Here at Third Sun Solar we are finding that our residential customers are increasingly interested in purchasing battery storage with their solar energy system. Battery systems are valuable for many reasons. They provide peace of mind to individuals who experience frequent power outages. Especially in rural areas in Ohio, grid outages are common. Solar batteries help families regain control over their home lives by providing a source of power that doesn’t rely on the energy company.

Is Your Grid Reliable?

Some people don’t know that The National Electric Code mandates grid tied solar systems shut off during a power outage. Why? During a power outage, the power utility sends out repair crews to find and fix the points of failure. Power leaking onto the grid lines endangers linemen and women fixing the service issue. Therefore, utility rules mandate that in the event of a power outage, solar arrays must automatically shut down. Solar systems have detectors that sense whether power is coming across the grid. Solar systems automatically shut down when the grid fails. This is a done to protect utility workers.

Because batteries store excess solar energy, they still function during a power outage.

What are battery backup systems?

Battery backup systems are a lot like they sound. Batteries are used as an emergency power source during power outages. Solar energy created from you array charges the batteries, then the batteries power your home. These systems are generally not designed to backup whole house loads, but rather critical loads such as lighting, sump pumps, furnace blowers, refrigeration, etc. Third Sun Solar installs battery backup solutions to for homeowners who request backup batteries in addition to a solar PV system.

By design, solar battery systems provide backup power during grid failure. Solar batteries do not typically support nighttime loads.

Maintenance

Batteries are much like a car, if you park in the garage and never pay attention to it, it will not work when you need it. Depending on the type of battery technology you choose, there may be some battery maintenance such as topping off fluid levels and equalizing the batteries (lead-acid batteries). Other types of batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, require much less maintenance. Batteries need to cycle, this means that the power levels need to reach a low point to get charged to full again. Additionally, battery charge levels need observation both during use and while not in use.

They level of attention your solar batteries will need depends on your choice of technology. Compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are virtually trouble free, however the inverters and communications systems will need modified as time goes on and new features become available.

A solar battery customer will have a higher level of engagement with their batteries than your typical solar homeowner. Maybe you have a technical mindset & are interested in being involved with the solar battery system. If you’re interested in a hands off system, a generator may be a better choice to achieve your backup power goal.

Why now?

We are in a new era of solar energy storage. Lithium ion batteries are a wonderful technology and new innovations like the Tesla Powerwall are making their way into the market. Don’t forget- the 30% federal tax credit drops after 2019– and solar battery purchases count in this tax credit.

For customers who experience frequent grid outages and want to regain control of their energy, batteries are a great solution. Comfort comes from knowing that you’ll have the power you need even when the grid is down. With a battery system, energy is reliably ready for you at any moment.

Click here to get your FREE solar proposal.

The dreary Ohio winter is behind us. That means it’s the perfect time to think about solar for your roof! Take advantage of peak solar production months by choosing to go solar this spring.

Many homeowners choose to get repairs done on their roofs or replace the whole roof in the springtime. Right after a roof repair or replacement is the best time for solar panel instillation. Why? Because you won’t have to worry about your solar panels outliving your roof.

And while you’re thinking about springtime home improvement projects, remember: solar is an easy way to improve your utility bill! Take full advantage of the peak production months by reaching out today.

1. Get a system in time to soak up the sun during peak solar production months

Even though we’ve got a fantastic install team, if everyone buys solar at once, there can be delays. Spring is your chance to beat the rush!

Here at Third Sun Solar we’re in the highest demand in the summertime. Why? Once those long days of sunlight are upon us, people remember why solar in Ohio works! Calling now is the best way to get scheduled to maximize peak production months.

What is a peak production month?

The longest day of the year is coming: June 21st The Spring equinox! This means that the days will be longer and will remain long into the summertime and fall. Peak production months are months with the most amount of peak sunlight hours. A peak sun hour is defined as an hour of sunlight that offers 1,000 watts of PV power per square meter. These peak hours occur when the sun is highest in the sky. The number of peak sun hours increases during the summer months. In Ohio, our peak production months are May- October, when days are long and sunny.

2. Get the paperwork over with

Solar installations are a little more complicated than installing a new central AC unit. It’s important to allow time for the whole solar process. From permitting with the utility company to the local municipality, we process a lot of paperwork before your solar system can go live. Because we’re often waiting on responses from energy retailers and utility companies, this process can take a while. It’s important to start planning early.

3. Enjoy the summer without worrying about choosing a solar installer!

What do you like to do in the summertime? You probably want to be relaxing, spending time away from work and with your family. Maybe you enjoy barbecuing, hiking or canoeing. You don’t want to be spending hours researching solar installers or on the phone with your utility company. Choosing your solar installer now guarantees that you won’t have to spend relaxing summer days researching!

