As part of Solar Power World’s Top 250 Solar Contractor’s coverage, we reached out to companies from five regions of the country. You can find the entire 250 list on our website.
Jonestown, Pa. — Energy Systems & Installation (No. 137) built a 248-kW system in the parking lot of Hershey’s Chocolate World in 2011. The system is seen by millions of visitors to the park every year, including some who arrive by electric car. They charge up at the system’s EV station.
The popular system probably wouldn’t exist, however, had ESI not pitched the idea to Hershey.
“This is a great family facility. They had a huge parking lot, but no place covered from the sun or inclement weather. There was no place for people to get their ducks in a row before entering or leaving,” says Mike Drei, director of marketing at ESI. “We said, ‘Why don’t you put up a canopy for your guests and cover it with panels?’”
While the company sees the Hershey installation as one of its signature accomplishments, staying in business is a success story, too. How did a central-Pennsylvania solar company stay afloat through a recession, while many of its peers closed?
“Innovation at every step,” Drei says. In addition to commercial solar, the company also offers high-efficiency energy solutions, and has developed its own proprietary process for evaluating their clients’ potential energy savings. And it’s certainly helped the contractor weather turbulent economic times.
“If we thought we’d be purely solar in central Pennsylvania, we’d either not be in business, like so many of our peers, or struggling,” Drei says.
The company also developed a program for remodelers and roofers, letting them offer their clients solar along with new cabinets and countertops. Through the program, known as Solar Freedom, ESI aims to be the back office, EPC, training and marketing arm of its construction partners, supporting their solar sales efforts.
“Remodelers want to offer solar and they typically have a large client base in which to market, but it’s complicated,” Drei says. “Now, they just need to sell it, and we’ll do just about everything else.” SPW
Roberto Cumbia says
Exxon-Mobil’s worst nightmare.