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.

Third Sun Solar makes it easy to go solar. We have helped over 1,000 customers power their homes and businesses with clean energy & lower their monthly electricity bills. We are here to help you too. From designing to financing, through permitting and construction, our team goes to work for you.

1.Remote Site Assessment

To save time & reduce our carbon footprint, our initial site assessment with you will be remote!

• Our friendly Solar Consultant will set up a time to chat with you, answer any questions you have, and look at your site via Google Earth.
• We’ll ask for a copy of your electric bill. This important piece of the assessment process will help us design a system that is the right fit for your electric usage.
• Our assessments are always informative and there is never any pressure. Solar is a great solution for many, but if it’s not a good fit for you that’s fine.

2. We Design Your System

Your Solar Consultant will use the information from your conversation, Google Earth and your electric bill to design an optimized system that meets your solar energy goals.

3. We Review Your Solar Proposal

Your Solar Consultant will create a proposal for you that will include system size and details, solar performance estimates, maintenance and warranty information and more.

• We will walk you through all the details of your solar system proposal.
• We will line up your zero-down financing and low interest loan options!
• We answer each and every question – this is an important decision and we want you to be well informed.

4. We visit your home

Once you have made your decision to go solar, we schedule a “technical site visit” to confirm measurements of the initial remote assessment.

5. We manage your project

From permitting, coordinating with your utility company and ordering your equipment to sending out a team of installers and certified electricians, Third Sun Solar handles the instillation process seamlessly.

• Our experienced solar instillation teams take pride in the way a solar system is installed. They focus on safety, quality and performance.
• Our team provides “white glove” customer service. They keep disruptions at a minimum and treat every homeowner like a new member of the Third Sun Solar family.

6. Flip the switch & enjoy the sun’s energy!

After the last panel is installed, we will walk with you through the ins and out of the system and help you celebrate. Our team will stay in touch. We will answer any ongoing questions and help you spread solar with our Solar Champion program.

When you choose Third Sun Solar as your solar partner, you are hiring a company with a conscientious, detailed and refined process to bring your energy dreams to life. With our smart solar financing solutions, you can make your dream happen with $0 down.

When you’re ready, get in touch and we will get you started on your solar journey.

Here at Third Sun we are sincerely grateful for our customers. We’re grateful for your choice to go solar and your enthusiasm to spread the word with your friends and family. Even if you aren’t a customer, you can still be a Solar Champion.

Become a Solar Champion

Being a Solar Champion is a great way to spread the word about the environmental and financial benefits of choosing solar energy to power your home. What else? You will earn $500 with each referral that purchases solar through Third Sun.

Your friends and family save money too when they choose Third Sun Solar. With your referral, they will receive $250 off the price of their solar energy system.

If you think a friend or family member is ready to talk to us about solar, enter them into the referral page of our website!

How to talk to friends and family about installing solar

You know what convinced you to go solar. And you know your friends and family best. You are uniquely positioned to tell them why they should choose solar power. We recognize it can be a tricky conversation, but an important one to have, so we’ve included some tips & tricks below to help you!

And, even if you don’t have a solar system yourself, you’re still invited to be a leader in the clean energy movement. Our Solar Champions program is designed for our customers and the public alike. Through the program, we aspire to provoke dialogue and inspire leaders to get the message out about solar energy. No matter who you are.

Let your friend or family member know that we’ll be reaching out

If you fill out the Solar Champion Referral form, let your referral know that we will be contacting them soon and to be expecting a call. Don’t forget to follow up with them, too. What did they decide to do? What additional information can you provide, or questions can you answer for them?

A few ways you can ask if you can refer a friend or family member to Third Sun Solar:

“You’ve expressed interest in my solar energy system in the past, and I’m reaching out to see if I could put you in contact with my installer, Third Sun Solar. They will provide a free quote specific to your home with no obligation to purchase!”

“I know we’ve talked in the past about you installing solar on your roof. If you want to learn more, I highly recommend my solar installer, Third Sun Solar. Would you like to put you in contact with them? Through their referral program, you will receive $250 off the cost of your system if you choose to make the purchase!”

“The 26% federal tax credit for solar drops at the end of 2022. This program will save you thousands on the upfront cost of your solar system, increasing your net gain in the long run.”

Share your love of the sun on social media!

