Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor List

Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor List

Renu Energy Solutions made the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor List!

We are so proud to announce we have made the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractor’s list! Although the COVID-19 pandemic is the immediate crisis unfolding at the moment, mitigating climate change is also an urgent issue. Solar PV installation is one way to help reduce greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. Solar Power World has recognized the efforts of solar contractors across the United States in its 2020 Top Solar Contractors list, where local solar installer Renu Energy Solutions achieved a rank of 180 out of 407 companies. The Top Solar Contractors list is developed each year by Solar Power World to honor the work of solar installers big and small. Solar firms in the utility, commercial, and residential markets are ranked by the number of kilowatts installed in the previous year. Companies are grouped and listed by specific service (developers, electrical subcontractors, EPCs, installation subcontractors, rooftop installers), markets, and states. “The Solar Power World team is so pleased to highlight more than 400 companies on the 2020 Top Solar Contractors list, especially during this unprecedented time,” said Kelsey Misbrener, senior editor of Solar Power World. “All contractors featured on the 2020 list reported strong 2019 installation numbers and are continuing to stand tall this year.”

The Solar Power World Top 500 and COVID-19

This year’s Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractors are facing obstacles that this industry has never seen before. The first quarter of 2020 was the country’s biggest ever, with 3.6 GW of new solar capacity added. But COVID-19 impacts showed their force in Q2, and Wood Mackenzie is forecasting residential and non-residential markets will see 25% and 38% decreases in year-over-year installation volumes this year. Renu Energy Solutions has been able to successfully continue operating by taking many steps to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers during this time. Through introducing virtual and over the phone consultations, encouraging sanitary precautions at install sites, and enforcing social distancing measures in office and warehouse environments, Renu has maintained complete efficiency during this time. In addition to persevering through this turbulent time in history, the 2020 class of Top Solar Contractors is continuing to innovate by adding energy storage to their offerings. Over one-third of this year’s contractors are also featured on the exclusive 2020 Top Solar + Storage Installers list. Renu Energy Solutions was included in this list as well, being ranked 40 out of 137 companies.    Renu Energy Solutions employs around 60 workers who installed 4491 Kilowatts of solar power in 2019. Since its founding in 2010, the company has installed 17,609 Kilowatts of solar. The company takes great pride in being able to offer effective energy solutions to homeowners, business owners, and nonprofits all across the country.

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.

About Renu Energy Solutions

As our tagline states, we believe in Smart. Reliable. Solar.

Smart.

Customer education is a central pillar of Renu Energy’s approach. Homeowners and businesses are seeing the clear economic and environmental advantages of clean solar energy. Our experienced consultants are here to help guide you through renewable energy improvements that are both wise for the planet and prudent for your financial future.

Reliable.

Since 2010, Renu Energy Solutions has provided quality renewable energy system installations for commercial and residential systems. Solar technology works. The sun’s energy is plentiful. The Renu Energy team is ready to demonstrate to you that we can deliver a durable, powerful solar solution guaranteed to meet or exceed energy projections for five years.

Solar.

We envision a future where most buildings incorporate clean energy. Because solar panels have come down in price significantly over several years, it’s within reach of many customers and has become popular across the country. Whatever your reason for considering solar, let Renu Energy be your committed partner for devising and building your ideal solar solution. Contact us today for a free solar consultation!
Renu Ranks on the Inc. 5000

Renu Ranks on the Inc. 5000

Renu Energy Solutions Ranks No. 1,834 on the 2020 Inc 5000!

Inc. magazine revealed that Renu Energy Solutions is No. 1,834 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armor, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“It has been a journey getting to where Renu is today! I feel privileged and honored to work with such a dedicated and passionate team that drives our continued successes- I’m thrilled that Renu is recognized on the Inc5000 and has debuted in the top 30% of applicants!” says Renu Energy Solutions President, Jay Radcliffe.

What Does it Mean to Make the List?

Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been extremely competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists as well. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an incredible three-year average growth of over 500 percent, and a median rate of 165 percent. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $209 billion in 2019, accounting for over 1 million jobs over the past three years.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”
 
The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring the companies on the list will be held virtually from October 23 to 27, 2020. As always, speakers will include some of the greatest innovators and business leaders of our generation.

 

More about Inc. Media and the Inc 5000 Methodology

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000  gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.
 
The 2020 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2016 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2016. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2016 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc 5000. 

 

Complete results of the Inc 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on Inc.’s official website.

 

 Are You Ready to Go Solar?

Renu Energy Solutions is constantly growing and completing new solar projects. If you’d like to be our next solar success story, or even if you’re just thinking of converting to solar energy, contact us today for your free consultation. We’d love to help you through every step of your solar journey!

