthcare institutions want to save money on their utility bills, the Veregy team can create a long-term strategy with multiple phases of energy conservation measures that may include solar arrays.

Read the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/06/contractors-corner-veregy/

Contractor's Corner: Veregy

Big-name, multi-site contracts can increase a solar installer's standing in the industry, but for SolareAmerica, a partnership with the Wawa convenience store chain only built on the 12-year-old company's legacy.
In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast, John Scorsone, president of SolareAmerica, talks about the gas-pump solar canopies and ground-mounts involved in the Wawa project portfolio, and how it has provided the company with a front-seat to the emerging EV charging market as well.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/07/contractors-corner-solareamerica/

Contractor's Corner: SolareAmerica

Aurora Energy has established a name for itself in the Washington, D.C., area as a risk-taking, ahead-of-the-curve solar installer. The company has evolved over the last three decades and sees its specialty in commercial projects that may need a little custom engineering.

In this episode of the Contractor's Corner podcast Aurora talks about the company's desire to take care of its customers seeking all the financial and environmental benefits that come with installing solar. This has led Aurora Energy to branch out into community solar and take on more unique projects like green roofs.

We also talk tariffs and price increases happening right now.
Find the story: https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/09/contractors-corner-aurora-energy/

Contractor's Corner: Aurora Energy

After more than 12 years in the military serving overseas, Troy Van Beek founded Ideal Energy in 2009 in Fairfield, Iowa, to continue serving others, this time down a path of sustainability. Today the company primarily works on commercial and industrial solar installations under 1 MW. Ideal Energy excels at providing C&I customers with a competitive advantage — whether through good PR, attracting vendors and employees or reducing operating costs, all through solar.

In this Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Troy, Amy Van Beek and Aurelien Windenberger about Ideal Energy's work in Iowa.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2019/12/contractors-corner-ideal-energy/

Contractors Corner: Ideal Energy

With more than 30 years in the roofing business, Citadel Roofing & Solar has also established a niche in the Northern California region for careful solar installations. Since the company is so experienced in roofing and has relationships with home builders, Citadel expects to capitalize on California's mandate that all new homes be equipped with solar arrays.  

In this Contractors Corner podcast  Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Aaron Nitzkin, Citadel's executive VP, about the company's reputation in the roofing and solar industries.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/01/contractors-corner-citadel-roofing-solar

Contractors Corner: Citadel Roofing & Solar

Nexamp has established itself as a leader in community solar development across the Northeast, but the company is not just a one-note band. Nexamp is also involved with behind-the-meter, small utility-scale and storage projects and is spreading its footprint across the country. Community solar, though, is the star of Nexamp's portfolio.
In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Zaid Ashai, chairman and CEO of Nexamp, about the company's involvement in the community solar market and beyond. Plus, solar sheep. We're always down to talk about solar sheep.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/02/contractors-corner-nexamp/

Contractors Corner: Nexamp

Four brothers started Paradise Energy Solutions 10 years ago to help farmers reduce energy costs in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The company has since grown into six additional states and expanded into the residential and commercial markets. Paradise Energy views its mission as building trusting relationships within its communities.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Dale Good, president and CEO of Paradise Energy Solutions, about the company's beginnings in Pennsylvania Dutch Country and its transition into larger markets.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/03/contractors-corner-paradise-energy-solutions

Contractor's Corner: Paradise Energy Solutions

Wisconsin isn't the largest solar market (SEIA ranks it 34th in the country by kilowatts installed), but solar installer Carlson Electric is still managing to keep its employees busy working on solar projects throughout the coronavirus shutdown. 

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Tim Dilley, director of business development for Carlson Electric, about how the company is holding up during this COVID-19 pandemic.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/04/contractors-corner-carlson-electric

Contractor's Corner: Carlson Electric

The Midwest solar market was finally starting to hit its stride before COVID-19 arrived. Still, companies like Iowa's Eagle Point Solar are optimistic about the future and plenty busy installing a backlog of projects.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Larry Steffen, VP of sales for Eagle Point Solar, about how the company is keeping customers interested in solar + storage from afar.

 https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/05/contractors-corner-eagle-point-solar

Contractor's Corner: Eagle Point Solar

DEPCOM Power has always cared for its employees and communities. The utility-scale EPC and O&M company has largely weathered the coronavirus storm and continued to keep its focus on supporting its core team and 2,000 construction contractors.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Johnnie Taul, president of DEPCOM Power, about how the utility-scale contractor is pushing through COVID-19 related slowdowns.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/06/contractors-corner-depcom-power

Contractor's Corner: DEPCOM Power

Southern Florida is getting rocked by COVID-19 right now, and local solar installation company Goldin Solar says that has made business busier than ever, except with a twist — more people want battery backup.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Daren Goldin, CEO and co-founder of Goldin Solar, about why Floridians, who are used to power outages through hurricane season, suddenly find backup power an essential need during the coronavirus pandemic.

 https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/07/contractors-corner-goldin-solar/

Contractor's Corner: Goldin Solar

Barely whisper the name "Sandy" on Long Island and PTSD sets in for many residents. The 2012 hurricane cost New York $41.9 billion in recovery and mitigation expenses, and millions in the Northeast were without power for almost two weeks. When Hurricane Isaias hit earlier this month in the middle of a pandemic, concern was high. Calls for energy storage systems increased significantly for Long Island residential and commercial solar installer SUNation, and now demand for batteries is far outpacing the company's supply.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Scott Maskin, CEO of SUNation, about this crazy year, from being shut down for 12 weeks at the beginning of COVID-19 to now being overwhelmed with business as the next natural disaster hits.

