Defending Quality, Safety, Ethics and the Planet

The news last week from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows that now more than ever we need to accelerate the shift to clean energy. For 19 years, Third Sun Solar has believed the best way to achieve this shift is by providing quality solar installations and using a high integrity consultative approach with prospective customers as they explore their options and investigate how and if solar is right for them. Our success is largely due to following these principles, and we believe that treating our customers with this respectful approach has led to our loyal customer base and helped the solar industry as a movement.

Indeed, our industry already faces many challenges as we are in an uphill battle we work to compete against an entrenched century old fossil fuel industry. With the recent growth and popularity of solar driven by improved technology and more public awareness, we have seen a growing number of national companies (and fly by night contractors) moving into the Ohio market. While we recognize that healthy competition is welcomed and is ultimately beneficial to consumers, we are also very concerned that “a few bad apples” could hamper the progress we have been working toward for almost two decades. Specifically, we have received complaints regarding aggressive sales tactics, deceptive marketing and low quality craftmanship from some of these new entrants.

When installing solar, there are several nuances that are state specific. All our public utilities operate under the guidance of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and they are required to follow specific rules regarding net metering and interconnection policies. These policies differ by state, so it is important to work with an installer familiar with Ohio policies, so the customer can be properly educated and understand their options and the true economics of their investment. Whether it is a lack of knowledge or intentional deceit by these new companies, the result is a misinformed customer and the potential to tarnish the reputation of our budding industry.

As these companies decide to cut corners, play loose with the facts and apply aggressive sales tactics, we receive a wide range of complaints. When working with a solar installer, it is important to ask the following questions:
– How long has the installer been working in your area?
– Does the installer use their own employees or hire subcontractors?
– Does the installer hold an electrical license (and is that electrician in Ohio or some far away state?)
– Are they insured in your state?
– Do their employees receive workers compensation and employee benefits?
– Are they using local weather data or national averages for their production estimates?
– What type of reviews do their customers and employees post online? Check Google Reviews, Better Business Bureau, Indeed, and Solar Reviews.
– Are they willing to provide references that have had their system installed longer than a year longer than five years?

The old saying “under promise and over deliver” should be the moto of a mission-driven company. This will build loyalty with customers and provide a positive reputation on our industry.

At Third Sun Solar, we have worked hard to build a strong, credible clean energy industry in Ohio over the last 19 years and would hate to see this reputation suffer from a few bad actors. Please consider checking out reviews from both customers and employees when selecting an installer. A company who poorly treats their employees, may not have much regard for their customers once the contract is signed. Remember, it is these very employees that will be responsible for the installation of your solar equipment (and the safety and quality of the work, electrical work within your home and the proper weatherproofing of the attachment to the roof).

We believe in this industry, and our planet is need of our services. Let’s not ruin this opportunity to make a lasting impact on our climate by taking short cuts and misleading people who believe in the benefits of solar.

If you would like an expert and honest quote for your home, business, or non-profit please sign up for a free solar estimate.

Third Sun Solar is one of Ohio’s oldest and largest full service solar companies. We have spent the past 19 years installing over 900 solar systems throughout Ohio and the surrounding states, and
have built an exceptional reputation for expert design, installation and customer service as we help people go solar.

We are a mission driven company and also a certified B-Corp, which means we walk our talk when it comes to our values as a business committed not just to sustainable profitability and growth, but to serving people and the planet as well.

Our mission is “To empower people to save the planet with clean energy”. Our team works hard toward this goal everyday at a company built on a strong foundation made up of the following core values:
• We are here to serve
• We are reliable
• We are driven
• We value growth

Do you have a passion for the environment and wish to make a difference in the world while also joining one of the fastest growing industries in the country?

Do you have marketing, sales and/or business experience and love communicating with people?

Are you a driven and well-organized overachiever ready to turn your talents toward our planet’s future?

If so, then you may be the type of person we are looking for. Only the best of the best will have the opportunity to join our team. If this is you, please see the position details below.
Application instructions:

• Deadline to apply – November 12th, 2018
• This position is targeted to begin December 3rd, 2018 (flexible)
• To apply, please submit resumes and cover letters to [email protected]
• We apologize in advance- you will only hear from us if invited to interview
• NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

Marketing Specialist Position Description
We are seeking an experienced general marketer with a passion for renewable energy to be “the voice” of Third Sun Solar. The ideal candidate will work with leadership and the sales team to create a variety of content (written, graphic, video) and deploy that content online to generate high quality leads. This position will also serve as the initial point of contact for resulting phone and email inquiries, educating the public about solar and qualifying the leads. He or she will enter these leads in the CRM system and distribute them to the sales team.

