Sol Systems currently works with over 15,000 customers to monetize their Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Many of these customers come to us through our long-standing installer partnerships. To highlight these unique relationships, we are continuing our Installer Spotlight Series! Since 2018, Sol Systems has partnered with Lumina Solar, a Maryland-based solar installation company,. Lumina Solar was already ranked as one of the top 200 best solar companies on the Top North American Solar Contractors List in 2019, less than a year after the company was founded and has since jumped into the top 50 in the nation. To learn more about Lumina Solar’s mission and growth, we spoke with Erin McGaunn, the Director of Residential Operations.
1.How does Lumina differentiate itself in the industry and how has that shaped your role?
At Lumina Solar, we believe there is an opportunity to build a new kind of solar company from the ground up. Utilizing the lessons of the previous decade with the tools of today will propel us into the future. We are not like everybody else; we are focused on how well we can do in the future – one huge part of that is breaking the mold of industry standards. Almost our entire operations team is led by women, which is not representative of the industry as a whole right now. Having different voices on the team fuels our creativity in finding the best technology out there. Even as we grow, I make sure to sit down with each person on the operations team every week to incorporate their voice into the conversation.
2. What is a typical day in the life at Lumina?
There isn't really a typical day – there is always a new challenge or opportunity for our team. Residential solar is very fast-paced and even during this past year with the COVID-19 pandemic, we've been extremely busy. Each person brings a different mind frame to our work and our constant search for the best technology. We've created an environment where everyone has a voice and strong female leads are a focus in our mission to tackle climate change.
3. How has an SREC partnership with Sol Systems helped Lumina customers on their solar journey?
Our customers know about Sol Systems and the SREC team’s services from the beginning of their conversation with Lumina. We discuss what it means to work with Lumina from the technology that we use to the seamless partnership with Sol Systems that helps them take advantage of growing solar incentives. We are sandwiched between two commonwealths that have recently changed their way in terms of SRECs and other incentives for solar. Both our and Sol Systems’ customer service help our customers get the most out of their solar system.
4. Are there any notable stories that customers have about reacting to Sol Systems’ service or products?
Just recently, one of Lumina's first customers reached out to let us know how easy it was to work with Lumina and Sol Systems. He mentioned that he received over $1,000 every year though his SREC contract with Sol Systems and that the team was always able to answer his questions.
5. Does Lumina offer a referral program for installation customers?
Lumina offers their installation customers $500 when a referred customer gets their solar panel system installed.
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We also spoke with Marykate Brown and Brooke Adolfo, two Project Administrators at Lumina Solar that our SREC team at Sol Systems works with on a daily basis.
1. Marykate, how did you get started in the solar industry and what do you enjoy most about your role?
I've always had an interest in the environmental field and people's attitudes towards environmental topics. It made sense to get into the growing solar industry where I could make daily connections with people who genuinely care about clean energy production and lessening our collective carbon footprint for future generations. I love the people I work with and my role in helping customers take advantage of the available incentives to make the most of their solar energy systems.
2. And Brooke, how did you get started in this industry and what is your favorite part of your role?
I met Marykate through a previous job and when she started working for Lumina, I knew that it was a company I wanted to work for. It is great knowing that I am a part of the greater goal of reducing carbon emissions. My favorite part about my role is granting a customer permission to operate. It's satisfying to know that we passed all the steps needed to get them on track to produce clean energy.
ABOUT LUMINA SOLAR
Founded in 2018, Lumina Solar works in Maryland, Washington, DC, Pennsylvania, and Virginia to provide reliable solutions that produce clean energy, reduce costs, give back control, and benefit the environment. Lumina's team of industry veterans is looking to create a new and better customer experience that fully integrates technology to achieve our economic and sustainability goals. Lumina Solar believes that solar is always the better choice, and they have the expertise and tools to help get you there. For more information on Lumina Solar, go to www.luminasolar.com.
ABOUT SOL SYSTEMS
Sol Systems is a leading national solar energy firm with an established reputation for integrity and reliability across its development, infrastructure, and environmental commodity businesses. To date, Sol has developed and/or financed over 850 MW of solar projects valued at more than $1 billion for Fortune 100 companies, municipalities, counties, utilities, universities, and schools. The company also actively shapes and trades in environmental commodity and electricity markets throughout the United States. The company was founded in 2008, is based in Washington D.C, and is led by its founder. Sol Systems works with its team, partners, and clients to create a more sustainable future we can all believe in. For more information: www.solsystems.com.