Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Business Profiles 2015 25 S aving money, generating new revenue and supporting the environment with clean energy – every business strives to achieve these goals. By partnering with Solect Energy, these objec- tives become reality. An industry leader in commercial solar energy, Solect takes a practi- cal and consultative approach to deliver smart solar solu- tions that help businesses and organizations significantly reduce energy costs. The company prides itself in part- nering closely with customers to provide strong financial insight and solar technology expertise to optimize their investment, while creating a positive impact on the envi- ronment. Owner and operator of several solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, Solect offers one-stop-shopping; its full service turnkey solutions include development services, feasibil- ity assessments, financial and incentive modeling, design and engineering, installation, Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) management and on-going system maintenance. "We balance solar optimization, aesthetics, economics and rigorous engineering specifications to best serve our clients," says Kenneth J. Driscoll, Founder and CEO. Solect pro-actively monitors and manages every system it installs with a web-based tool that provides real-time reporting and ongoing product tracking to ensure that every solar system is achieving optimal production. While solar energy is a passive system, proper mainte- nance will enhance your investment so Solect offers war- ranty and repair services. Driscoll points out that studies show a five to eight percent increase in production with biannual cleanings. This year the company plans to launch operations and maintenance services products, which not only will be available to its own customers, but to anyone who owns a commercial solar system – regard- less of the installer. Solect Energy continues to grow, adding ten new full- time staff to its team, anticipating the addition of six more employees by year's end. As they continue to expand, so does their customer base. Some recent clients include Mastria Auto Group, Old Time Sports, Fore Kicks, Consigli Construction, AmeriPride/USA, Mutual One Bank, O'Connell Fire Protection, American Plumbing and Heating Corporation, Faith Community Church of Hopkinton, Eastern Nazarene College, Mosely Realty Corporation and Stonehill College, to name a few. Many of Solect's commercial customers realize a double- digit return on their investment, coupled with reduced and predictable energy costs, and the benefits of a reduced carbon footprint and brand enhancement through envi- ronmental leadership. Educational institutions and non- profit organizations reap social, financial and environmen- tal benefits as well. To date, Solect has completed more than 150 commercial solar installations (50kW – 1MW) throughout the Commonwealth, making the company the #1 provider of commercial solar energy in the state. Solect has earned kudos from several industry associa- tions. Solar Power World named the company a Top Solar Contractor in the U.S. (#1 Solar Engineering, Procurement and Construction Company in Massachusetts). Solect also earned the position of "Top Solar Installer" as part of Solar Power Worlds' 2014 Leadership Awards. In 2014 Inc. Magazine ranked Solect #77 on its list of the 500 Fastest Growing Companies in America. Community involvement is fundamental to Solect's mission. The company partners with the Melanoma Foundation of New England (MFNE) on multiple fund- raising events and every year Solect hosts the MFNE's official running team, Running for Cover, for the Boston Marathon. In addition to donating an 11.75kW solar system to the Michael Lisnow Respite Center in Hopkinton in 2013, Solect recently donated a 30kW sys- tem to the newly constructed Hopkinton Center for the Arts, which is estimated to save the organization nearly $10,000 a year in electric costs. "We feel that part of our role as a business is to be part of the community that we choose to work and live in," says Driscoll. An internal culture of innovation, excellence and team- work that strives to continue delivering the highest-quali- ty solar energy products and services, as well as dedica- tion to local community efforts clearly demonstrates Solect's commitment to "People. Planet. Profit." n Solect: Solar Power With a Purpose H o P K I N t o N , m a solect energy Address: 89 Hayden Rowe Street Hopkinton, MA 01748 Phone: 508-598-3511 Fax: n/a Website: www.solect.com Product or Service: Full-service com- mercial solar project developer and installer, delivering smart solar solutions to help businesses and organizations reduce energy costs. Number of Employees: 35 Head of Company: Kenneth Driscoll, CEO & Founding Principal Year Founded: 2009 Left to right: Ken Driscoll, James Dumas, Craig Huntley Stonehill College, Easton MA AmeriPride Services, Worcester, MA P h o t o s / C o u r t e s y

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