Third Sun Solar is proud to be a certified B-Corp, a designation awarded by an outside nonprofit organization to businesses “who meet the highest standards of verified, overall social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.”

Many folks ask us why we submitted ourselves for consideration, seeking to learn if it was purely for altruistic reasons, or if there were practical considerations as well. While we have run our business for “People, Planet and Profit” since our start in 2000, it was certainly still a hurdle to becoming formally certified by an outside organization; the process included time and resource-consuming logistical challenges, such as officially changing our LLC operating agreement to state that we must manage our business to serve people and the planet in addition to seeking profit. Since our first certification in 2012, we have since undergone recertifications as well as a random audit.

So why all the effort? There are many reasons, but these primary themes stand out:

Optimization

At Third Sun Solar, we use this word to describe the engineering and design choices we make as we come up with the best solar solutions for each customer situation. In our early days, I personally selected the best combination of inverters, panels and racking for each project, and spent a lot of time running the numbers and comparing the different options to arrive at an “optimal” solution for a customer’s goals. Today that work is carried on by our expert team, but I still apply that approach to running the business. I am analytical and curious by nature—running Third Sun Solar with my team involves hundreds of choices and decisions. With a focus on our mission, “To empower people to save the planet with clean energy”, we have concluded that focusing on a ‘triple bottom line’ (social, environmental, financial) is the optimized way to achieve that mission.

Differentiation

When we launched Third Sun Solar at the end of the 90s there were hardly any dedicated businesses focused on solar solutions. Today, solar customers have many choices, each promising that they are “the best”, “high quality”, etc. While Third Sun Solar’s long industry leadership helps us stand out from this crowd in many ways, we decided that achieving B-Corp certification would go a long way toward further distinguishing us as a leader. Our B-corp status is another way of showing we are fully committed to the highest quality and safety for our clients, our employees and the greater community (AKA our PEOPLE). Those who already do business with us can see firsthand that we’re trustworthy and honest; our B-corp status proves we stand up to rigorous scrutiny regarding our environmental practices (AKA our PLANET). While it is pretty easy to recycle cardboard, we go way further, including a 100% solar net-zero office, carbon-offsets for our driving, and even composting our kitchen scraps. By contrast, some of our supposedly environmentally-driven competitors don’t even recycle!

Competitive

One of the most important reasons we have become a Certified B-Corp isn’t altruistic at all. Like all for-profit businesses, we’re striving for a significant competitive advantage over our competition (other solar companies) as solar achieves its destiny as the preferred energy form in homes and businesses (AKA our PROFIT).

We’re also engaged in a “war for talent”. Third Sun Solar is primarily successful because of our people. Though we gain market advantage in areas ranging from internal software to low-cost purchasing through a co-op, at the end of the day the most important factor in our success and growth are the people on our team. From the first phone call or email communication to all of the human interactions along the way, and finally to the crew bolting equipment together and programming the electronics, our people are at the root of our success. Based on that understanding, we believe that recruiting, retaining and motivating the very best team members is our “secret sauce”. In this context, our B-Corp certification gives us a significant advantage (invisibility and attractiveness to high-quality candidates as well as employee satisfaction and retention), and it is one that we are glad to have.

Before founding Third Sun Solar as a business, I worked for several nonprofits in the social sector (focused on Appalachian poverty and affordable housing), along with my time in a government agency (the US Peace Corps). Those were formative experiences, and I have a lot of respect for many great people and programs working to solve big problems and make the world better through these sectors. I also have seen (and sadly continue to see) the destructive nature and short-sightedness of many conventional businesses, especially the largest of corporations where the conventional practice (and the legal requirements) focus only on immediate profit and only profit. The B-Corp movement is an effort to change this. Third Sun Solar and many other mission-driven businesses are harnessing entrepreneurial energy and drive to solve social and global problems that have vexed the nonprofit and governmental sectors for decades.

We are in the midst of an experiment and are excited to be part of a movement that takes the best of capitalism, creativity and market forces in an effort to use business as a positive force for social good.

Third Sun Solar is proud to be a certified B-Corp, a designation awarded by an outside nonprofit organization to businesses “who meet the highest standards of verified, overall social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.”