4. The FTC end this year

Ensure that you purchase your solar energy system before the end of 2019 to qualify for the 30% Federal Tax Credit. This Solar Tax Credit allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system from your federal taxes. Remember: the average homeowner will save approximately $1,000 more when they buy in 2019. In 2022 the tax credit drops permanently to 0% for homeowners.

Who is eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit?

• Individuals and for-profit businesses in the U.S.
• Those that pay federal taxes
• Those who have purchased a new solar system and placed it in service prior to 2020.

What costs are eligible?

• Solar panels
• Racking/Mounting equipment
• Inverters
• Balance of system (wire, conduit, junction boxes, etc)
• Installation labor
• Sales and use taxes

A case could be made that anytime of the year is a good time for installing solar. BUT if you’re currently enjoying the rays of the sun, now is the right time! Give us a call today: 740-249-4533

The dreary Ohio winter is behind us. That means it’s the perfect time to think about solar for your roof! Take advantage of peak solar production months by choosing to go solar this spring.

Many homeowners choose to get repairs done on their roofs or replace the whole roof in the springtime. Right after a roof repair or replacement is the best time for solar panel instillation. Why? Because you won’t have to worry about your solar panels outliving your roof.

And while you’re thinking about springtime home improvement projects, remember: solar is an easy way to improve your utility bill! Take full advantage of the peak production months by reaching out today.

1. Get a system in time to soak up the sun during peak solar production months

Even though we’ve got a fantastic install team, if everyone buys solar at once, there can be delays. Spring is your chance to beat the rush!

Here at Third Sun Solar we’re in the highest demand in the summertime. Why? Once those long days of sunlight are upon us, people remember why solar in Ohio works! Calling now is the best way to get scheduled to maximize peak production months.

What is a peak production month?

The longest day of the year is coming: June 21st The Spring equinox! This means that the days will be longer and will remain long into the summertime and fall. Peak production months are months with the most amount of peak sunlight hours. A peak sun hour is defined as an hour of sunlight that offers 1,000 watts of PV power per square meter. These peak hours occur when the sun is highest in the sky. The number of peak sun hours increases during the summer months. In Ohio, our peak production months are May- October, when days are long and sunny.

2. Get the paperwork over with

Solar installations are a little more complicated than installing a new central AC unit. It’s important to allow time for the whole solar process. From permitting with the utility company to the local municipality, we process a lot of paperwork before your solar system can go live. Because we’re often waiting on responses from energy retailers and utility companies, this process can take a while. It’s important to start planning early.

3. Enjoy the summer without worrying about choosing a solar installer!

What do you like to do in the summertime? You probably want to be relaxing, spending time away from work and with your family. Maybe you enjoy barbecuing, hiking or canoeing. You don’t want to be spending hours researching solar installers or on the phone with your utility company. Choosing your solar installer now guarantees that you won’t have to spend relaxing summer days researching!

4. The FTC end this year

Ensure that you purchase your solar energy system before the end of 2019 to qualify for the 30% Federal Tax Credit. This Solar Tax Credit allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system from your federal taxes. Remember: the average homeowner will save approximately $1,000 more when they buy in 2019. In 2022 the tax credit drops permanently to 0% for homeowners.

Who is eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit?

• Individuals and for-profit businesses in the U.S.
• Those that pay federal taxes
• Those who have purchased a new solar system and placed it in service prior to 2020.

What costs are eligible?

• Solar panels
• Racking/Mounting equipment
• Inverters
• Balance of system (wire, conduit, junction boxes, etc)
• Installation labor
• Sales and use taxes

A case could be made that anytime of the year is a good time for installing solar. BUT if you’re currently enjoying the rays of the sun, now is the right time! Give us a call today: 740-249-4533

Are you ready to work for a team that is accelerating the shift to clean energy by creating solar systems, services, and solutions based on core values for the past 20 years?

About the Business

At Third Sun Solar, we are here to serve by creating business as a force for good and making the planet a better place. Our teams are serving our customers, each other, the community, and stakeholders, which ultimately shows in the genuine pride our team takes in delivering the very best solar solutions.

We are reliable. Our team is filled with dependable, honest, and reliable people. We keep our promises and strive to do it right the first time.

Our team is driven. We are passionate about solar, and that shows in every project that the Third Sun Solar team completes. The team does what it take to ensure the finest system and the best customer experience, and we take pride in our dedication in doing things right.

