On Oct. 1, Sunsense Solar officially transferred ownership and management from Scott Ely to the newly established Sunsense Limited Cooperative Association (LCA). The Carbondale-based company thus became an employee-owned cooperative.
As this process unfolded, Ely conversed with The Sopris Sun (via email) about the company he had founded and run since 1990 and about this new chapter in its (and his) history. Below are excerpts from that exchange.
Sopris Sun: You founded the company in Boulder, initially to build solar installations in small backcountry locales
(like 10th Mountain huts)?
Scott Ely: That’s correct. After working in the solar space for eight years prior to starting Sunsense – so I guess that means 44-plus years preaching the benefits of solar and renewable energy – I figured it was time to give it a go on my own. And yes, at that time the movement was focused on those off-grid backcountry locales and other “stand-alone,” remote applications. Ironically, I suppose, is the current [photovoltaic]-system donation Sunsense is making for the new Green Wilson Hut in the Alfred Braun system outside Ashcroft. Given that my first installation was for the Harry Gates Hut in the 10th Mountain system, perhaps this is full circle?
Sun:What prompted the decision to move to Carbondale?
Ely: Having been schooled through the [Colorado Mountain College] CMC solar retrofit program and having lived in the Roaring Fork Valley, moving back was a no-brainer. Carbondale was geographically centered in the mountains where the off-grid market was strong. That, and my girlfriend (now wife, Chrissy Leonard) had enrolled in the CMC photography program.
Sun: Was Sunsense on the ground floor of the solar industry’s development?
Ely:I would say we were more on the mezzanine. I have always viewed Sunsense as an “early adopter” from a business perspective. My logic has been reflected in the company name: “Using the sun makes sense.” I like to think we have grown up together with our forward-thinking and patient clients. Our two longest-tenured employees, Jeff Lauckhart and Steve Haines, have showed equal patience, as we have grown from the three of us to give-or-take 30 [employees] now.
Sun: What is the balance
of projects between residential and commercial? Has one of these become more important over time?
Ely: There are several variables that determine the thrust of our business from year-to-year. Certainly, with a host of incentives moving the market — thank you Holy Cross Energy and [Colorado Office for Resource Efficiency] — residential systems were the earliest driver. The commercial/industrial space opened up shortly thereafter, primarily via sustainable mandates initiated by municipalities — thank you Roaring Fork, Eagle and Colorado river communities — as well as schools and small businesses. Further, as one of the “all-the-above” energy-generating resources, utilities began to add solar. Currently, the proliferation of energy storage has become a primary focus. We have been fortunate to work in all these arenas. In concert, to ensure functionality and longevity of these systems is service and operations and maintenance.
Sun: Do any projects stand out as company highlights or ones that you are especially proud of?
Ely: Wow… How much space have you got? I would like to think that ALL our projects are sources of pride. Personally, I would point to a project at the Wayne Aspinall Federal Building [Grand Junction], which won us a national award. Additionally, the many school projects (Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Roaring Fork High School, the Riverview School, CMC [Spring Valley]) to our involvement in community and nonprofit efforts (Colorado Animal Rescue, 10th Mountain, Habitat for Humanity and several international projects).
Sun: Why are you selling the company now and stepping down as president?
Ely: With the milestone of 70 years old staring at me, I just feel it’s time to give the employees that have worked so hard to help us both survive and thrive a chance to grow and prosper. Having built a trove of connections and resources throughout the years, my goal is now to channel this into supporting and advancing solar and renewable energy projects in the nonprofit world — literally, the world.
Sun: Will you stay involved in the new LCA?
Ely: I will stay connected to see several projects to the finish line, provide any needed guidance and serve on the new cooperative’s Board of Directors.
Sun: Who will be taking over management
of the company, and how will employee ownership
be worked out?
Ely: Sunsense directors unanimously have chosen Matt Heck as our new CEO. As both a master electrician and with previous experience in an employee-owned cooperative under his belt, [Heck] brings a wealth of knowledge and work ethic to the new company. All current employees are eligible to become worker/owners with a very manageable buy-in and commitment to participation in its governance.
Sun: One of the attributes that Sunsense is known for is its family-like work environment.
Ely: Someone asked me what I am most proud of as I step aside. Without hesitation, I responded: “The family-first and flexibility vibe. The trust in our people that the work we do is meaningful and that we treat clients with respect. In addition, it is the hope that regardless of how long you may have been at Sunsense, you found something positive to take with you into the future.”