Many folks ask us why we submitted ourselves for consideration, seeking to learn if it was purely for altruistic reasons, or if there were practical considerations as well. While we have run our business for “People, Planet and Profit” since our start in 2000, it was certainly still a hurdle to becoming formally certified by an outside organization; the process included time and resource-consuming logistical challenges, such as officially changing our LLC operating agreement to state that we must manage our business to serve people and the planet in addition to seeking profit. Since our first certification in 2012, we have since undergone recertifications as well as a random audit.

So why all the effort? There are many reasons, but these primary themes stand out:

Optimization

At Third Sun Solar, we use this word to describe the engineering and design choices we make as we come up with the best solar solutions for each customer situation. In our early days, I personally selected the best combination of inverters, panels and racking for each project, and spent a lot of time running the numbers and comparing the different options to arrive at an “optimal” solution for a customer’s goals. Today that work is carried on by our expert team, but I still apply that approach to running the business. I am analytical and curious by nature—running Third Sun Solar with my team involves hundreds of choices and decisions. With a focus on our mission, “To empower people to save the planet with clean energy”, we have concluded that focusing on a ‘triple bottom line’ (social, environmental, financial) is the optimized way to achieve that mission.

Differentiation

When we launched Third Sun Solar at the end of the 90s there were hardly any dedicated businesses focused on solar solutions. Today, solar customers have many choices, each promising that they are “the best”, “high quality”, etc. While Third Sun Solar’s long industry leadership helps us stand out from this crowd in many ways, we decided that achieving B-Corp certification would go a long way toward further distinguishing us as a leader. Our B-corp status is another way of showing we are fully committed to the highest quality and safety for our clients, our employees and the greater community (AKA our PEOPLE). Those who already do business with us can see firsthand that we’re trustworthy and honest; our B-corp status proves we stand up to rigorous scrutiny regarding our environmental practices (AKA our PLANET). While it is pretty easy to recycle cardboard, we go way further, including a 100% solar net-zero office, carbon-offsets for our driving, and even composting our kitchen scraps. By contrast, some of our supposedly environmentally-driven competitors don’t even recycle!

Competitive

One of the most important reasons we have become a Certified B-Corp isn’t altruistic at all. Like all for-profit businesses, we’re striving for a significant competitive advantage over our competition (other solar companies) as solar achieves its destiny as the preferred energy form in homes and businesses (AKA our PROFIT).

We’re also engaged in a “war for talent”. Third Sun Solar is primarily successful because of our people. Though we gain market advantage in areas ranging from internal software to low-cost purchasing through a co-op, at the end of the day the most important factor in our success and growth are the people on our team. From the first phone call or email communication to all of the human interactions along the way, and finally to the crew bolting equipment together and programming the electronics, our people are at the root of our success. Based on that understanding, we believe that recruiting, retaining and motivating the very best team members is our “secret sauce”. In this context, our B-Corp certification gives us a significant advantage (invisibility and attractiveness to high-quality candidates as well as employee satisfaction and retention), and it is one that we are glad to have.

Before founding Third Sun Solar as a business, I worked for several nonprofits in the social sector (focused on Appalachian poverty and affordable housing), along with my time in a government agency (the US Peace Corps). Those were formative experiences, and I have a lot of respect for many great people and programs working to solve big problems and make the world better through these sectors. I also have seen (and sadly continue to see) the destructive nature and short-sightedness of many conventional businesses, especially the largest of corporations where the conventional practice (and the legal requirements) focus only on immediate profit and only profit. The B-Corp movement is an effort to change this. Third Sun Solar and many other mission-driven businesses are harnessing entrepreneurial energy and drive to solve social and global problems that have vexed the nonprofit and governmental sectors for decades.

We are in the midst of an experiment and are excited to be part of a movement that takes the best of capitalism, creativity and market forces in an effort to use business as a positive force for social good.

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Baltimore ACE Hardware

The Baltimore ACE Hardware project in Baltimore, Ohio consists of (161) 330-watt Hanwha modules mounted on the roof of the building. This creates a total array size of 53,130 watts (53.13 kW). It’s estimated that the solar array will offset 70-80% of the electricity used annually by the facility. The system is grid-tied, making net metering possible with the local utility. Because these solar panels produce DC electric, the current passes through 4 SolarEdge inverters and is converted to AC current that is synchronized with the local utility grid.