An effective way to spread the word about solar: social media! Share photos for your home and your panels and let your followers, friends, and family know about your choice to power your home with green energy. It’s an easy way to start the conversation. (Don’t forget to tag us, we love to see what you’re sharing!) Tag Third Sun Solar, or use the hashtag: #PowerForLife

Ideas for what to share:

• Share a photo – have your friends had a chance to see your solar system in person? If not, take a photo and share it with them!
• Share some production data – we know the data is the most exciting part for many of our customers. Share what you track with friends to help them understand how your system works.
• Share why going solar was important to you – is the clean energy transition important to you? Are you excited by the increase in home value? Share these details with your referrals, there may be benefits they haven’t imagined.
• Share your story – what was the biggest obstacle for you? What did you wish you knew at the begging of your journey? What did you learn along the way?

Call our office today to learn more about the Solar Champion Referral program. 877-OWN-SOLAR. We can’t wait to hear from your friends and family!

We considered solar for awhile. Did some research. Contacted several companies. Hands down, a no brainer, Third Sun was the company we wanted to go with. From the first time we spoke to the last day of the install, we were very satisfied with the whole process. We had to do nothing. Very friendly, knowledgeable people who listened and answered all of our questions. Extremely satisfied. Thank you.

I highly recommend Third Sun Solar. My community’s zoning code did not address solar panels so they worked with me and the local officials to establish a code. It was a long process but the code is now in place and my solar panels are now in place which will hopefully encourage more neighbors to also go solar. Great company, very good people.

In the end, you are definitely in good hands with Third Sun and I will recommend them to anyone, even our local school district. Of the other companies I have talked too, Third Sun seems to be the only one who has more of a broader environmental mission opposed to just making money. I think you will find that that mission is what will give you comfort in their ability to keep you happy with your install long after they leave the project.

Neighborhood animals are especially prone to nesting underneath roof-mounted solar panels. Why? Because rooftop solar systems provide protection from the sun, security from predators and a good space to create a nest for many of these animals. If you aren’t proactive, animals can quickly become a problem for your solar array.

What kind of damage can critters do?

Well, a lot. Birds and squirrels are the most common culprits of damage on rooftop solar arrays. Squirrels nest under panels, chew through wires and sometimes burrow through your roof. Birds leave behind scat and nets, which build up lots of debris. This damage and build up can lead to power loss and maintenance costs for your roof and solar array.

A Solution to the Problem

Your Solar Consultant will recommend Critter guards for your home solar array. You could have critter guard screens installed at the time of your solar instillation, or at a later time. It will be most cost effective to install critter guards at the time of your solar instillation.

Third Sun Solar doesn’t recommend installing critter guards by yourself. We wouldn’t want you to get hurt, or to accidentally cause your solar system to malfunction by pulling a wire.

Third Sun Solar recommends that you ask your Solar Consultant to include critter guards when you make your solar purchase. This relatively low-cost addition can help prevent big maintenance problems and damage to your panels or roof in the long run. Ask you Solar Consultant for specific pricing.

If you’re building a new home, you have the opportunity to build it with energy efficiency in mind. Energy smart choices will save you time and money in the long run.

Tips for building an energy efficient home:

1. Work with a contractor who has built low-energy homes in the past
2. Use Energy-Star rated appliances, windows, and insulation.
3. Super insulate your attic and sealing ducts
4. If you’re going solar, consider an electric stove and/or water heater
5. Select highly insulated windows and doors
6. Use large south facing windows to bring heat into your home during the wintertime (and cover with shades to cool in the summertime)
7. Install energy efficient lighting
8. Power your home with the sun!

Planning for Solar:

• Identify local requirements: Some homeowners associations, historic preservation districts and communities have special solar zoning requirements. Get up to speed by researching local zoning rules and regulations.

Designing for Solar

• Position your home with solar in mind: If you want to power your home with solar, the most important thing to consider is positioning. A south-facing roof is ideal for solar panels to capture the most sun. On average, east and west rooftops capture a little less of the suns energy.
• Roof angle: A roof pitched between 30 and 45 degrees is ideal for solar in Ohio.
• Roof truss: spacing of 4 feet or less.
• Roof Material: We can mount panels most cost-effectively, with no roof penetrations, on Standing Seam Metal.
• Conduit run: of 250 feet or less for solar electric lines.
• Built-in metal conduit: from the attic to a location near the electrical service panel— typically 1-inch conduit.
• Large service disconnect: as a point of connection for solar.
• Minimize roof obstructions: Keep solar panels in mind when designing where to put vents and other roof attachments, like dormers and chimneys.
• Load Bearing of the roof: Make sure that your roof will be able to bear the additional weight of a solar energy system.
• Consider landscaping: For solar to work well, sunlight needs direct access to your roof. Think about the placement of your home in relation to trees and other landscaping that could cast shadows on your solar arrays.
• Don’t install a utility meterbase disconnect.