We are looking for candidates with hands on experience with content creation and marketing, You will be responsible to generate a predictable stream of high quality leads from the residential,
commercial and agricultural sectors, and the number and conversion percentage of these leads will be an important measurement of your success. This one-of-a-kind position is full-time and based in our Athens office.

Primary Activities
• Serve as the initial point of contact for phone and email inquiries, qualifying prospects and logging into the CRM for assignment to the sales team or further nurturing.
• Collaborate closely with sales team to develop collateral such as video and website content, newsletters and blog posts, sell sheets, presentations, case studies and any other content that is
needed for campaigns.
• Implement targeted marketing campaigns co-developed with company leadership.
• Build marketing automation campaigns to nurture prospects from first contact to sale.
• Use CRM reports to measure success and efficiency of campaigns, channels and tactics.
• User follow up surveys and completed project follow up calls to track customer satisfaction
and cultivate long term referrals.

The Ideal Candidate has:
• Passion to work for a fast-growing, world-changing, mission-driven company.
• Relevant marketing experience for a sales-driven business, or for an agency with relevant client experience.
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of marketing concepts, messaging and brand positioning
• Has a proven track record developing marketing materials and a variety of content (written
copy, graphics and video)
• Experience working in Salesforce (or equivalent CRM system) and WordPress (or other web publishing platforms)
• Expertise in all aspects of digital marketing including SEO, adword strategy and social media targeting.

Compensation and Benefits
We pride ourselves on offering a great workplace culture, awesome co-workers and leadership, and an attractive competitive compensation package with opportunities for advancement.

• Base salary commensurate with experience
• Variety of company health insurance plans with $3,240 company contribution per employee
• Optional Dental and vision insurance plan with $330 company contribution per employee
• Simple IRA retirement with employer match up to 3% of salary
• Paid holidays, vacation and personal days
• Discounts and promotions for employee purchased solar system
• Expert solar training with the region’s leading solar electric provider
• Career growth path opportunities

Company Description
Third Sun Solar is the region’s leading solar company and has been designing and installing high-performance solar energy systems since 2000. Our fully trained and NABCEP certified
solar professionals ensure that our customers get the very best and safest installation. Third Sun Solar founder Geoff Greenfield serves on the NABCEP Board of Directors, and the company
has been on the INC list of fastest growing companies five years in a row. Our success is based on awesome customer service and customers spreading the word about us to their friends and neighbors. Third Sun Solar is a certified B-Corp, reflecting our commitment to operating as a triple bottom line company focused on People, Planet and Profit. Our mission
is the “To empower people to save the planet with clean energy”, and we are proud that our passion, dedication and expertise shine through as we help our customers achieve their solar
goals.
Company website: https://kokosingsolar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Third-Sun-Solar

We always get the question, “Does solar actually work in Ohio?” Yes folks it really does and we can show you! Join our solar expert David Zelasko and one of our happy customers for refreshments and learn how solar is saving them money on their electric bill. Please see event details below.

12898 Painesville Warren Rd, Painesville, OH 44077-9217, United States

Saturday October 6, 2018 12pm-4pm

We hope to see you there!

Third Sun Solar named the top Ohio solar contractor in Solar Power World’s 2018 Top 500 Solar Contractors List

Announced this week, Third Sun Solar, a leading provider of commercial, public sector and residential solar solutions, has been named the top solar provider in the Ohio as part of the 2018 Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractors List. Nationwide, the company was ranked #28 among firms offering engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to commercial clients, and #160 overall. For 19 years, Third Sun Solar has designed, engineered and built projects across the Midwest, delivering thousands of kilowatts (kW) of solar solutions across 14 states.

The Top Solar Contractors list was developed by Solar Power World in 2012 to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, the Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and the 2018 list was released on July 24th. Solar Power World is the industry’s leading source for technology, development and installation news. Ranks are determined by the number of kilowatts (DC) a company was involved with installing in 2017 in the United States only.

“Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors,” said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. “We’re happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets.”

“We are honored to be recognized by Solar Power World as one of the top solar companies in the United States and number one in Ohio. Our growth has accelerated as building and homeowners learn that solar is now cost effective in the Midwest. While demand is driven by solar’s strong economics, our success is driven by our great team of electricians, designers, consultants and office staff”, said Geoff Greenfield, Third Sun Solar’s founder.

According to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Greentech Media Research’s recent U.S. Solar Market Insight report, the U.S. installed 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV capacity in Q1 2018 to reach 55.9 GW of total installed capacity, enough to power 10.7 million American homes. This represents a 13 percent increase year-over-year.2 “Total installed U.S. PV capacity is expected to more than double over the next five years, and by 2023, over 14 GW of PV capacity will be installed annually,” the report notes, predicting serious growth for solar in the next few years.