The solar project includes a SolarEdge web-based monitoring system. This tool allows the facility to view the system performance online at any time via the web portal

We were recently able to follow up with the owner of the Baltimore ACE Hardware, Rick Foreman, and asked him a few questions about his system.

TSS: What motivated you to go solar?

Rick: For me, it was the savings. The financial tax credit and the potential savings on my electric bill.

TSS: That’s definitely one benefit of going solar, so what were the goals for your solar array and how is your system performing for you?

Rick: It’s been great! I went solar for the financial incentives; it’s all about the dollars and the cents really. Since my installation, I’ve been saving about 70-80 percent off my electricity bill. To put it simply, it’s been great.

TSS: Wow, that’s wonderful to hear! So, one last question, would you recommend Third Sun Solar to your friends or family?

Rick: I’ve already been recommending solar with Third Sun to everyone. The entire process went smoothly and everything’s been operating well.
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Baltimore ACE Hardware

The Baltimore ACE Hardware project in Baltimore, Ohio consists of (161) 330-watt Hanwha modules mounted on the roof of the building. This creates a total array size of 53,130 watts (53.13 kW). It’s estimated that the solar array will offset 70-80% of the electricity used annually by the facility. The system is grid-tied, making net metering possible with the local utility. Because these solar panels produce DC electric, the current passes through 4 SolarEdge inverters and is converted to AC current that is synchronized with the local utility grid.

The solar project includes a SolarEdge web-based monitoring system. This tool allows the facility to view the system performance online at any time via the web portal

We were recently able to follow up with the owner of the Baltimore ACE Hardware, Rick Foreman, and asked him a few questions about his system.

TSS: What motivated you to go solar?

Rick: For me, it was the savings. The financial tax credit and the potential savings on my electric bill.

TSS: That’s definitely one benefit of going solar, so what were the goals for your solar array and how is your system performing for you?

Rick: It’s been great! I went solar for the financial incentives; it’s all about the dollars and the cents really. Since my installation, I’ve been saving about 70-80 percent off my electricity bill. To put it simply, it’s been great.

TSS: Wow, that’s wonderful to hear! So, one last question, would you recommend Third Sun Solar to your friends or family?

Rick: I’ve already been recommending solar with Third Sun to everyone. The entire process went smoothly and everything’s been operating well.
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Project Overview

System Size: 54.6 kW

Completed: 2018

Stratford Ecological Center, a non-profit educational organic farm and nature preserve on 236 acres in Delaware County, Ohio, reached out to several premier Ohio solar installers to construct their first solar project. Stratford selected Third Sun Solar for our expertise in both solar project development and construction.

The result of our collaboration was a 54.6 kW solar PV system coupled with a Cripple Creek electric vehicle car charger. Aside from lowering their large electrical costs, the organization felt that solar aligned with their values and reinforces to the community that Stratford is a true steward of the earth. Since sustainability of the land is important to the organization, to avoid increasing land use, we were able to install on two south facing barns on the property, situated perfectly for optimal solar production.

Project Financing: Stratford Ecological received help from their large network of members and volunteers to fundraise for the project. Individuals could invest in the solar at various price levels to become a “Sunbeam”, “Power Ranger”, and “Solar Supreme”

Legal and tax structure: Since Stratford Ecological Center is a tax-exempt non-profit, zero tax incentives were utilized for this project.

Myth: Solar is too expensive.

Fact: Going solar is one of the best investments any homeowner can ever make.

We’ve heard it before: “Switching to Solar is Too Expensive”. Let’s take a look at the real costs of making the switch to solar energy before deciding that solar is too expensive. Let’s consider the facts first:

• Initially, the cost of a solar installation is an investment. An investment that, when designed and installed properly, will put money in your pocket for many years to come. As utility rates increase, the money saved will only continue to rise.

• In recent years, the cost of solar panels has dropped substantially … we’re talking 60 % over the last 10 years, making solar more practical and economical than ever before. This is the exact opposite of fossil fuel sources (oil, gas & coal), which become more expensive and less abundant with every ton burned.

• Residential electricity rates have seen an increase of 4% nationally over the past 10 years. In some places like Oregon, locals have seen dramatic increases as much as 40%, there is no denying that rates will continue to be on the rise.

• Solar panels typically come with a 25-year warranty, but systems installed decades ago are still generating energy today, so it’s expected that a new array will last many years beyond the warranty period. That’s 25+ years of saving 50-85% on your electric bill annually! Think of how you could better spend that money.