Work with your solar installer from the beginning.

Once you’ve decided to include solar in the plan for your new home, give us a call. We’ve worked with many people who are building a new homes and are interested in installing solar. We know all the tricks. We’ll even create a plan with your contractor. Kokosing Solar offers zero down to homeowners, which means you don’t have to bear the brunt of high upfront costs. You start saving money from day one.

Our Portfolio

We have worked on many energy-efficient homes in Ohio. Last year we installed solar panels on a home in Cincinnati, Ohio, that achieved LEED Platinum certification. This residence is equipped with solar panels and geothermal. Learn more about LEED accreditation here. Kokosing Solar is a proud member of the US Green Building Council, the accreditation body for LEED certification.

Solar Guards: Avoid the Avalanche!

Sometimes we see a big blizzard with heavy snow that sticks around for a while. Fortunately, the average solar panel can support up to 800lbs. of snow. There are side effects to snow on solar panels, however: Solar avalanches! Adding solar panels to your roof changes the way snow interacts with the roof itself. Read on to learn more about these changes: the dangers and what you can do to prevent them.

Why Solar Guards are Important

Asphalt shingles are what most roofs are designed with here in the states. Asphalt shingles have high friction and after a snowfall, snow typically grips to the rough surface as melt water from the bottom of the pile slowly melts the snow away. The solar panels installed on your roof replace this rough, grippy, asphalt surface with smooth, even glass. This means when snow builds up on this this low-friction material, the melt water underneath the snow acts as an accelerator. This causes snow to slip off your roof all at once. These “avalanches” have the potential to do damage to landscaping, cables, vehicles, gutters and even you or your family.

What are Snow Guards

A snow guard is a device designed to prevent damage caused by snow slipping off solar panels. Solar panels have snow guards affixed directly them to prevent large pieces of snow from cascading down and falling off your roof all at once.

Not all homeowners need solar guards

• Our Engineers can design your system with ample asphalt roof space around the edge of your solar PV system. This rough roof space acts as a barrier to snow slipping off your solar panels and roof. If you’re working with limited roof space, however, the size of your solar system will be reduced.
• If the area underneath your solar panels doesn’t have doorways, vehicles or landscaping, and there are no safety threats, snow guards may not be necessary.
• The pitch of your roof will be a factor in determining the necessity of snow guards.

In Conclusion…

Due to these variables, your solar installer will work with you to understand if snow guards are a good fit for your solar system. Ultimately, Third Sun Solar will recommend the instillation of snow guards on solar systems where there is risk of damage or harm.

There are places in Ohio, for example Cleveland, Akron and the northern part of the state, where significant snow buildup during the wintertime is a real concern. Consider how much snow falls annually in your area when you weigh the risks of not getting snow guards. Learn more about solar in the snow here.

In the end, snow guards are relatively low-cost additions to your solar purchase. Insuring your property and the people you love are safe given the chance of a solar panel snow slip might be worth investing in this low-cost upgrade.

Here at Third Sun Solar we have been working in the Midwest for the past 19 years. Our experienced installers can assess your roof and determine if snow guards are right for you.

Go Green & Save Green this St. Patrick’s Day

Here in Ohio, it seems that spring has come early and while our trees aren’t green quite yet, St. Patrick’s day is a good reminder of all things green. It’s a great opportunity to start thinking about greening your home and consequently, saving green in the long run!

In the world we live in, energy is an expense that is nearly impossible to avoid. Reducing the amount of energy we use is good for both the planet as well as our wallets.

Tips to Green Your Home by Saving Electricity:

How Going Solar can help you Go Green & Save Green

Solar power uses clean, renewable power from the sun to make energy. The standard way of creating energy relies on non-renewable fossil fuels which release carbon when processed and contribute to rising greenhouse gasses in our environment. In fact, the majority of greenhouse gas emissions come from brown energy – vehicle emissions and power plants that generate power for the utility companies. Compared to its alternative, solar power has a much greener impact on the environment.

