Earth First Solar Opens Maplewood Shop

Just a few weeks ago Earth First Solar moved into the storefront at 7312 Manchester Road.

Paul McKnight and Kyle Barber started the all-things-solar business in 2011. This is their first storefront retail space.

McKnight said he and Barber have been “obsessed” with solar power ever since they were kids, and into college, where they both got science-related degrees.

“We’ve always talked about this idea of starting a solar company, but it was never really a viable thing until after 2008, when Proposition C passed,” McKnight said. Proposition C included a system of rebates for installation of solar panels on homes.

“It’s finally affordable for the middle class,” he said. “Whereas before it was just a few fringe groups that were getting solar. New it’s becoming a mainstream reality for people.”

Any excess electricity runs your meter backwards, so you get credit for extra energy instead of trying to store it for later in a battery.

They sell anything solar. “Everything from your lawn and garden lights up to battery backup systems for your home,” McKnight said.