 

First Purple Heart Home in North Carolina Built with Solar

First Purple Heart Home in North Carolina Built with Solar

Renu Energy Solutions installing SunPower® solar on home built for disabled service member, who is thankful for low electric bills

DENVER, N.C., Nov. 20, 2018- Local disabled veteran, Angela Cherico and her family are the first recipients of a nearly complete home built by Purple Heart Homes in Denver, N.C. that will come equipped with a SunPower® solar system. Donated by SunPower and installed by Renu Energy Solutions, the system will provide Cherico with greater energy independence, lower electric bills, and added peace of mind. “My daughter and I will have two of the most important things: stability and security,” said Cherico, whose service experience included two deployments to Iraq. She continues that while there, exposure to burn-pits may be responsible for her ongoing breathing problems, complicated further by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and back and neck pain. Thanks to local solar energy company Renu Energy Solutions (https://renuenergysolutions.com) installing high quality SunPower solar panels on the home, Cherico and her family can enjoy lower electricity bills. By spending less on utility costs, the Chericos will have more freedom in their budget for other important things. Plus, they’re happy to have access to clean, renewable energy. Reducing monthly energy costs is already a goal for Purple Heart Homes. Energy-efficient appliances and good insulation are standard for the organization. However, this project marks the first Purple Heart Home in North Carolina to go solar. Renu Energy Solutions company President Jay Radcliffe says of the partnership, “We’ve been installing solar since 2010 and have seen many satisfied customers. But being able to give back through Purple Heart Homes to someone who has made tremendous sacrifices is really special.” Renu Energy Solutions, a Charlotte-based solar installation contractor, installed the SunPower-donated solar energy system at no cost to Angela Cherico, the future homeowner. A solar rebate from Duke Energy helped bring solar to this home. This solar incentive from the utility remains available throughout 2019 and has no income limits to qualify.

This Purple Heart Home now features solar for low electric costs

About Renu Energy Solutions

Founded in 2010, Renu Energy Solutions is a Charlotte, N.C.-based full service solar energy installer in the Carolinas, and developer of clean energy projects across the country. By analyzing the financial benefits of a project, Renu Energy’s experts help facilitate solar adoption.

About Purple Heart Homes

Purple Heart Homes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by Dale Beatty and John Gallina, two Iraq combat wounded veterans on a mission to provide housing solutions for Service Connected Disabled and Aging Veterans that are substantial in function, design, and quality. Purple Heart Homes has two programs: Veterans Aging in Place (VAIP), which encompasses the Operation Veterans Home Renovation Project (OVHR), and The Veterans Home Ownership Program (VHOP). From building a ramp for wheelchair-bound veterans to providing home ownership opportunities to veterans with physical as well as invisible injuries, Purple Heart Homes’ programs are designed out of necessity and fit the specific needs of veterans of all ages and from all eras, helping them to live and age in place, in their own safe, accessible and sustainable homes. For more information, visit (www.phhusa.org). Purple Heart Homes – Improving Veterans’ Lives One Home at a Time.
NC Solar Code of Conduct and Renu’s Commitment

NC Solar Code of Conduct and Renu’s Commitment

The N.C. Sustainable Energy Association recently headed up the creation for the first ever code of professional conduct for solar installers who contract with residential and commercial clients for full-service solar projects. The NC Solar Code of Conduct makes sure that all solar installations meet the proper requirements to provide the highest quality of service.

As reported in the Charlotte Business Journal Duke Energy is running rebate program from 2018-2022 that’s offering savings on projects for eligible customers. Renu Energy Solutions joins with several other members of the organization of sustainable energy businesses to establish baseline professional codes for the industry.

Mike Davis, Director of membership for the Raleigh-based NCSEA, says: “A code of professional conduct is a good thing for any industry. But we have seen an influx of new players in the market (after Duke offered the rebates) and that gave us a sense of urgency.”

Who’s Chasing the Incentives?

When Duke Energy rolled out solar rebates this past spring — mandated by last year’s Competitive Energy Solutions for NC Act — North Carolina notably jumped back up into the top-tier market for residential and commercial solar.

But evidently, a lot of installers who were not in North Carolina previously are getting on the scene now because of local incentives provided through the utility. Installers native to the area are looking to be vigilant and make sure that newcomers can be held accountable for practices that consumers don’t like and shouldn’t have to deal with, which according to the Charlotte Business Journal’s reporting include “high-pressure sales, over-promising on incentives that don’t come through, overselling potential savings and, in some cases, doing shoddy workmanship.”

Ensuring Integrity and Quality, Together

From this point on, NCSEA will not accept new members or retain existing members who do not adhere to the professional conduct described in the code. “We want to be able to assure the public that our members are upholding the highest standards in the industry,” he says. Renu Energy Solutions and other signatories pledge to refrain from deceptive or misleading advertising, never refer to renewable energy as “free” when it isn’t, or to inflate the impact of future rate increases by utilities to solar seem more attractive.

At Renu Energy Solutions in Charlotte, which has grown in recent years to employ 30 people at our Charlotte and Jamestown offices, we’ve by and large heard few reports of solar companies preying on customers’ lack of knowledge. The solar ecosystem here is filled with high-quality firms. But in light of the 60 cents per watt rebate for residential solar, perhaps this code of conduct is overdue or at least well-timed. These incentives can lure all kinds of solar players and we hope to consumers can feel confident choosing someone who’s a part of this code of conduct. We know that any time one person or company has a bad experience with a solar installer, it’s a detriment to all of us.