Energy from the sun is readily available, abundant, and won’t run out! Fossil fuels, like coal and natural gas, need mined before they can be processed. The mining process is harmful to the environment and it is expensive. This expense, in part, is passed on to customers by way of their electric bill. Using solar power over fossil fuels is one of the most important steps a person can make to reduce the amount of carbon they put out into the environment. By switching to solar power, you can put your money towards capturing earth’s cleanest and most readily available energy resource: the sun!

Solar systems provide homeowners with the opportunity to generate their own power.

Solar energy systems have a high up-front cost, but once installed, the fuel (the sun) is free forever. Due to the thirty-year system life and low maintenance costs, once the system is purchased, the cost of energy is fixed at a known quantity. Conventional energy prices, however, with their dependence on fossil fuels (coal, gas, and oil) are subject to the volatility of those markets, as well as any future costs of environmental remediation or carbon emissions penalties. The cost of owning a solar system remains set and the reward- the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow- comes as you avoid energy costs that tick upward year after year.

How to save the most green?

Start the process today! Our schedule is quickly filling up and customers who are looking to take advantage of the full federal tax credit before it drops. Also, Third Sun Solar offers zero down financing! There is no better time to commit to owning your energy now and in the future.

Solar can give you 30 years or more of energy cost predictability, along with a nice rate of return on the solar investment. That could make you and your family feel really good — knowing you are also taking positive steps for the climate, the planet, and your future generations.

In 2011, a group of solar installers representing territories from across the United States came together and launched a revolutionary plan to better serve their customers. These companies decided it was time to form a national organization where independent solar installers could support each other by pooling their purchasing power as well as sharing best practices. This cooperative model allows Third Sun Solar, an average sized regional solar business, to negotiate equipment purchases as though it were a $500 Million company. Membership in Amicus Solar allows Third Sun Solar to achieve “scale” while still maintaining the speed and nimbleness, as well as the “family business feel” of a smaller local company.

Today, we have 51 member-owners with office locations in 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada and we’re growing. Between all members, we have licenses to operate in all 50 states! The Cooperative is owned and democratically led by its member companies (like Third Sun Solar!). Amicus members are passing their enhanced purchasing power along to customers by offering best solar pricing on high-quality solar electric system installations.

Why does Third Sun Solar’s membership in Amicus make a difference to our customers?

• We purchase better equipment at lower prices, allowing us to provide better pricing to you without cutting any corners
• Your system’s performance, quality and operational efficiency all improve based on Amicus members sharing best practices and technical knowledge
• You have access to superior financing partners for residential and commercial loans
• Amicus vets all suppliers, only choosing companies with good track records so we can assure you that the equipment you’re investing in is the best out there
• It allows you to support in state installers instead of larger, national companies without sacrificing cost or quality

Company founders Geoff and Michelle Greenfield recently won the “Cooperative Award” from Amicus Solar Cooperative for the work Third Sun Solar does for the group.

Dedicated to the mission of offsetting carbon emissions and giving customers agency over their energy production, Amicus members are mission driven, vision aligned businesses working to bring the solar revolution to energy consumers across the nation. We are proud to say 40% of Amicus members are B Corporations. Similar to Patagonia, one of the founders of the B-Corp movement, these Amicus members are a special kind of company, with a legal commitment to people, planet, profit that is verified by an outside audit. Amicus Solar Cooperative is a B Corp itself, having won the distinction of achieving top 10% of all certified B Corps in the Impact Governance category. In 2015 Third Sun Solar was named Best for the Environment by B Corp.

For average sized businesses like Third Sun Solar, who don’t have the big buying power of huge corporate solar installers, having this strong value chain relationship is important. Amicus is interested in maintaining thriving local solar installation companies and creating a competitive advantage by buying pooling power. Amicus empowers solar entrepreneurs by giving them a venue to compete on the big stage. As a result, jobs and money stay in your neighborhood!

Here at Third Sun Solar we are invested in our community – it’s wellbeing and its future.

If you would like a competitive quote for your home, business, or non-profit please reach out to Third Sun Solar today for more information.

Ohio Solar Incentives

It’s going to be a busy year for solar and our installation schedule is filling up faster than usual this year! We are already scheduling installations for the spring 2019. Why the rush? Because 2019 is the final year to get the full 30% federal tax credit before it drops.

