Shine On: New Home Solar Company Moves In

For this installment of Spotlight On Wall, we've gone solar.

Roof Diagnostics Solar, a home solar energy company, has recently set up shop in town. We caught up with owner Kelcy Pegler Jr. to walk us through this brave new world of energy production.

Solar, eh? New Jersey's big on the budding Solar Industry. Lots of solar companies out there, even some in town. What makes your company unique?

The Solar Industry has really condensed over the past year. In 2011 there were twice as many solar companies installing solar as in 2012. While the number of overall integrators (sales and install) decreased precipitously, the actual number of home solar installs increased. In terms of what makes us unique, I think we've done a very good job making the solar process easy. We have simplified going solar, helping customers learn, understand, and adopt solar in an exciting, contagious way. 

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Business Name: Roof Diagnostics Solar

How Long In Wall Location: 6 Months

Owner: Kelcy Pegler Jr.

# of Employees: 265

Address: 2333 Highway 34, Wall NJ. 08736

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Phone: 732-974-8874

Email: kelcy@roofdiagnostics.com

Website: roofdiagnostics.com

Facebook/Twitter/social media: twitter.com/RoofDiagnostics; facebook.com/roofdiagnosticsinc

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The idea of using the sun for power isn't exactly new. The ancient Egyptians were pretty hip to it. Why do you think it has taken a couple of thousand years for people to catch on to the idea that they could power their houses with the sun's energy?

While the sun is old, home solar is relatively new. Most people think the recent increase in solar adoption is related to technology. This is not accurate.  While solar panel technology has remained consistent, the home solar financing options have revolutionized a homeowners’ opportunity to go solar. More than 80-percent of solar homeowners have gone solar in partnership with a Solar Service Provider, like SunRun. With these new options, customers can choose solar instead of their utility, without spending thousands of dollars.

Lots of people love the idea of using the sun to power their houses. But the initial investment to convert a house -- even if its a pay over time thing -- historically has been prohibitive when weighed against the real energy cost savings each month. How is the industry generally, and your company in particular, addressing this?

As President Clinton stated during his keynote speech at the Annual Solar Conference: "If people only understood the facts."  

The facts really support solar. In states like NJ, NY, MA, CT solar is price competitive with the grid. In fact, through a solar lease or power purchase agreement, homeowners with a southern facing roof and an open roof space can go solar for free. Really, a customer can go solar without spending any money. Instead of buying their energy from the utility company, these customers will buy their energy from the solar company - their energy will cost less but, more importantly, it will be fixed for 20 years. It really is a win/win.

Is the recent move toward solar energy a harbinger of things to come, in your opinion? Do you think people will eventually move away from the conventional power grid and become self-supplying mini-power plants?

Personally, I think people are interested in cleaning up the planet. My job is to help them do this with the fewest barriers possible. We've been able to take away all of the red tape generally tied to going solar. Our customers have decided to buy better, cleaner, cheaper energy. As businesses like Roof Diagnostics and Nest, a smart thermostat company that helps your home's efficiency, help customers clean up the world while saving money -- it only makes sense that the mass adoption will follow.   

You've recently moved into Wall. Welcome. But tell us, what is it about this community that attracted you here?

We have a great relationship with Wall Township. Before we moved to Wall, this township had more than 50 solar customers. The town has really done a great job helping its homeowners adopt solar. The building department and township officials have really been progressive leading the state in their investment in solar awareness and knowledge. We are proud to be a part of a town that has so many thriving businesses. The most rewarding part of our work is being able to provide so many meaningful jobs to locals. Over the last two years we have gone from 40 employees to 265; we have really engaged, caring workforce. It makes coming to work enjoyable every day. Shine on!