The Right Standards for Solar in NC

The NC Solar Code of Conduct was designed to provide each customer with the highest of standards. But where did these standards come from? NCSEA and its members reviewed codes of conduct from other states, including in particular South Carolina and California, to develop some initial proposals. Through meetings and conversations with its 27 solar installation and financing members, the group made refinements until the companies finally adopted it. Look at it for yourself and learn what it means to abide by the NC solar installers’ code.

Furniture Wholesale Business Goes Green, Owner Goes Solar

Furniture Wholesale Business Goes Green, Owner Goes Solar

Mark Phillips has installed a rooftop electric system at home and greened his warehouse

future home of solar panels at the warehouse

OCTOBER 8, 2018 – HIGH POINT, NC – The signature wood and stone furnishings and sculptures from Phillips Collection stand out in any room. Owner Mark Phillips has recently received attention for a different distinction: He’s completed major energy efficiency retrofits to his 166,000-square-foot headquarters of the furniture wholesale business to demonstrate environmental responsibility. At an electric cooperative conference in Asheville where he was invited to speak, he explained the many energy-saving changes they’ve made, including:

  • Removing all halogen bulbs from track lighting and replacing with articulated LED fixtures newly invented for this purpose that make use of existing track (in collaboration with ERD of Kernersville) eliminating the need for expensive rewiring, and reducing cooling needs and lighting cost. They even acquired a specialized bulb disposal machine for the job.

  • Right-sized the incoming power transformers with help from ElectriCITIES, modifying the facility’s demand

  • Put in 3 electric vehicle charging spaces outside offering free power for customers who can plug in

  • Implementing a solar installation for the business

Furniture wholesale and design has long been a part of High Point’s culture and Mark’s company specializes in designing organic pieces that embrace natural materials. From mango and acacia tree roots to reclaimed teak, Phillips Collection sources sustainable materials and transforms them into prized conversation pieces. Mark acknowledges that his business depends largely on natural ecology and travels to Thailand to ensure that the next generation of arborists and carpenters are ready to continue a steady relationship with him and his team. On a recent visit he rallied a group of 400 — comprised of local students, teachers, factory workers, villagers and local officials — and together they planted 6,000 trees in a single day.

using less power, storing and showcasing the same great furniture designs

Phillips went solar at his home this month, and the business installation is scheduled for October. Renu Energy Solutions is providing both the residential and commercial installations. Combined they add up to 45 kiloWatts in total size, estimated to produce over 63,000 kiloWatt hours of solar power in its first year.

About his choice to go solar, he says: “My father always said the big decisions in life are obvious. This was one of those.” For Mark, addressing energy sustainability expresses his values, and at the same time he notes that he’s likely to come out ahead by betting that the cost of electricity isn’t going down. He says he committed to energy efficiency and solar at his business and home to save money and because, “it’s the right thing to do.”

Phillips Collection Owner Mark Phillips will be available to talk about his experience pursuing energy efficiency and green standards before and during this upcoming event.

Meet Mark Phillips during Phillips Collection’s  Showroom Party  (IHFC C-202) High Point Market

210 East Commerce Ave, 2nd Floor C-202, High Point, NC 27260

Saturday, October 13, 2018 beginning at 3 pm – event will be underway at 4 pm

We’ve just received sonnen’s Brilliance Award

We’ve just received sonnen’s Brilliance Award

We’re proud to announce we’ve received sonnen’s Brillance Award! Today, most energy customers in the Carolinas and our southeast region have at least a passing familiarity with the potential of home energy storage, also known as a backup battery. When paired with solar, your own energy storage system with battery banks, sophisticated configuration, and reporting integration means enhanced independence and self-sufficiency when an outage strikes. Even on normal days when utility electric service is on, more customers are keen to use their solar energy all the time including at night and storage lets you do that.

When all of us at Renu Energy Solutions began exploring high-level battery storage products two years ago, we weren’t sure how popular it would be. Today, the number of projects under our belt is adding up and we’ve just learned that our partners at sonnen are honoring us among their first year’s award winners for achievements in employing the company’s battery technology.

We’re speechless at being recognized and want to acknowledge that our leadership in this realm is thanks to our clients who have pursued these systems and our installer staff who have taken on extensive education and training to ensure quality.

“sonnen is proud to work alongside innovative companies around the country who represent a diverse array of functions… Partnerships with integrators, installers and service-providers have always been a crucial part of the sonnen mission,” said Blake Richetta, sonnen Senior Vice President and Head of the U.S. Subsidiary. “We’ve come to value our key partners even more as we expand into new markets, such as Latin America, and pioneer new industry categories, including energy automation. This is an exciting time for sonnen, these partners and the renewable energy sector as a whole, and we are thrilled to recognize others who are working diligently to forward the shared mission of making clean, reliable energy accessible to everyone.”