What is the 30% Federal Tax Credit?

Otherwise known as the Investment Tax Credit, the Solar Tax Credit allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system from your federal taxes.

Put simply: if you spend $20,000 on your solar system, you pay $6,000 less in taxes when you file. The tax credit is different than a refund in that, you do have to owe taxes to claim the credit. If the credit is larger than your tax liability in the first year, the remaining amount can be applied the next year. Generally, all expenses included in the quote you receive from your Solar Consultant can be included in the deduction. There is no cap on the value of the credit, and it is available to both residential and commercial customers. Every tax situation is different, however. While we at Third Sun Solar are experts on all things solar, we do not provide tax advice and encourage you to consult with your accountant.

How long will the federal tax credit stay in effect?

The solar tax credit will remain at 30% for solar systems completed and placed in service before December 31, 2019. The tax credit will be reduced to 26% in 2021 and then to 22% in 2022. After 2022, there will be no solar tax credit for residential customers but a 10% credit for commercial entities will remain

Other reasons to go solar in 2019:

• Third Sun Solar is now offering ZERO DOWN financing! These solar friendly low interest loan options are easy to understand and are available to most customers depending on credit
• Electricity prices continue to rise and are never paid off. While solar prices are at an all-time low, energy prices are expected to maintain their annual tick upward, forever…
• If you live in a metropolitan area in Ohio: Dayton, Cincinatti, Cleveland, Columbus you may be eligible for the Energy Conservation for Ohioans, or ECOLink program. ECOLink provides up to a 3% interest rate reduction for up to seven years on bank loans when you complete energy efficient upgrades to your home.

Why wait?

Homeowners are realizing the return on investment will increase when you go solar before 2020. There has never been a better time to go solar in Ohio. Since the initiation of the Investment Tax Credit, the cost of solar as dropped as solar technology and the efficiency of our installation team has improved. The cost of waiting is not worth the cost of losing out on the 30% tax incentive.

Why Third Sun Solar?

• 19 Years of experience designing and installing solar in Ohio
• Over 900 clean energy installations under our belt
• Licensed electrical and general contractor
• AMICUS Partner
• Certified B-Corp
• Woman Owned Small Business

Our schedule is filling up quickly. We urge you to make the most of the final months left to receive the full 30% federal tax incentive.

Learn how easy it is to go solar by submitting a form here, or by calling 877-Own-Solar to speak with one of our qualified solar consultants today.

Ohio Solar Incentives

It’s going to be a busy year for solar and our installation schedule is filling up faster than usual this year! We are already scheduling installations for the spring 2019. Why the rush? Because 2019 is the final year to get the full 30% federal tax credit before it drops.

What is the 30% Federal Tax Credit?

Otherwise known as the Investment Tax Credit, the Solar Tax Credit allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system from your federal taxes.

Put simply: if you spend $20,000 on your solar system, you pay $6,000 less in taxes when you file. The tax credit is different than a refund in that, you do have to owe taxes to claim the credit. If the credit is larger than your tax liability in the first year, the remaining amount can be applied the next year. Generally, all expenses included in the quote you receive from your Solar Consultant can be included in the deduction. There is no cap on the value of the credit, and it is available to both residential and commercial customers. Every tax situation is different, however. While we at Third Sun Solar are experts on all things solar, we do not provide tax advice and encourage you to consult with your accountant.

How long will the federal tax credit stay in effect?

The solar tax credit will remain at 30% for solar systems completed and placed in service before December 31, 2019. The tax credit will be reduced to 26% in 2021 and then to 22% in 2022. After 2022, there will be no solar tax credit for residential customers but a 10% credit for commercial entities will remain

Other reasons to go solar in 2019:

• Third Sun Solar is now offering ZERO DOWN financing! These solar friendly low interest loan options are easy to understand and are available to most customers depending on credit
• Electricity prices continue to rise and are never paid off. While solar prices are at an all-time low, energy prices are expected to maintain their annual tick upward, forever…
• If you live in a metropolitan area in Ohio: Dayton, Cincinatti, Cleveland, Columbus you may be eligible for the Energy Conservation for Ohioans, or ECOLink program. ECOLink provides up to a 3% interest rate reduction for up to seven years on bank loans when you complete energy efficient upgrades to your home.

