The Solar Car Challenge is the top project-based STEM Initiative helping motivate students in Science, Engineering, and Alternative Energy. We teach high school students how to plan, design, engineer, build, race, and evaluate roadworthy solar cars. Their Mission: We are building the young Engineers and Innovators of the Future.
Science & Technology Magazine and NBCUniversal named the Solar Car Challenge as one of the top Science & Engineering programs in the country. The Challenge has 261 high school solar car projects in various stages of development in anticipation of an upcoming solar racing event. Teams are located in 39 states, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Spain, and Singapore.
High School teams begin preparation for their year-long project during education workshops scheduled in September 2023. Additional workshops, on-site visits, mentor opportunities, and summer camps help propel the projects to success. After qualifying for the 2024 Event, teams get the opportunity to drive their solar cars at the world famous Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA) is leading the transformation to a clean energy economy, creating the framework for solar to achieve 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies and other strategic partners to fight for policies that create jobs in every community and shape fair market rules that promote competition and the growth of reliable, low-cost solar power. Founded in 1974, SEIA is the national trade association for the solar and solar + storage industries, building a comprehensive vision for the Solar+ Decade through research, education and advocacy.
SEIA employees are passionate, forward-thinking leaders that start every day knowing that their work makes a difference. SEIA values diversity and fosters an inclusive, lively company culture that celebrates team success. The association has earned numerous awards for its work and company culture and was named by the Washington Post as a 2023 Top Workplace and a Best Nonprofit to Work For by the Nonprofit Times.
We regularly highlight one of our esteemed Platinum Business Members with an exclusive interview in the TXSES newsletter. This month, TXSES Communications Director Tamara Kowalski reached out to Longhorn SolarCEO 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, she can guide you through the process and address any inquiries you may have.
This is a summary of publicly available resources as compiled by Solvari Solar. Property owners should refer to the resources linked in this document for the status of any incentives mentioned. This summary does not represent tax or financial guidance in any form. Talk to your certified licensed financial experts for more details on how to leverage these programs to improve your finances.
Should you install a solar hot water or heat pump hot water system for your home? This article from Energy Matters Australia takes a look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
Solar hot water systems have been around for almost as long as solar PV systems have been gracing our rooftops. Heat pump hot water systems are a relatively newer technology. With both hot water systems being eligible for federal incentives, and fantastic ways to lower electricity bills and home emissions, which is the better choice? Let’s look at the two different technologies and find out which one you should choose for your home.
