Thoughts on Solar

It’s the time of year again when we hold our breath and hope to be included in the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractors list. As more and more companies come into the solar sector it becomes more and more of a real honor to be included in this prestigious list of the best in the industry.

Run on Sun made the cut!

We’d like to thank our friends at Solar Power World for the valuable work they do delivering well-rounded information on the solar industry to the wider public. They also provide a very important service helping our solar community to share information, best practices, and continue to thrive and grow. This is our fourth year running on the list which has been published for the last five years.

Beyond the Top 500 list, Solar Power World also gathered some data about the industry as a whole through their annual survey. Some interesting facts from the results include:

• Solar continues to provide valuable jobs: Top Solar Contractors employed 133,707 people in 2015, up from 124,967 in 2014.
• Residential markets provide most solar jobs: 287 contractors worked primarily in the residential market; 154 worked primarily in the commercial market
• California continues to lead: 130 companies were headquartered in California
• Many companies are investing in rigorous solar education: 355 companies had at least one NABCEP-certified principal on staff. (Run on Sun is proud to have all principals NABCEP certified)
• Most solar companies are local businesses: 77% of companies reported doing most of their business within its state of headquarters
• Many solar companies are small businesses! 119 contractors reported have 10 or fewer employees; 236 reported having between 11 and 50

While the majority of solar electricity is produced at large utility-scale solar power plants, the majority of jobs are actually located with local small to medium sized companies that service residential and commercial clients. 

“No one can deny that local companies are supporting the growth of the industry. Our Top Solar Contractors are the face of the industry—meeting homeowners and business leaders on doorsteps every day.” - Kathie Zipp, Managing Editor Solar Power World

When you support solar, you not only benefit the environment but with many solar contractors you are also supporting small local businesses that provide jobs and put money back into our local economies. It’s nice to know Run on Sun is in good company and that we have great people like the team at Solar Power World backing our efforts to build a clean-energy future for all. Congratulations to all the top 500 solar contractors of 2016! 

Run on Sun’s Laurel Hamilton and Josh Sanchez enjoy the Solar Power World booth at Intersolar 2015