WARNING: There is some mild adult language used in this recording.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/08/contractors-corner-sunation/

Contractor's Corner: SUNation

As a comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions company, Ameresco is dedicated to meeting its clients' energy needs. From school districts to municipalities to healthcare customers, the company approaches each portfolio holistically to ensure load is reduced before suggesting distributed generation options.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, we talk with Dave Anderson, EVP and co-founder of Ameresco, about the company's beginnings 20 years ago and how solar is just one piece of its energy solution puzzle.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/09/contractors-corner-ameresco/

Contractor's Corner: Ameresco

More women are entering the solar workforce every day, but some areas of the industry are still underrepresented. According to The Solar Foundation, women only make up 26% of the solar workforce. In a largely mechanical and construction-related field, it is nice to hear of a woman-led solar installation subcontractor out of Georgia: Sunshine Solar.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World woman and editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with Emilie O'Leary, CEO of Sunshine Solar, about her experience working in a male-dominated segment. She started the company in 2016 because she knew solar was a space she wanted to be in.

We also have a bonus conversation with senior editor Kelsey Misbrener about Kent State University and women representation in solar.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/11/contractors-corner-sunshine-solar/

Contractor's Corner: Sunshine Solar

Working on utility-scale solar projects requires a lot of hands, and, depending on the region, it may be difficult to find enough help. Construction firm Primoris Renewable Energy has been able to hire skilled workers formerly in the oil and gas industries on its large solar projects in West Texas, but senior VP Kent James said it is more difficult to find people for foreman and other supervising positions.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World editor-in-chief Kelly Pickerel talks with James about how the public company uses its reputation to recruit and retain experienced engineers into Primoris' solar construction business.

Following the employment theme, we also have a bonus conversation with SPW associate editor Billy Ludt about solar representation in consumed media and how it can encourage new generations of Americans to get involved with solar.

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2020/12/contractors-corner-primoris-renewable-energy/

Contractor's Corner: Primoris Renewable Energy

The Georgia solar market is fairly dependable. Consistently in the Top 10 states by installed solar capacity, Georgia has a strong utility-scale pipeline, mostly fueled by large arrays that support major corporations. But the residential and commercial markets are just as strong, said Russell Seifert, CEO of local installer Creative Solar USA.

In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, Solar Power World talks with Seifert about how Creative Solar has found success in the Southeast market for the last 13 years. Early inclusion of energy storage into its service offerings likely contributed to the company's steady growth. Seifert said over 70% of the Creative Solar USA's solar installations come paired with storage.

Be sure to listen to the full podcast for insight into how Creative Solar explains whole-home backup to customers and why representation in local and national solar groups is important. We also have a bonus conversation with all three Solar Power World editors about how new products are transforming the installation process. 

Thank you to this month's sponsor, Roof Tech. Roof Tech's self-flashing solar mounts, such as the RT-APEX and the RT-MINI, are improving the lives of solar installers with more efficiency and faster installation. Roof Tech, the global pioneer of waterproof flexible flashing since 1994. More information at https://roof-tech.us/

https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/01/contractors-corner-creative-solar-usa/

Contractor's Corner: Creative Solar USA

Arkansas is an expanding solar market. Ranked 36th in the nation for installed solar in 2019, the state climbed to 25th in 2020. Some of that growth can be attributed to Shine Solar, a five-year-old installer headquartered in the state's northwest corner. CEO Nick Gorden has approached the Arkansas market with education first, and it's paid off. 
In this episode of the Contractors Corner podcast, we talk with Gorden about how the company uses educational marketing in smaller cities to gain trust in new markets. Now with the company moving into states like Mississippi and Oklahoma, that education aspect will continue to be important.

Don't forget to apply to the 2021 Top Solar Contractors list! 
https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/top-solar-contractors/

See photos:  https://www.solarpowerworldonline.com/2021/02/contractors-corner-shine-solar/

Contractor's Corner: Shine Solar

Contractor's Corner is part of the Solar Power World network of podcasts. Solar Power World is the premier media outlet for the U.S. solar market and has the largest solar installer, contractor and developer audience in the industry.  In this podcast series, Solar Power World editors talk with the U.S. solar industry’s biggest newsmakers.

Contractor's Corner

Contractor's Corner by Solar Power World