Third Sun Solar values growth. We have been in business for twenty years and we have a bright future ahead. Our hunger for knowledge and continuous improvement keeps us at the top of our ever-evolving industry. Our staff are on the pulse of cutting-edge solar advancements. We strive for greatness and are not satisfied with the status quo.

Not only do we operate our team with a clear mission and values, we are a certified B Corporation. That means we operate with a triple bottom line commitment to people (our employees and their families, our clients and residents of the communities where we do business), the planet (we appreciate the wonders of nature and believe that a habitable plant is worth fighting for), and profit (generating capital to keep increasing our impact and revenue to share among our team and partners).

We are a talented team of electricians, crew, project managers, engineers, finance, supply chain, permitting, and veteran community members, who are all excited about crafting beautiful solar systems to enable our communities to power their lives with clean energy.

Third Sun Solar is committed to providing our staff with competitive wages, health care benefits, travel expenses, paid holidays, vacation, and a caring, flexible, vision and value-oriented work environment.

Are you interested in joining an established team? We are hiring a Solar Design & Engineering Assistant for our Athens, Ohio office.

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Solar Design & Engineering Assistant is a member of the Operations Team. This position will be directed by the Design and Engineering Manager. All work will be completed in accordance with Third Sun Solar internal standards and practices, industry best practices, and required codes/standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepares project plan sets and renderings for permitting and construction
• Applies solar design principals, National Electric Code requirements, structural load analysis, and financial analysis daily
• Prepares performance models based on system designs
• Provides support to the operations team, growth team, and third parties during system design, review, utility interconnection review, and other code or permitting support
• Provides estimated costs of construction for solar projects based on bid/RFP requirements or internally prepared scopes of work. Maintains historic database and library of subcontractor quotes, supplier pricing, and Third Sun Solar labor production factors
• Assists in developing, maintaining, and refining tools to perform Design and Engineering Team processes

Job Qualifications

• Experience using CAD or other drafting programs
• Knowledge and experience with the National Electric Code
• NABCEP Installation Professional preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of building codes and good construction practices
• Mathematical ability to apply calculations of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and trigonometry
• Experience in contracting or construction management preferred
• Be able to work in a flexible, “roll up your sleeves” and dynamic work environment
• Computer Skills: Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Suite and experience using Project Management Software that includes the usage of Gantt charts, and Auto Cad
• Knowledge and experience designing and installing solar/PV systems preferred
• Must be process oriented and have the ability to work with a customer centered design approach
• Will be creative, both in design and form/function, but also in problem solving and collaboration
• Has the ability to provide internal and external customer service in accordance with the culture and values of the company
• Must be customer service oriented and committed to delivering the highest level of customer service possible
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to juggle multiple projects and tasks is required
• Must have the ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts and advanced reasoning abilities to problems and data and leadership

Work Location

• Athens, Ohio

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• IRA Retirement Account

To Apply

If you’re interested in learning more about working with us, please send us your resume and include a cover letter letting us know what you are great at and why we would be better with you on our team: [email protected]

Third Sun Solar is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

Are you ready to work for a team that is accelerating the shift to clean energy by creating solar systems, services, and solutions based on core values for the past 20 years?

About the Business

At Third Sun Solar, we are here to serve by creating business as a force for good and making the planet a better place. Our teams are serving our customers, each other, the community, and stakeholders, which ultimately shows in the genuine pride our team takes in delivering the very best solar solutions.

We are reliable. Our team is filled with dependable, honest, and reliable people. We keep our promises and strive to do it right the first time.

Our team is driven. We are passionate about solar, and that shows in every project that the Third Sun Solar team completes. The team does what it take to ensure the finest system and the best customer experience, and we take pride in our dedication in doing things right.

Third Sun Solar values growth. We have been in business for twenty years and we have a bright future ahead. Our hunger for knowledge and continuous improvement keeps us at the top of our ever-evolving industry. Our staff are on the pulse of cutting-edge solar advancements. We strive for greatness and are not satisfied with the status quo.

Not only do we operate our team with a clear mission and values, we are a certified B Corporation. That means we operate with a triple bottom line commitment to people (our employees and their families, our clients and residents of the communities where we do business), the planet (we appreciate the wonders of nature and believe that a habitable plant is worth fighting for), and profit (generating capital to keep increasing our impact and revenue to share among our team and partners).

We are a talented team of electricians, crew, project managers, engineers, finance, supply chain, permitting, and veteran community members, who are all excited about crafting beautiful solar systems to enable our communities to power their lives with clean energy.

