Solarponics marks 50 years of solar projects on Central Coast
Frank Scotti and Ron Spann, at The Central Coast Zoo for Earth Day.
Company began in 1975 installing solar thermal water heating systems
– Solarponics, founded in 1975, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. The Atascadero-based company is the oldest continuously operating solar energy company in California.
The company began in San Luis Obispo installing solar thermal water heating systems. It now designs and installs solar electric systems, heat pump water and pool heating, heat pump HVAC systems, EV charging stations, and battery storage and backup systems for residential and commercial projects on the Central Coast.
More than 25,000 homes and businesses in San Luis Obispo County have installed solar, saving over $500 million and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 250,000 metric tons annually—the equivalent of planting 60 million trees, according to the company. The county has reached a solar saturation rate of about 32 percent for single-family homes, compared to the national average of just over 7 percent.
Solarponics has contributed more than $500,000 to local organizations and holds a 4.9-star customer satisfaction rating across review sites.
“We work tirelessly to deliver the best experience, and that means delivering reliable and proven performance over time,” said Solarponics Chief Marketing Officer Frank Scotti. “You don’t last 50 years without delivering what you promise and doing the right thing.”
The company has been named a “Best of the Best” company for seven consecutive years by the national firm Best of the Best. The designation is based on licensing, accreditation, longevity, community involvement, customer reviews, responsiveness and leadership transparency.
Solarponics solar thermal display, Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo, 1979.
Solarponics employees have lobbied the California Public Utilities Commission in San Francisco and Sacramento for solar rights for homeowners. Scotti said that while the industry has had some victories, legislation continues to favor oil, coal and gas over sustainable energy.
The 30 percent investment tax credit for homeowners and businesses installing solar and battery backup ends Dec. 31.
“Thankfully, energy rates continue to skyrocket, which makes solar a sound financial investment even without the tax credit here in California,” Scotti said. California has the second-highest energy rates in the country, behind only Hawaii, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“You’ll still save money with solar and battery, just not as much over time,” Scotti said. “And that’s what the utility companies want, to reel back in some of their losses. All we can do is continue to fight for consumer-friendly legislation, continue to pivot, continue to focus on other innovations that will help homeowners save energy and save money.”
Solarponics now installs heat pump HVAC systems, which the company says are up to 60 percent more energy efficient than traditional systems. It also offers heat pump solutions for water and pool heating.
With California targeting 100 percent zero-carbon electricity by 2045 and more than two million electric vehicles consuming 24 million kilowatt-hours of electricity daily, Scotti said the need for scalable clean energy will increase.
A thank you card for Solarponics sponsorship of Templeton U10 girls soccer team.
“If I were to predict where we will be in ten years, I’d say this: Utility energy will cost over $1.00 per kWh, so we’ll still be installing solar and battery storage systems. Peer-to-peer energy trading—where one home sells excess solar to another—will be commonplace. Community-based grids will replace larger state-wide or regional grids. Battery storage will be made from safe, abundant, affordable sodium, and every home will have one. EV’s will integrate with homes, trading energy back and forth as needed. And California’s Central Coast communities will continue to lead the nation in sustainable energy and net-zero technology adoption,” Scotti said.
For more information, visit www.solarponics.com.
