history

Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc was founded in 1988 in Sacramento, California by owner and President Paul Israel. Paul, a native of New Hampshire, has a business degree from Temple University and has worked in the solar industry since 1987. Paul worked with American Solar Network (ASN), a Herndon, Virginia based solar water manufacturing company in 1989-90, and became an equity partner in 1991.

Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc. opened it's first location in Redmond, Oregon in 1997. During this time, the services offered varied from installing Solatubes, solar for rv's to solar hot water and solar electric. In 2003 SSE moved it's operations to sunny downtown Bend, right off the parkway. Over the course of the next few years Sunlight Solar progressed into a company that specializes in solar electric for homes and businesses. In 2006 SSE made an important ally and joined forces with SunPower as a dealer/installer, shortly thereafter gaining Premier Dealer status. Having the ability to buy dealer direct from SunPower has allowed Sunlight Solar to consistently provide our customers with the best product at the best price, while providing long term warranties and guaranteeing customer satisfaction. Sunlight Solar was Voted Best Green Business in Bend for 2008!

In 2004 Sunlight Solar expanded it's operations from coast to coast, opening our second office in Milford Connecticut. With the combination of increasingly high utility costs and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund offering attractive incentives Sunlight Solar saw this as a unique opportunity for growth. 

Sunlight Solar has grown from one employee in 2004 to 34 employees strong in 2008! The need for investing in renewable energy is becoming increasingly more important to more Americans. Sunlight Solar is excited to provide the opportunity for Oregonians and Connecticut residents to become empowered and take control of their energy costs!  

Sunlight Solar Energy, Inc. is fully licensed, bonded and insured in Oregon and Connecticut. Sunlight Solar Oregon is a Trade Ally through the Energy Trust Of Oregon and we have Tax Credit Certified Technicians on staff to help you with your state tax paperwork. Sunlight Solar Connecticut is an eligible installer through the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF). 

We are also proud members of the following organizations:

• American Solar Energy Society
• Solar Energy Industry Association
• Solar Energy Business Association of New England 
• Northeast Solar Energy Association
  
• Connecticut Solar
• Building Green Council of Central Oregon
  
• Central Oregon Builders Association
• The Green Spot
• Blue Sky Business partner with Pacific Power in Oregon
  
• Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association
• International Association of Electrical Inspectors