• Homeowners don’t have to wait 25 years to see the savings; depending on the size of the system, homeowners can take advantage of simple payback of 9-12 years.

• Solar panels operate during peak daytime load periods when fossil fuel powered electricity is at its greatest demand and most expensive. In fact, with an efficiently-designed solar array, the panels will be returning excess power to the grid when it’s most needed, generating credit instead of cost.

• Some people worry about the value of their investment if they choose to install solar panels, but might decide to sell their homes later. Well no surprise here, solar installations actually increase the value of your home on the market, with the added bonus of spending less time on the market.*

In our modern society, having electricity has become essential for day-to-day living, and the use of a depleting resource is becoming a real crisis. With our rate of energy consumption in the U.S. increasing, and the cost of fossil fuels predicted to also continue rising, now is a perfect time to make the switch. Don’t let the cost of going green stop you from making the switch. With our current trends, switching to solar energy is a great way to save.

*appraisalinstitute.org

Myth: Solar is too expensive.

Fact: Going solar is one of the best investments any homeowner can ever make.

We’ve heard it before: “Switching to Solar is Too Expensive”. Let’s take a look at the real costs of making the switch to solar energy before deciding that solar is too expensive. Let’s consider the facts first:

• Initially, the cost of a solar installation is an investment. An investment that, when designed and installed properly, will put money in your pocket for many years to come. As utility rates increase, the money saved will only continue to rise.

• In recent years, the cost of solar panels has dropped substantially … we’re talking 60 % over the last 10 years, making solar more practical and economical than ever before. This is the exact opposite of fossil fuel sources (oil, gas & coal), which become more expensive and less abundant with every ton burned.

• Residential electricity rates have seen an increase of 4% nationally over the past 10 years. In some places like Oregon, locals have seen dramatic increases as much as 40%, there is no denying that rates will continue to be on the rise.

• Solar panels typically come with a 25-year warranty, but systems installed decades ago are still generating energy today, so it’s expected that a new array will last many years beyond the warranty period. That’s 25+ years of saving 50-85% on your electric bill annually! Think of how you could better spend that money.

• Homeowners don’t have to wait 25 years to see the savings; depending on the size of the system, homeowners can take advantage of simple payback of 9-12 years.

• Solar panels operate during peak daytime load periods when fossil fuel powered electricity is at its greatest demand and most expensive. In fact, with an efficiently-designed solar array, the panels will be returning excess power to the grid when it’s most needed, generating credit instead of cost.

• Some people worry about the value of their investment if they choose to install solar panels, but might decide to sell their homes later. Well no surprise here, solar installations actually increase the value of your home on the market, with the added bonus of spending less time on the market.*

In our modern society, having electricity has become essential for day-to-day living, and the use of a depleting resource is becoming a real crisis. With our rate of energy consumption in the U.S. increasing, and the cost of fossil fuels predicted to also continue rising, now is a perfect time to make the switch. Don’t let the cost of going green stop you from making the switch. With our current trends, switching to solar energy is a great way to save.

*appraisalinstitute.org

What are these talks of solarize programs and solar co-ops all about?

There has been a lot of press in the Midwest surrounding communities creating group solarize and solar co-op opportunities. But what does this mean for you?

What are solarize and solar co-op programs?

Both programs are locally-organized group-buying opportunities provided by a city, neighborhood, or organization where multiple homes and businesses go solar together as a group. In addition to getting a bulk discount, the group members benefit by learning about solar together and sharing the task of evaluating and selecting a solar installer. These programs have established periods of time for joining, so they are limited time offers.

Why are these programs forming?

Solarize and solar co-op programs can quickly deploy a large amount of solar, and make the process easier and more efficient for all parties. Organizations often offer this type of opportunity as an employee benefit. An important benefit of a group going solar all at one time is that everyone can learn together and share knowledge in addition to the discount.

What are the benefits of these programs?

If you live in an area that has a solarize or solar co-op program already being offered, then:

• You are in a position to not only take advantage of the 30% Federal Tax Credit, but you will also have the opportunity to purchase a solar array for your home or business at the group-negotiated discount rate. These rates vary by program, and some solarize opportunities present additional grants for eligible homeowners.
• Joining a solarize or solar co-op allows you to rely on the expertise of your group in choosing a reliable solar installer. Working together with accountants, lawyers, engineers and construction experts in your community helps members feel more confident about choosing solar and a reliable installater.
• Lastly, taking advantage of these opportunities while they are occurring dramatically increases the environmental benefits for the entire community in which you live or work.

