This month’s Platinum Business Member profile is Nicholas Sprunck, owner/CEO of Texas Solar Cowboys, solar installer in the DFW Metroplex.
TXSES: Texas Solar Cowboys…how did this name come about?
TS: As a native Texan, I was looking for a name that embodied the spirit of Texas. What better way to represent Texas than the cowboy ideal? Our team includes my younger sister and two brothers-in-law. Our lead installer brought two family members along. And we also have close friends, both new and existing helping us out. I’m so fortunate to work alongside quality, hardworking folks who bring out the best in me. There’s a lot of love and hard work that happens here at Solar Cowboys.
TXSES: How did you and solar get connected?
TS: As the son of a master electrician, I’ve been involved in electrical work since I was 12. I started my first electrical contractor business when I was 25. About two years ago, I found my niche in the electrical industry once I found solar. I started Solar Cowboys when I was 32. What started out as just another type of electrical work has ended up becoming a new-found passion.
TXSES: I’m guessing you’re busy. Are you residential or commercial installers, or both?
TS: Yes, we’re busy, looking to grow and take on more work! We’re first and foremost a residential solar installer. We’ve done a few commercial installations and see this as a growing market. We’d love to take on more commercial projects.
Houston – 12.8KW – Installed December 2022
TXSES: Can you get hardware?
TS: Yes. We’re well connected through Greentech Renewables and materials allocated to us.
TXSES: How long does it take to install systems? Are customers adding batteries to their systems?
TS: We’re south of 45-days from contract signing to PTO (permission to operate) in most jurisdictions. That’s when the system is fully interconnected. We’ve definitely seen an increase in batteries. We proudly install Homegrid batteries with Sol-ark inverters. We find this to be a very cost effective, high-producing battery/panel combination.
TXSES: How was business in 2022, and how is 2023 shaping up? Are you already seeing an increase in business due to the recent passage of the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act)? 100%; will see uptick especially for businesses. Will know more in early Spring if sales folks see an uptick.
TS: 100%! I suspect we’ll see an uptick for businesses. Our sales team will know more in early Spring. But we’ve had tremendous growth in 2022. We went from a labor-only subcontractor to an EPC (engineering, procurement, construction) business. We moved into a new office/warehouse and are so very thankful for all that we’ve been able to do. We hope this trend continues in 2023 and eager to help as many people as possible make the switch to solar.
TXSES: What are your current workforce needs? Installers? Sales?
Cleburne – 3.6KW ground mount with .8KWh Homegrid battery on Sol-ark inverter – Installed October 2022
TS: SALES!! We’ve got a quality installation and post-sale team. We’re looking for third-party sales organizations that need a high-quality EPC firm with fast, quality installation times.
TXSES: Give me a job description and we’ll post it on the jobs page on the TXSES website! What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?
TS: Unquestionably financing. As interest rates have risen, we’ve had to reassess our financing strategies.
TXSES: What’s surprised you the most about this work?
TS: The diversity in customers: red, blue, tree huggers, oil barons, or anyone trying to save money or to retain power during a power outage. Solar is a real smart solution for all of us.
TXSES: One last thing: did you see that Dallas County is shifting to renewable energy for all of its 55 buildings? Might be some RFPs in the queue. Thanks for the conversation, Nicholas, and for your investment in TXSES. Here’s to a sunny 2023!
For more information, contact Nicholas Sprunck or visit Texas Solar Cowboys.