A Living History of the Solar Industry
What does it take to survive—and thrive—in the solar industry for three decades? In Episode 5 of The Solar Coaster, I had the privilege of sitting down with Eric Wedell, CEO of Energy Plus Solar, a company that’s been at the forefront of renewable energy since 1994.
Eric’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. He’s witnessed the entire evolution of commercial solar, from the earliest PV installations in the early nineties to today’s sophisticated energy storage solutions and off-grid living innovations. His story isn’t just about survival—it’s about adaptation, resilience, and vision.
From Humble Beginnings to Solar Pioneer
Energy Plus Solar didn’t start as a solar company. In 1994, the focus was on air conditioning and water heating. But Eric saw something others didn’t: the potential of photovoltaic technology when it was still in its infancy. While most people couldn’t imagine solar as a viable energy source, Eric was installing some of the first commercial PV systems.
“The early nineties were a different world,” Eric shared. “Solar wasn’t mainstream. It wasn’t trendy. But we believed in the technology and the mission.”
Riding the Waves: Growth, Challenges, and Innovation
Eric’s three decades in solar have been anything but smooth. He’s navigated multiple market fluctuations, economic downturns, and most recently, the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it was around 2014 that Energy Plus Solar experienced explosive growth as solar technology became more accessible and affordable.
Throughout our conversation, Eric emphasized the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Energy Plus hasn’t just kept pace with industry changes—they’ve anticipated them. From embracing energy storage solutions to pioneering off-grid living systems, the company continues to innovate.
The Future is Bright (But Not Without Challenges)
When I asked Eric about the future of solar, his optimism was contagious. He sees tremendous opportunity in off-grid living and advanced energy storage technologies. However, he’s also realistic about the challenges ahead—from installation complexities to security concerns that come with distributed energy systems.
“We’re at an exciting inflection point,” Eric explained. “The technology is there. The demand is there. Now it’s about education, installation excellence, and building trust with customers who are making a significant investment in their energy independence.”
Key Takeaways from Eric’s Solar Coaster Journey
1. Longevity requires adaptation. Energy Plus Solar survived by evolving with the market, not fighting against change.
2. Early adoption pays off. Being a pioneer meant weathering skepticism, but it also meant being positioned for success when solar finally hit mainstream.
3. Technology is only part of the equation. Customer education, quality installation, and ongoing support are just as crucial as the panels themselves.
4. The best is yet to come. Despite three decades in the industry, Eric is more excited about solar’s future than ever before.
Why This Episode Matters
Eric Wedell’s perspective is invaluable because he’s lived through every phase of the solar industry’s evolution. He’s seen technologies come and go, watched policies change, and adapted to shifting market demands. His insights provide context that newer solar professionals simply can’t offer—and his optimism about the future is backed by 30 years of real-world experience.
Whether you’re a solar veteran looking to reflect on how far we’ve come, a newcomer trying to understand industry dynamics, or a homeowner considering solar for your property, Eric’s story offers lessons, inspiration, and a roadmap for success in renewable energy.
Listen to the Full Episode
Ready to dive deeper into Eric’s incredible journey? Listen to Episode 5 of The Solar Coaster on your favorite podcast platform:
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Listen to the Full Episode
If you’d like to hear Gina Gennette’s full story and insights, tune into this week’s episode of The Solar Coaster Podcast.