There isn’t a solarize or solar co-op happening where I live or work. Should I wait to go solar?

The time to buy solar is now, even if you live in a community without one of these group-buying opportunities because:

• Costs for solar have dropped significantly over the last decade, making solar an affordable energy solution.
• There is currently a 30% Federal Tax Credit being offered.
• Our clients dramatically lower their annual electric bills by 50-90%, keeping money in their pockets.
• You might consider organizing your own “group purchase”. Even having a few homes go solar together can lead to savings and efficiency (see below).
• Easily start your free evaluation by completing this form.

How can I start a solarize or solar co-op program for my community?

Third Sun Solar has experience working with neighbor groups, businesses and churches to offer group-buying opportunities to their neighbors, employees and congregations. We can help walk you thru the process, and offer an incentive package where discounts are spelled out depending on how much solar gets installed. Working with a group saves us money and time, so it’s an easy decision for us to turn this saved money into a discount.

Third Sun Solar has also been selected as a preferred installer for multiple community co-op and solarize programs (for example: GCEA & OH SUN programs). We would be happy to answer your questions about gathering a group together to go solar. For more information, call us: 877-696-7652.

What are these talks of solarize programs and solar co-ops all about?

There has been a lot of press in the Midwest surrounding communities creating group solarize and solar co-op opportunities. But what does this mean for you?

What are solarize and solar co-op programs?

Both programs are locally-organized group-buying opportunities provided by a city, neighborhood, or organization where multiple homes and businesses go solar together as a group. In addition to getting a bulk discount, the group members benefit by learning about solar together and sharing the task of evaluating and selecting a solar installer. These programs have established periods of time for joining, so they are limited time offers.

Why are these programs forming?

Solarize and solar co-op programs can quickly deploy a large amount of solar, and make the process easier and more efficient for all parties. Organizations often offer this type of opportunity as an employee benefit. An important benefit of a group going solar all at one time is that everyone can learn together and share knowledge in addition to the discount.

What are the benefits of these programs?

If you live in an area that has a solarize or solar co-op program already being offered, then:

• You are in a position to not only take advantage of the 30% Federal Tax Credit, but you will also have the opportunity to purchase a solar array for your home or business at the group-negotiated discount rate. These rates vary by program, and some solarize opportunities present additional grants for eligible homeowners.
• Joining a solarize or solar co-op allows you to rely on the expertise of your group in choosing a reliable solar installer. Working together with accountants, lawyers, engineers and construction experts in your community helps members feel more confident about choosing solar and a reliable installater.
• Lastly, taking advantage of these opportunities while they are occurring dramatically increases the environmental benefits for the entire community in which you live or work.

There isn’t a solarize or solar co-op happening where I live or work. Should I wait to go solar?

The time to buy solar is now, even if you live in a community without one of these group-buying opportunities because:

• Costs for solar have dropped significantly over the last decade, making solar an affordable energy solution.
• There is currently a 30% Federal Tax Credit being offered.
• Our clients dramatically lower their annual electric bills by 50-90%, keeping money in their pockets.
• You might consider organizing your own “group purchase”. Even having a few homes go solar together can lead to savings and efficiency (see below).
• Easily start your free evaluation by completing this form.

How can I start a solarize or solar co-op program for my community?

Third Sun Solar has experience working with neighbor groups, businesses and churches to offer group-buying opportunities to their neighbors, employees and congregations. We can help walk you thru the process, and offer an incentive package where discounts are spelled out depending on how much solar gets installed. Working with a group saves us money and time, so it’s an easy decision for us to turn this saved money into a discount.

Third Sun Solar has also been selected as a preferred installer for multiple community co-op and solarize programs (for example: GCEA & OH SUN programs). We would be happy to answer your questions about gathering a group together to go solar. For more information, call us: 877-696-7652.

Project Overview

System Size: 131.16 kW

Completed: 2017

This 131.1 kW solar system offsets the poultry’s operation by 79%. With a payback period of 6 years, the 25-year electric bill savings was estimated at $591,718. With the greatest energy expenditure in the summer months, when solar is at its peak production, this farm operation saw the huge value solar could bring to their operations. The money saved will be put to good use in funding future farm projects for Sarbaugh Poultry.