Why wait?

Homeowners are realizing the return on investment will increase when you go solar before 2020. There has never been a better time to go solar in Ohio. Since the initiation of the Investment Tax Credit, the cost of solar as dropped as solar technology and the efficiency of our installation team has improved. The cost of waiting is not worth the cost of losing out on the 30% tax incentive.

Why Third Sun Solar?

• 19 Years of experience designing and installing solar in Ohio
• Over 900 clean energy installations under our belt
• Licensed electrical and general contractor
• AMICUS Partner
• Certified B-Corp
• Woman Owned Small Business

Our schedule is filling up quickly. We urge you to make the most of the final months left to receive the full 30% federal tax incentive.

Learn how easy it is to go solar by submitting a form here, or by calling 877-Own-Solar to speak with one of our qualified solar consultants today.

If you’re considering going solar, you might be wondering if cold and snowy midwestern winters should affect your decision. This is one of the most asked questions we get. Third Sun Solar has 19 years of experience installing systems on all types of buildings across Ohio. To date, our portfolio includes nearly 900 installations in the mid-west. These folks didn’t let our cold winters or snowfall discourage them from going solar, and you shouldn’t either!

Can my solar panels produce energy if they are covered in snow? No, a solid covering of snow all but shuts off production. The good news is that overall production loss from the snow is very small when looking at performance on an annual basis. Losing a day of production in January is a fraction of a day in July. Here at Third Sun Solar, our team takes winter’s shorter days, snowfall and the orientation of sunlight all into account when estimating the output of your system.

Residential Solar System Covered in Snow

Depending on the tilt of your roof and the slant of your panels, snow will typically slide off on its own. Even in the heart of winter solar panels give off a small amount of heat, which helps to warm and melt the snow. Additionally, snow on the ground can reflect light, amplifying the sunlight absorbed by your solar panels. During sunny winter days, the sun will warm the dark solar panels and the snow will melt and snow will typically slide off the smooth surface. An added bonus? Cleaning the panels won’t be necessary, snow can get this job done easily!

Are cold temperatures bad for my solar panels? Unless covered in snow, solar panels are actually more efficient in cold conditions. Like most electronics, solar panels function better at colder temperatures than under intense heat. Most arrays hit their highest power generation of the year on cold clear winter days at noon.

Should I try to clear the snow off my solar panels? Snow will usually melt quickly off your panels. There is the occasional blizzard, however, that leaves snow lingering on rooftops for an extended period of time. Overall, yearly production loss from snow cover is very small. At Third Sun, we do not recommend 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. Snow falling off of the panels can be a nuisance, and if the lower edge of a roof mounted array is close to the edge of the roof, we will recommend “Snow Guards” over doorways or areas with pedestrian activity.

Remember that, living in the Midwest, the worst of the winter months and the short days only last for about three months. Time with reduced solar output is limited. In the sunny summer months, your system can generate more solar energy than you use, which will be reflected in a surplus energy credit. At the end of the year, our customers are happy with their overall annual production.

Now that you know this, consider…

2019 is the final year to get the full 30% federal tax credit before it drops. Ohio homeowners are realizing the savings and the return on investment will increase when you go solar before the end of 2019. 

If you would like a quote for your home, business, or non-profit please sign up for a free solar estimate or call 877-OWN-SOLAR today.

Project Overview

System Size: 45.9 kW

Completed: 2019

KOA, an Ohio based Global Consumer Care Products company with numerous brands chose to go solar in 2019. Through the design and engineering process, they selected their research and development and offices as the ideal location to install the panels.

KOA uses recycled and recyclable materials in all product containers and contributes 1% of annual proceeds towards efforts to remove plastic from the oceans. They are a world leader in ethical business practices. The solar energy system reduced 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually by providing a clean alternative to the 44,700 pounds of coal that would have been needed to provide equivalent energy – Despite being such a small percentage of annual usage. Solar offsets KOA’s annual energy use by .68%.

Project Overview

System Size: 340 kW

Completed: 2019

When nationally renowned personal care brand and Ohio manufacturer Barbasol chose to go solar, their team sought an experienced solar installation professional. Barbasol is motivated to use their national platform to promote their sustainable business practices, such as installing solar. The solar energy system reduced 314 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually by providing a clean alternative to the 172 tons of coal that would have been needed to provide

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!