About Third Sun Solar
Third Sun Solar is a full-service clean energy company serving homeowners, businesses, institutions and government entities across the Midwest. It is a licensed electrical and general contractor that has installed more than 900 projects and thousands of solar modules in 14 states since our start in 2000. Additionally, Third Sun Solar is a woman-owned, certified B-Corporation with the mission to empower people to save the planet with clean energy. Its team of solar consultants, designers, financing experts and NABCEP-certified installers work to make solar easy by delivering high performance and long lasting solar solutions using its optimized design process. Getting solar proposals is easy with Third Sun Solar, to do so, call in for a 5-minute consultation, and upon receipt of basic information including address, energy bills, and the age of your roof, Third Sun Solar can provide a detailed quote. For more information, visit Third Sun Solar.

About Solar Power World
Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors—including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets—grow their businesses and do their jobs better.

Media Contact- Third Sun Solar
Geoff Greenfield
740-707-4720
[email protected]

Third Sun Solar named the top Ohio solar contractor in Solar Power World’s 2018 Top 500 Solar Contractors List

Announced this week, Third Sun Solar, a leading provider of commercial, public sector and residential solar solutions, has been named the top solar provider in the Ohio as part of the 2018 Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractors List. Nationwide, the company was ranked #28 among firms offering engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to commercial clients, and #160 overall. For 19 years, Third Sun Solar has designed, engineered and built projects across the Midwest, delivering thousands of kilowatts (kW) of solar solutions across 14 states.

The Top Solar Contractors list was developed by Solar Power World in 2012 to recognize the work completed by solar contractors across the United States. Produced annually, the Top Solar Contractors list celebrates the achievements of U.S. solar developers, subcontractors and installers within the utility, commercial and residential markets, and the 2018 list was released on July 24th. Solar Power World is the industry’s leading source for technology, development and installation news. Ranks are determined by the number of kilowatts (DC) a company was involved with installing in 2017 in the United States only.

“Solar Power World is very excited about the 2018 class of Top Solar Contractors,” said Kelly Pickerel, editor in chief of Solar Power World. “We’re happy to feature a strong group of thriving U.S. solar installers on the 2018 Top Solar Contractors list. These companies truly are at the top of their markets.”

“We are honored to be recognized by Solar Power World as one of the top solar companies in the United States and number one in Ohio. Our growth has accelerated as building and homeowners learn that solar is now cost effective in the Midwest. While demand is driven by solar’s strong economics, our success is driven by our great team of electricians, designers, consultants and office staff”, said Geoff Greenfield, Third Sun Solar’s founder.

According to Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Greentech Media Research’s recent U.S. Solar Market Insight report, the U.S. installed 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV capacity in Q1 2018 to reach 55.9 GW of total installed capacity, enough to power 10.7 million American homes. This represents a 13 percent increase year-over-year.2 “Total installed U.S. PV capacity is expected to more than double over the next five years, and by 2023, over 14 GW of PV capacity will be installed annually,” the report notes, predicting serious growth for solar in the next few years.

About Third Sun Solar
Third Sun Solar is a full-service clean energy company serving homeowners, businesses, institutions and government entities across the Midwest. It is a licensed electrical and general contractor that has installed more than 900 projects and thousands of solar modules in 14 states since our start in 2000. Additionally, Third Sun Solar is a woman-owned, certified B-Corporation with the mission to empower people to save the planet with clean energy. Its team of solar consultants, designers, financing experts and NABCEP-certified installers work to make solar easy by delivering high performance and long lasting solar solutions using its optimized design process. Getting solar proposals is easy with Third Sun Solar, to do so, call in for a 5-minute consultation, and upon receipt of basic information including address, energy bills, and the age of your roof, Third Sun Solar can provide a detailed quote. For more information, visit Third Sun Solar.

About Solar Power World
Solar Power World is the leading online and print resource for news and information regarding solar installation, development and technology. Since 2011, SPW has helped U.S. solar contractors—including installers, developers and EPCs in all markets—grow their businesses and do their jobs better.

Media Contact- Third Sun Solar
Geoff Greenfield
740-707-4720
[email protected]

Adamsville, Ohio Agricultural Project

This is only one of the many farms in the Midwest taking advantage of solar energy. With over 340 watt modules that produces 131.1kW, this location proved to be a great site to install a solar array.

Adamsville, Ohio Agricultural Project

This is only one of the many farms in the Midwest taking advantage of solar energy. With over 340 watt modules that produces 131.1kW, this location proved to be a great site to install a solar array.

Bethel Engineering President David Whitaker’s passion for renewables just helped the company become more green and energy efficient. Learn more about the 252 kW system that Third Sun Solar installed for Bethel Engineering.

Good Nature Organic Lawn Care

Good Nature Organic Lawn Care

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