Project Overview

System Size: 163.2 kW

Completed: 2017

Adding solar helps to stabilize a farms operating costs, which is valuable to farmers and agricultural producers in general. Kibbler Dairy Farms found that they had to constantly run fans during the summertime to keep brutally hot temperatures at bay. This electric expenditure led to very high electric bills. To reduce and stabilize the expense, the farm turned to solar.

In 2017 Third Sun Solar installed 480 solar panels at Kibler Dairy Farm in Warren, OH. The system provides monthly savings in the thousands to the farm. The first year alone saw over $23,000 in avoided electrical payments. The farm was excited to save that money to reinvest in the operations. In turn, the project will offset approximately 120 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Family farms see their future in going green. Dairy farms are prime candidates to bring more renewable energy to our heartland.

Understanding your federal tax forms seems like a lost cause to many people. And turning to a tax professional may be your cup of tea. But in a post by EnergySage, they’ve broken down every form needed to claim the federal solar tax credit, most commonly referred to as the ITC (Investment Tax Credit).

Some things mentioned to keep in mind:

• Solar array owners (not leasers) are eligible to claim the ITC on any property they live in at least part of the year. (Primary or not)
• The ITC is a refundable tax credit, which means that if your federal tax liability is less than the total solar savings, you can carry over the remainder to the following year because you can’t get more back than you owe in any one year.

You’ll just need one additional form to complete in order to claim your tax credit: IRS Form 5695. Once you’ve completed Form 5695 in the manner they outlined, you’ll take the final result (line 15) and include it in your IRS Form 1040, line 53.

Read original article at EnergySage.com…

Understanding your federal tax forms seems like a lost cause to many people. And turning to a tax professional may be your cup of tea. But in a post by EnergySage, they’ve broken down every form needed to claim the federal solar tax credit, most commonly referred to as the ITC (Investment Tax Credit).

Some things mentioned to keep in mind:

• Solar array owners (not leasers) are eligible to claim the ITC on any property they live in at least part of the year. (Primary or not)
• The ITC is a refundable tax credit, which means that if your federal tax liability is less than the total solar savings, you can carry over the remainder to the following year because you can’t get more back than you owe in any one year.

You’ll just need one additional form to complete in order to claim your tax credit: IRS Form 5695. Once you’ve completed Form 5695 in the manner they outlined, you’ll take the final result (line 15) and include it in your IRS Form 1040, line 53.

Read original article at EnergySage.com…

We have FAQs here, but the Qs we’d really like to A are yours. Read these questions and jot down your answers. Those answers will help us help you decide whether solar makes sense for you. Call us when you have all the answers, and we’ll deliver a quick review of your solar potential, the costs, and the returns you can expect on that investment in your home. Or, fill out our on-line form here.

Your street address: (So we can look you up on Google Earth)
City, State, Zip:

Which best represents the orientation of your house?

• North/South
• East/West
• Northeast/Southwest
• Southeast/Northwest
• None of these

Which best represents your roof?

• Flat roof
• 15° pitch
• 30° pitch
• Complex roof (facing many directions)
• None of these

Which best represents the shading on your roof from trees or other structures?

• No Shade
• Partial Shading
• Full Shading

Find a recent utility bill. If you have it scanned as a PDF, that’s great. You can email it to us at [email protected].
Or, you can fax it to us at 740-249-4596.

About how much you pay per month for electricity, on average?

• Under $100
• $100-150
• $150-200
• $200-300
• Over $300

How much of your electric bill would you like to eliminate?

• Reduce 100% of my electric bill
• Reduce my electric bill by 50%
• Reduce my electric bill by 25%

I would like to have uninterrupted power during grid blackouts

Third Sun Solar to Speak at Forum Designed to Explore Solar’s Future in Ohio

Athens, OH– Third Sun Solar’s president and co-founder, Geoff Greenfield, will be speaking at this year’s final Ohio Conservation Forum, this Friday, December 19^th. The forum will explore Ohio’s current energy situation with a look back at the history and impact of solar in the state, as well as discussing what the future holds for renewable energy in Ohio. The forum will feature a panel of solar professionals, including Greenfield, as well as a guest from Green Energy Ohio, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally and economically sustainable energy policies and practices in Ohio. The forum will take place at 1 p.m on December 19^th at 1404 Goodale Boulevard, in Columbus. Those who are interested in attending are asked to RSVP to [email protected].

