Last month, Carbondale-based energy company Sunsense Solar marked its 35th anniversary. The milestone is an impressive one amid a new era of changes for the organization. Founder Scott Ely shared reflections on the company and its evolution with The Sopris Sun. This interview was edited for length and clarity.
What appealed to you about solar in the 1980s?
Prior to starting Sunsense, I worked in the solar thermal (solar hot water) industry down in Boulder. That lasted about four years until the tax credits went away during the Reagan administration … Ironically, tax credits are again on the chopping block with the Trump administration, but [Sunsense has] solid plans in place to move forward. Having immersed myself in solar, I felt the need to learn more and attended the Solar Retrofit Program at Colorado Mountain College in the late ‘80s. That led to a position in Arizona [then] a move back to Colorado to start Sunsense in 1990.
What have been a few highlights over the past 35 years?
Most of the highlights revolve around taking care of solution-oriented clients and committed employees. In my mind, and that of the majority of folks in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond, solar energy and energy storage simply makes sense. I truly feel that the renewable nature of this awesome energy source and its applications for residential, commercial, industrial and utility scale implementation make the use of solar a no-brainer. Locally, community and nonprofit projects — including off-grid applications for the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association and grid-tie solar for Habitat for Humanity, Colorado Animal Rescue and so many municipal and educational projects — have given all of us at Sunsense a great deal of pride.
What are some of the biggest recent changes in solar?
Just within the past couple of weeks, the current decision-makers have decided that solar is not a good use of tax credits and incentives. Therefore, [Sunsense and other renewable energy companies] will need to work that much harder to educate the public about not only the benefits of solar power production and energy storage, but how dis-incentivizing the technology will increase the cost of electricity and, more importantly, how this fossil fuel-based shortsightedness will impact future generations and the ever-present challenges of climate change.
What were some of your favorite aspects of the 35-year celebration?
Mostly seeing how many people we have touched, both personally and professionally. Current and past clients, former employees and the network of good will we have tried to plant in the local community. We talked about old times, but more exciting was talk of the future of Sunsense, regardless of the challenges, and the strides that have been made in the technology and the broad range of applications.
What trends do you expect in the next few years?
First, we need to take care of our current pipeline of clients that have trusted us to get their project installed and functioning properly. As with many businesses these days, we often struggle to find enough hard-working folks to get the job done. That said, we will never compromise safety or quality in our efforts. And if we fall short, we will find ways to make it right for our clients.
One area that is growing is energy storage, as in batteries. Locally, Holy Cross Energy is at the forefront of integrating storage into their utility model … and with great success. So, we will continue to work with them as partners. Additionally, organizations like the Aspen Skiing Company and many of our local municipalities are working toward more sustainability. And, of course, we want to continue working with local nonprofits to provide them with common sense solutions to energy generation and efficiency.
Any other details you’d like to share?
Sunsense is in the throes of research and hopeful transition from my sole ownership to becoming an employee-owned business. The Sunsense team has earned and deserves the right to carry forward as I step aside to pursue more nonprofit, philanthropic and humanitarian causes through my connections and 40+ years worth of contacts and friends. Rest assured, Sunsense will carry on stronger and more focused than ever!
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable sources like solar photovoltaics surpassed 30% of total global electricity generation in 2023 and is expected to pass 37% of global electricity generation in 2026. IEA attributes much of this trend to expansion of solar capacity. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) breaks down those 2023 figures: in North America, total electricity generation in 2023 was 26.6% from renewable sources. IRENA’s data shows that Asia is expanding renewable capacity, particularly solar, far faster than other regions. In 2024, Asia as a region installed about nine times more new capacity (413.2 gigawatts) than North America (45.5 gigawatts).
You can learn more about Sunsense’s projects and partnerships at www.sunsensesolar.com or by visiting their headquarters in Carbondale.