Third Sun Solar is committed to providing our staff with competitive wages, health care benefits, travel expenses, paid holidays, vacation, and a caring, flexible, vision and value-oriented work environment.

Are you interested in joining an established team? We are hiring a Project Manager for our Athens, Ohio office.

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Project Manager will be part of the Operations Team and will manage commercial projects from large to small scale and residential projects from inception through installation and commissioning of Solar PV System.

Primary Responsibilities

• Nurtures the created culture of success and execution of a purpose-driven and values-based organization to successfully lead, manage, and be accountable for company projects
• Project Manages the successful installation of large to small scale commercial and residential projects
• Coordinates with operational units to ensure plan sets, permits, materials, installation crew, electricians, utilities, permitting agencies, subcontractors, and customers are ready for each install
• Creates bill of materials for each job and provides to procurement team
• Works with engineering to ensure that plan sets are accurate and delivered in the timeframe that allows for permitting and material ordering
• Negotiates contract, scheduling and planning for all subcontractors
• Ensures that all inspections are successfully completed, customers system is commissioned, and working as deemed in the customer contract
• Ensures that all projects are completed utilizing Third Sun Solar’s Safety policy and procedures
• Delivers white glove treatment to all customers promoting the highest level of quality with customers, employees, vendors, and community
• Reports against Key performance Indicators and metrics that are set forth to measure
• Accountable for maintaining a profitable operation that results in meeting the target budgets of each project, by reviewing each project you are assigned on an ongoing basis and making necessary adjustments
• Provide an accurate schedule and capacity forecasting plan
• Creates, updates, and trains on processes as it relates to project management and the impact to the operational team
• Works with many of the company’s computer software such as project management, Auto Cad, and the full Microsoft Suite

Job Qualifications

• Associates Degree required. Certificate in construction or solar preferred
• Experience in solar, construction, or an engineering related industry managing contractors
• Successful track record of project management in large scale commercial work
• Be able to work in a flexible, “roll up your sleeves” and dynamic work environment
• Proven track record of building and managing projects within their forecasted budgets
• Highly proficient in the use of analytics for operations, coaching and trend analysis
• Computer Skills: Must be highly proficient with Microsoft Suite and experience using Project Management Software that includes the usage of Gantt charts, and Auto Cad
• Experience working with customers and in the formal construction bid, subcontractor bids, and request for proposal process
• Professional experience in the private sector and government contracting, not required, but ideal
• Has the ability to provide internal and external customer service in accordance with the culture and values of the company
• Experience reading blueprints
• The ability to provide construction costs and times estimating to commercial and residential projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts and advanced reasoning abilities to problems and data and leadership

Work Location

• Athens, Ohio

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• IRA Retirement Account

To Apply

If you’re interested in learning more about working with us, please send us your resume and include a cover letter letting us know what you are great at and why we would be better with you on our team: [email protected]

Third Sun Solar is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

Are you ready to work for a team that is accelerating the shift to clean energy by creating solar systems, services, and solutions based on core values for the past 20 years?

About the Business

At Third Sun Solar, we are here to serve by creating business as a force for good and making the planet a better place. Our teams are serving our customers, each other, the community, and stakeholders, which ultimately shows in the genuine pride our team takes in delivering the very best solar solutions.

We are reliable. Our team is filled with dependable, honest, and reliable people. We keep our promises and strive to do it right the first time.

Our team is driven. We are passionate about solar, and that shows in every project that the Third Sun Solar team completes. The team does what it take to ensure the finest system and the best customer experience, and we take pride in our dedication in doing things right.

Third Sun Solar values growth. We have been in business for twenty years and we have a bright future ahead. Our hunger for knowledge and continuous improvement keeps us at the top of our ever-evolving industry. Our staff are on the pulse of cutting-edge solar advancements. We strive for greatness and are not satisfied with the status quo.

Not only do we operate our team with a clear mission and values, we are a certified B Corporation. That means we operate with a triple bottom line commitment to people (our employees and their families, our clients and residents of the communities where we do business), the planet (we appreciate the wonders of nature and believe that a habitable plant is worth fighting for), and profit (generating capital to keep increasing our impact and revenue to share among our team and partners).

We are a talented team of electricians, crew, project managers, engineers, finance, supply chain, permitting, and veteran community members, who are all excited about crafting beautiful solar systems to enable our communities to power their lives with clean energy.

Third Sun Solar is committed to providing our staff with competitive wages, health care benefits, travel expenses, paid holidays, vacation, and a caring, flexible, vision and value-oriented work environment.