This symposium is a part of the Ohio Conservation Forums, an event put on by the Ohio League of Conservation Voters. The forums seek to stimulate education and discussion by joining experts with concerned citizens to discuss environmental and sustainability topics pertinent to the future of our state and its people.

Thank you for another great year of accelerating the shift to clean energy.

This year we welcomed over 50 new farms, businesses, and homeowners to our Third Sun Solar family. They join more than 400 others who have taken their energy independence into their own hands while doing something positive for the planet.

We all use electricity. For too long, we have used electricity without thinking much about it, believing that electricity is best made by others, by experts, by “the powers that be.”

We are now entering a new era, one where we can take control of our future, including the important choice of how our power is generated.

I am proud to be part of the growing solar power industry. Every day, companies like Third Sun Solar are busy building new clean solar power plants, including solar for households, businesses, government buildings, military facilities… and even libraries.

Solar technology is simple, reliable and efficient. There are no moving parts. The panels are solid state, modular and scalable. More panels make more power, and the amount of power they produce is a function of their specifications and their location. To make equal amounts of electricity, you might need 10 solar panels in the desert southwest and 12 panels in Ohio, maybe 15 panels in western New York state. The point is, solar panels work anywhere.

The nation’s second-most solar state is New Jersey. Germany is a shining example of a modern industrial nation that is well on its way to a clean, renewable power grid. The key point here is, solar can work anywhere the sun shines. There is no technical barrier to a solar powered U.S.A.

Is solar cost effective? Yes, solar panels also make sense financially. Solar costs have dropped by 80% since 2007 — just as we saw with personal computers and smartphone, as a new industry scales up, costs come down. So with long-term financing a solar system can cost less than conventional retail power, with no fuel costs–sunlight is free fuel. There is no economic barrier to a solar powered U.S.A.

As I said… My company and many of my friends in the solar industry are hard at work turning on system after system for folks that are choosing clean energy. But there are also many entrenched power interests that benefit from perpetuating the status quo — that want us to keep burning coal, oil, and natural gas and throwing pollution up into our delicate atmosphere. Aging, inefficient and highly-polluting power plants are being kept online simply to maximize profit. This has to stop.

There is STILL a political barrier to a solar powered U.S.A.

At Third Sun Solar, our company mission is to accelerate the shift to clean energy. We need to move forward, both installing clean solar and wind power as quickly as we can, while also retiring the dirtiest, oldest power plants as quickly as we can. We salute and support Environment Ohio in calling on Senator Sherrod Brown to support the EPA’s new Carbon Rule.

Myths get started all the time as we try to understand something complicated. We make up a story as an explanation, and the more times we say it and share it, the more that myth sounds like truth. So, we are going to bust some myths by sharing the simple facts about solar. This doesn’t have to be complicated and these myths are no longer necessary to get solar.

Myth: There’s too much snow for solar in the Midwest

Fact: Solar panels still work in snowy parts of the country and in some situations can work more efficiently that during summer months.

It’s true that when your solar panels are completely snow-covered, they will only be able to generate a portion of their typical energy output because less sunlight is able to pass thru the snow cover.

That being said, this is nothing to be concerned about because:

• Solar creates more efficient energy at cooler temperatures.
• The sun will warm up the dark solar panels and the snow will quickly melt and/or slide off the smooth surface, so no need to clear the snow off yourself.
• Even in the dead of winter, solar panels give off some small amount of heat, which can prevent snow from sticking in the first place.
• In working with Third Sun Solar experts in the design of the array, the shorter days, weather, and less direct sunlight is taken into account to optimize your system. Net-metering will allow you to continue receiving electricity when your array produces less.
• As a percentage of overall yearly production the loss from some snow is very small.
• When snow is on the ground and the panels are clear, the snowy surface basically acts as a mirror and in many cases, you end up with a small boost because of the reflection off the snow.
• Snow sliding off panels as it melts simultaneously cleans them.

We recommend not trying to clear the solar panels. Getting onto a roof in inclement weather is dangerous and using any type of tool on the panels themselves can damage the panels.