Solar Universe , the leader in solar franchising, announced today the opening of three new franchises in Boston, Massachusetts; Chico, California; and Denver, Colorado. This national expansion, specifically within key markets, adds to the existing Solar Universe Network of 37 franchises in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, bringing the total to 40 locally-owned and operated franchises nationwide and overseas.
The new locations in Boston, Denver and Chico will service the growing demand among consumers embracing solar and reaping its cost savings. Each office expects to create high quality green jobs in the communities served and will begin solar installations immediately.
“We’re excited to bring Solar Universe into the Boston, Denver and Chico communities,” said Joe Bono, CEO and founder of Solar Universe. “Solar is growing at an unprecedented rate, creating an ideal opportunity for new consumers. These franchises will make it easier than ever before for new customers to save with solar. In addition to servicing a wide area of consumers who are embracing alternative energy, each franchise owner is playing an essential role in paving the way for new consumers to have a choice of where they get their power from.”
The Boston opening comes on the heels of Governor Deval Patrick’s recent goal to install 1,600 megawatts of solar energy in Massachusetts by the year 2020. This benchmark was revised after the state exceeded its initial solar installation goal of 250 megawatts of power by 2017, four years earlier than anticipated. Solar Universe’s new operation in Boston will service Massachusetts residence and will foster the governor’s new initiative by enabling consumers to have another option for solar energy.
“Boston exceeded the call for solar energy initially set by our governor,” said Bill Simeone, operator of the Boston franchise. “We are eager to help homeowners and businesses in Massachusetts go green, realize cost savings and surpass the new goal of powering 240,000 homes per year with solar energy.”
Similar to Massachusetts, Colorado has paved the way in green initiatives with its current “Million Solar Roofs” campaign, slated to generate 3,000 megawatts of solar power in the state. The goal is more likely to be achieved with the presence of another solar player in the state. With 300 days of sunshine per year, Denver is a prime location for consumers to adapt energy alternatives like solar and realize the cost benefits.
“Solar has become a much more economical option for homeowners in recent years,” said Thomas Wilkinson, operator of the Denver franchise. “We’re eager to begin installing panels in Colorado and are committed to delivering quality, individualized service to each of our customers.”
Solar Universe has been steadily growing since being founded in 2008 and last month announced its first overseas operation in Puerto Rico. Since its founding, the company has created thousands of green jobs and installed over 17,601 Kilowatts of solar energy. Additionally, the company's network wide revenue has grown an impressive 347% from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2012. The company is quickly expanding, largely due to satisfied customers, as 36% of its business is referred from previous Solar Universe customers.