We regularly highlight one of our esteemed Business Members with an exclusive interview in the TXSES newsletter. This month, TXSES’s Communications Director Tamara Kowalski reached out to Longhorn Solar CEO Louis Petrik, who is also on the TXSES Board of Directors, to learn about the origins of the company, their mission & outlook, and their impact on the solar industry.
Origins and Leadership
Longhorn Services was the largest holiday decoration company in Central Texas in 2009. We had the employees and equipment to work on rooftops, so I decided to enroll in ACC (Austin Community College) for my training and to get my NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification. We then added solar to our service offerings. In 2010, we incorporated and started Longhorn Solar.
Mission and Vision
To see solar on every rooftop, and to be the greatest solar installation company in Texas. We will do this by providing custom high-quality solar & energy storage solutions at competitive prices.
Approach to Projects
We approach each project with a custom approach. Our objective with every project is to over-deliver on service and communication. We start with setting realistic expectations and then try and over-communicate as the project moves through the many phases of approval to install and then installation. Customers always have their Longhorn account managers to communicate with if they have any questions throughout the process.
Career Impact
I started in this industry with an idea to add to my service offerings, but since then I have become an “accidental environmentalist.” I have to embrace being a “tree hugger.” I feel like Longhorn is always trying to learn. Being involved with the many organizations in the industry like TXSES, SEIA, as well as Environment Texas, have really helped our company.
Key Accomplishments
I think the biggest accomplishment is just being able to navigate the solar coaster. This industry has gone through so many transformations and has had so many challenges that many companies have not been able to survive. At 15 years old, we are one of the oldest Texas-based solar companies. It is estimated that over 50% of the current solar systems are orphaned systems because the original company went out of business.
Industry Surprises and Dynamics
You have to learn quickly and get as much training as possible. Also, be a good company. We have so many companies coming to Texas that are not doing a good job of setting the right expectations for the customer. We need more good companies that do not misrepresent what solar will accomplish. There are so many houses in Texas that we do not need to beat each other up to compete.
Facing Challenges
Hiring. For the longest time it was almost impossible to find good quality people. There was such a shortage that many of the people looking for jobs were requesting crazy high salaries.
Community Outreach and Contributions
I am just trying to give back to the industry by participating on the board of TXSES.
Future Outlook
We will be continuing to expand outside of the Central Texas market. The solar industry is still contracting in Texas so this will make our expansion plans even more challenging.
Final Thoughts
I would just like to say it again. This industry in Texas has a black eye due to all of the companies in the past who have misrepresented solar in the sales process. Be honest with your customers. Do the job that you say that you are going to do with no surprises. If we can all do this then the market will grow again and there will be more business that any company can handle. Good luck and “May the Odds be Ever in Your Favor.”
Interested in becoming a TXSES Platinum Business Member? Contact Patrice “Pete” Parsons at pparsons@txses.org for details about membership perks, requirements, and how your company can become involved in TXSES’s vibrant community. Whether you’re seeking exclusive benefits or opportunities for collaboration, he can guide you through the process and address any inquiries you may have.