Are you interested in joining an established team? We are hiring Solar PV Installation Technicians for our Athens and Cleveland, Ohio offices

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Solar PV Installation Technician is a member of our Operations Team. They are primarily responsible for the installation and service of components of a Solar PV system in a commercial or residential setting. Travel is required within Ohio and surrounding states.

Primary Responsibilities

• Works with other team members of the installation team to build solar electric systems for residential and commercial customers by installing solar panels and their components on roofs and ground mounted racking systems
• Required to manage your time to ensure that you have safely and correctly complete your work
• Communicate with all members of the team and ensure that you are exhibiting all company values
• Maintain a clean vehicle, and a clean and safe working environment
• Must always be 100% safety requirements during your work

Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma required
• At least six to twelve months experience working with construction, renewable energy, and/or commercial or residential photovoltaics preferred
• Basic computer proficiency, including the use of applications on a cell phone
• Must be willing and have the ability for 2 to 4 nights of weekly overnight travel
• Must have the ability to qualify for a drug and alcohol-free work-place policy
• Must be punctual and be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to climb ladders, lift up to +50lbs repetitively, work on sloped roofs in all weather conditions
• Hold or have the ability to obtain your OSHA 30 card

Work Location

• Athens, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• IRA Retirement Account

To Apply

If you’re interested in learning more about working with us, please send us your resume and include a cover letter letting us know what you are great at and why we would be better with you on our team: [email protected]

Third Sun Solar is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.

Are you ready to work for a team that is accelerating the shift to clean energy by creating solar systems, services, and solutions based on core values for the past 20 years?

About the Business

At Third Sun Solar, we are here to serve by creating business as a force for good and making the planet a better place. Our teams are serving our customers, each other, the community, and stakeholders, which ultimately shows in the genuine pride our team takes in delivering the very best solar solutions.

We are reliable. Our team is filled with dependable, honest, and reliable people. We keep our promises and strive to do it right the first time.

Our team is driven. We are passionate about solar, and that shows in every project that the Third Sun Solar team completes. The team does what it take to ensure the finest system and the best customer experience, and we take pride in our dedication in doing things right.

Third Sun Solar values growth. We have been in business for twenty years and we have a bright future ahead. Our hunger for knowledge and continuous improvement keeps us at the top of our ever-evolving industry. Our staff are on the pulse of cutting-edge solar advancements. We strive for greatness and are not satisfied with the status quo.

Not only do we operate our team with a clear mission and values, we are a certified B Corporation. That means we operate with a triple bottom line commitment to people (our employees and their families, our clients and residents of the communities where we do business), the planet (we appreciate the wonders of nature and believe that a habitable plant is worth fighting for), and profit (generating capital to keep increasing our impact and revenue to share among our team and partners).

We are a talented team of electricians, crew, project managers, engineers, finance, supply chain, permitting, and veteran community members, who are all excited about crafting beautiful solar systems to enable our communities to power their lives with clean energy.

Third Sun Solar is committed to providing our staff with competitive wages, health care benefits, travel expenses, paid holidays, vacation, and a caring, flexible, vision and value-oriented work environment.

Are you interested in joining an established team? We are hiring Crew Lead Solar Installation Technicians for our Athens and Cleveland, Ohio offices

Job Description & Responsibilities

The Crew Lead Solar Installation Technician is a member of our Operations Team. They are primarily responsible for the leading of the installation crew and the installation and service of components of a Solar PV system in a residential or commercial setting. Travel is required within Ohio and surrounding states.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads the installation crew to build solar electrical systems for commercial and residences
• Installs and provides service to solar electrical system
• Required to manage the time of your crew and your time to ensure that you have safely and correctly complete your work
• Communicate with all members of the team and ensure that you are exhibiting all company values
• Must always be 100% safety requirements during your work
• Maintains a clean vehicle, and a safe and clean work environment
• Train new and current installers on best practices and how to install a solar electrical system

Job Qualifications

• High School Diploma required
• At least 1 year of proven experience in a leader/supervisory role of a construction team
• At least two years construction experience preferred
• Understand basic concepts of construction and renewable energy
• Basic computer proficiency, including the use of applications on a cell phone
• Must be willing and have the ability for 2 to 4 nights of weekly overnight travel
• Must have the ability to qualify for a drug and alcohol-free work-place policy
• Must be punctual and be able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to climb ladders, lift up to +50lbs repetitively, work on sloped roofs in all weather conditions
• Hold or have the ability to obtain an OSHA 30 card

Work Location

• Athens, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• IRA Retirement Account

To Apply

If you’re interested in learning more about working with us, please send us your resume and include a cover letter letting us know what you are great at and why we would be better with you on our team: [email protected]

Third Sun Solar is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.