Recent News, Articles, Updates, Blog Posts and More!

Removing Politics & Morality from the Climate Change Conversation

My dad has consistently reminded me to “talk nice” for my entire life. In his honor, I wrote this piece in an effort to help people to find a way to take the discussion on climate change as an opportunity to teach, learn, and talk nice. I have been frustrated watching the discussion being taken as an opportunity to question the politics or morality of someone who does not fully understand the opportunity that lies in front of us to combat climate change. -Kevin Schulte Removing Politics & Morality from the Climate Change Conversation I must admit that I have…

GreenSpark Solar – Why We’re Not Striking.

Crazy Right? The largest solar energy developer in Western New York has decided not to walk out of our workplace during the Global Climate Strike. But, it isn’t because we don’t support the movement, it’s because every day we fight for the movement - we are dedicated to finding a solution to a global issue on a local level, and we don’t feel that walking out will lend to the end goal of the Climate Strike. We find ourselves at a crossroads - we know our house is on fire, we fight it every day, because every day is Earth…

The Finances Powering Solar Energy

Ask any business or institution why they decided to go solar with GreenSpark, and the answer will involve strong financials. Businesses and institutions of all sizes, from Park Ave Pets to HARBEC Plastics to RIT to Rochester Regional Health have made the switch to solar. Here are a few reasons why: No Upfront Costs The solar industry has grown significantly in terms of the financing options available to Commercial customers. Thanks to industry-specific partners, GreenSpark can secure Commercial customers the most reliable financing options and interest rates possible. We offer options that include on-site and off-site projects with little to…

Three Reasons Businesses Are Going Solar

Though they get talked about the most in the news these days, it’s not just big corporations--Google, Walmart, Apple, Intel, IKEA, and more--that are making the shift to solar. Western NY businesses, municipalities, and institutions like Rochester Regional Health, RIT, General Motors, Heritage Christian Services, the University of Rochester, and the Town of Williamson, among many others, have invested in local solar with GreenSpark. We’ve worked with companies and organizations of all sizes to help them find the right solar solution for their needs. In our 16+ years of experience, we’ve seen a number of reasons as to why local…

Local Non-Profit Goes Solar

Rochester, NY - Heritage Christian Services (HCS), a non-profit offering supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Upstate NY, is going green with a 2.69 MW solar array in Parma, NY. This array will allow Heritage Christian to have a more responsible energy footprint and reinvest the savings back into its dedicated workforce. The solar project was developed and installed by Ontario, NY based GreenSpark Solar, a local B Corp serving the Greater Rochester Area, the Finger Lakes region, and Western NY for over 17 years. “Our workforce not only does a tremendous job supporting people,…

How Does it Feel to Have A Local Business Powered by Solar Energy?

Ever wonder what it feels like to be the owner of a solar-powered business? Listen to Doug and Joan Allen of Long Acre Farms as they share what it’s like to have a local business powered by the sun! We installed a 72.8kW solar array at Long Acre Farms in the Spring of 2015. The ground mounted solar array is expected to cover over 100% of the farms’ electric load and pay for itself in just five years. The array will save the farm, which hosts a winery and ice cream shop, over $300,000 over the expected life of the…

Net Metering for Rochester Area Businesses: What is it and Why is it Important?

As a business owner or executive, you know a good deal when you see one, which is why you’re interested in learning more about commercial solar. Net metering is one reason why solar is such a good deal for Rochester business owners – it allows you to earn money, save on energy costs, and make a big difference in your company’s bottom line. What is net metering? Simply put, net metering is a billing system used by utility companies that allows solar energy system owners to bank credits for any excess electricity they add to the grid. These credits can…

Seasonal Solar Panel Maintenance in Rochester

Solar panel maintenance is important, but unlike cars or household appliances that need regular tune ups in order to remain in good working order, solar panels require very little maintenance throughout their lifespan. And it gets even better – as your trusted solar installer, GreenSpark performs necessary system maintenance. You don’t have to lift a finger when it comes to maintaining your home’s solar panels, unless of course, it’s to give us a call. Seasonal preventative maintenance can go a long way in terms of supporting the efficiency and longevity of your solar panels. Here are a few examples of…

Solar Advice From One Local Rochester Area Business to Another

Do you wish you could talk to another business owner that’s already gone solar with GreenSpark and learn about their experience? Here’s your chance. Listen to Doug and Joan Allen as they give advice to businesses considering solar. We installed a 72.8kW solar array at Long Acre Farms in the Spring of 2015. The ground mounted solar array is expected to cover over 100% of the farms’ electric load and pay for itself in just five years. The array will save the farm, which hosts a winery and ice cream shop, over $300,000 over the expected life of the system.…

5 Ways to Help Get Company Stakeholders on Board With Solar

As solar-savvy professional, you’re probably well aware of the benefits of solar energy for businesses. You’re familiar with the cost and environmental benefits. You know about the generous federal incentives and tax credits. You understand that consumer trends lean towards companies that have sustainable business practices in place. You get it. The only problem? Your company’s decision makers and stakeholders may not be totally sold on the idea of solar for one reason or another. In order to show them all of the benefits solar can provide to their organization, you have to talk their language and broach the subject…