Several high-profile commercial solar projects, combined with a strong residential solar performance, resulted in the best year ever for the Encinitas-based company. Commercial projects included the Salk Institute, US Foods, Vandenberg Air Force Base, San Diego Cardiac Center, Seaside Market in Cardiff, Encinitas Foreign & Domestic, and Casa Mira View Apartments. Their strong residential solar showing resulted in Stellar Solar attaining Premier Dealer status with SunPower, whose new zero-down solar lease made going solar a reality for a whole new segment of homeowners.
Readers of the San Diego Union Tribune also voted Stellar Solar Best Solar Company in San Diego, an award that resonated with home and business owners.
Stellar Solar also opened San Diego's first Solar Store in Clairemont, adjacent to SDG&E's new state-of-the-art Innovation Center. The Stellar Solar Store functions as a product showcase and design center where residential and commercial solar proposals are generated on-the-spot through cutting-edge digital design tools.
Key personnel hires were also made in 2011 with the addition of Operations Manager Walt Virack, Project Manager John Darlington, Energy Consultant Brian Nagel, Rebate Manager Joe Bowden, and System Designer Gabe Gonzales. Stellar Solar also named Artichoke Creative as their integrated marketing agency of record.
"We have been involved in energy efficiency and solar projects since 1998 with steady growth," said Stellar Solar President Kent Harle. He added, "We burst out of the gate in 2011 and our explosive growth was unprecedented. Stellar Solar is firmly positioned as the leader in residential and commercial solar in San Diego County and has the financial stability to be around for the long haul."