Sunrock Solar is a general contractor that designs and installs solar power systems. The Blue Ash-based business consults with home and business owners all over southwest Ohio on energy efficiency solutions. They're most known for the solar panels seen with increasing frequency around the Tri-State, and for solar thermal systems for hot water heating.
Carl Adams founded Sunrock Solar in 2008. With a background in computer engineering, he worked for another renewable energy company before striking out on his own. Quality installation makes all the difference in how much solar energy is harvested by photovoltaic (PV) systems and Adams is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.
Sunrock Solar uses a solar pathfinder device to find the best placement for solar panels. The pathfinder allows technicians to see the path of the sun and shading patterns on a property over several years. They then transfer that information into a computer program. In most U.S. climates, a PV system with 10 percent efficiency generates about 180 kilowatt-hours per square meter of solar panels.
Nathan Young, Project Manager at Sunrock Solar, sees a great opportunity for growth in Cincinnati as the city goes greener. "This area is behind Portland, Boulder, and other green-type communities. But once [solar power] makes sense money-wise, people are more apt to do it."
Currently, Sunrock employs three regular staff, and adds temporary help as needed. Adams and his staff are working on promoting their commercial business, and hope to hire more full-time staff once contracts are lined up.
Young, who worked in construction before joining Sunrock, enjoys work that allows him to catch rays - in more ways than one. "I enjoy that I’m helping people reduce their carbon footprint."
Writer: Elena Stevenson
Source: Nathan Young, Sunrock Solar project manager
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