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Oh Hail No: How Well Do Solar Panels Fare in Unfair Weather?

Our region experiences a range of seasonal weather conditions, which is just one of many reasons why Western NY is so beautiful. We get it all – from picture perfect summer days to cold, snowy winters and almost everything in between. Whether they're roof mounted or on the ground, solar energy systems are tough enough to withstand all of the above while continuing to generate clean, money-saving energy. They’re designed with the elements in mind, which means they can handle pretty much anything Mother Nature has in store. Here’s how well solar panels hold up in gnarly, unpredictable Western New…

5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Solar Energy

The Sun has the power to meet – and exceed – the energy demands of modern life, while preserving the environment we all rely on; an environment that’s currently threatened by pollution, climate change, and the rapid consumption of precious natural resources. While solar may not be able to solve all of the environmental challenges we face, it still has an enormous amount of potential in providing practical, cost saving energy solutions that protect the health of our planet. And that’s a pretty big start. You may already know a few things about solar and the sun, but did you…

Commercial Solar in Rochester: Why Partner With GreenSpark Solar?

As a local business, trust us when we say that making the decision to go with commercial solar is one of the best investments you can make – for your business, for your community, and for the planet. We wouldn’t be saying this if we didn’t use clean, local energy to power our own office in Ontario. Powering your business or institution with solar is an investment that goes far beyond real financial returns, though that’s a pretty sweet part of the deal. If you’re considering going solar, consider partnering with GreenSpark Solar, your trusted solar installer. We have a…

3 Ways Solar Energy is Powering a Cleaner, Greener Kind of Craft Brew

The growing popularity of speciality craft and home brews has breathed new life into the beer industry, creating a fierce yet friendly competition in the battle of the best brews. Craft and home brewing is changing the way we think of and enjoy beer, applying new-school technology to a process that dates back nearly 4,000 years. Today’s consumers want beer that tastes good, but they also want to enjoy a beer they feel good about drinking. Enter sustainable brewing. Powered by clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, sustainable breweries are laying the foundation for the future of American brewing.…

Vines and Sunshine: Why Solar Energy is the Perfect Wine Pairing

Galileo Galilei, the famous Italian philosopher turned Renaissance polymath, was a pretty smart guy. Like really, really smart. Not only did he know a great deal about...pretty much everything, but he also knew a lot about wine. Go figure! According to the Father of the Science, “Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” Well, that pretty much sums it up. There’s actually a great deal of science that goes into winemaking, and the sun plays an integral role in both the quality and flavor of the grapes that eventually become wine. The right amount of sunlight is crucial to creating a…

How Solar Energy is Shaping a More Sustainable Future For Livestock Farming

Livestock farming has always played an integral role in both the culture and economy of the United States. But as the landscape of agriculture continues to change, American farms are now facing a series of unprecedented environmental and financial challenges. This is especially true in the case of livestock production, as mounting concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and ethical treatment continue to shape consumer behavior. Clean, renewable energy sources, such as solar, aim to meet these challenges head on, allowing American farmers to continue building on their reputation as environmental stewards. The use of clean energy in the…

Rochester’s Fastest Growing Company Rebrands as GreenSpark Solar

Same Company, New Name - SunCommon NY rebrands as GreenSpark Solar with a strong focus on the Greater Rochester Area. Rochester, NY - Inspired by the community they serve, SunCommon NY, Rochester’s Fastest Growing Company and number one on Rochester’s Top Workplaces list, is excited to announce its future as GreenSpark Solar. With a focus on independence, both as a company and for Rochesterians, GreenSpark’s spotlight will continue to be on advancing solar energy right here in the Greater Rochester Area, while also expanding its already robust portfolio of renewable energy products for the region. GreenSpark Solar, loyal to people…

GreenSpark Awarded the Number One Spot on the 2017 Rochester Chamber Top 100

Fastest Growing Business We are incredibly proud and humbled to announce that GreenSpark Solar was awarded the No. 1 spot on this year’s Top 100 list of fastest-growing companies in the Rochester area by the Rochester Chamber. We are excited about the opportunity to showcase our company to the Rochester business community because as our CEO and Co-Founder Kevin Schulte says, we are “in love with the economy of Rochester, it’s a rebuilding economy, which is the perfect time for us to be engaged.” In 2002, five college friends hatched Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc. (SED) in Schenectady, NY. Through evolution and innovation,…

Proudly One of Rochester’s Best Places To Work

Work is a fact of life, and one that occupies a great deal of our time. On average, it’s been estimated that nearly a third of our lives is spent at work. Keeping this in mind, wouldn’t you want to work for a company that adds to your life? Wouldn’t you want a job you feel good about going to each day? Well, GreenSpark thinks so. Recently named one of Rochester’s Top Workplaces in 2018, GreenSpark won first place in the small employment size category, which is reserved for companies that employ 35 to 124 employees regionally. GreenSpark's collaborative, family-focused…

Renewable Energy: A Public Health Imperative

Increasing the use of renewable-sourced energy is a public health imperative and healthcare organizations are in a prime position to lead the way. We know that at every stage of traditional fossil fuels and the ever-more extractive fossil fuels, from extraction to burning, are a leading source of negative health impacts across the globe. The healthcare sector combats and mitigates the resulting health problems every day. Renewable sources of energy like solar and wind offer healthier, brighter, and more resilient communities. Today, we shine a light on healthcare industry leaders as they strive to sustain their legacy of caring for their…