The very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970 (52 years ago). On that day, 20 million Americans throughout our country marched to raise awareness of the dangers being inflicted upon our environment. Environmental advocates spoke to the need for environmental protection and those calls were answered when the US Environmental Protection Agency was established roughly eight months later on December 2, 1970. These calls for action for environmental justice are just as important today.
Reverse those numbers in 52 years of Earth Day, and you’ve got the number of years we’ve been Generating Positive Energy! That’s right - we are celebrating 25 years in business and taking a look back at where it all started, and just how far we’ve come.
Since our inception, Positive Energy Solar has been a values-based company carrying a common goal of generating collective action for environmental and social betterment. To us, solar energy is not just a clean, reliable, energy source; it is the hope for a better, cleaner, brighter tomorrow for all inhabitants of this planet we call home. It is the same motivation for a better future that generated the 20 million-strong protest on the first Earth Day in 1970, that keeps us dedicated to building a clean energy future every day that we do business.
Our look has certainly changed over the years, but our values and mission haven’t.
From our humble beginnings as a small business born of a Santa Fe incubator with a team of three, to over 100 employees with the vast majority (a whopping 98%) taking on employee ownership through our employee-owned, values-based business model, we take pride in where we’ve been and the direction we are growing in. Take a look at our timeline of growth!
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1997: Positive Energy Solar was founded by Allan Sindelar |
1998: Positive Energy becomes the second client of the Santa Fe Business Incubator |
2004: Allan connected with San Juan college photovoltaic program and met (then students of the program) Mark Drummond and Taiyoko Sadewic who offered to become partners |
2007: Mark Drummond and Taiyoko Sadewic receive their NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications |
Notable projects: 25 kW PNM Sunflower installed with the support of San Juan college grads |
2008: Positive Energy Solar becomes employee-owned with the ability to buy shares of company stock |
2009: Positive Energy opens its Albuquerque branch |
2013: Positive Energy becomes a Certified B Corporation* to reinforce our values and mission while ensuring we stick to a triple bottom line of People, Planet, and Prosperity for all (*Awarded Best for the Environment by B Corp Labs in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019) |
2014: Notable Projects: Largest Single Solar project for PES (x2) 1.5 MW largest single company project at Buckman Direct Diversion Booster Station 2A & Santa Fe Community College (1 MW) |
2016: Notable Projects: Santa Fe High School 1 MW Project |
2018: Formed our Commercial Department to focus on larger-scale projects which has become an integral part of our business |
2021: Notable Projects: Hyde Park microgrid/ City of Santa Fe Government Solar Carports |
2022: Exceeded 120 employees and became 98% Employee Owned! In our commitment to the community, we now work in steady collaboration with the following partners: Explora X-Studios, CAVU, Somos Unidos Foundation, and UNM’s Business for Good committee. |
Most importantly, we have you to thank for us achieving 25 years of local business and solar integration; our clients are the ones taking action and making the change to renewable energy - we’re here to help make the switch a great experience. We see our customers as our partners in sustainable solutions for a healthier future for both people and our planet. It is because of you that we have reached over 5,000 solar installations throughout New Mexico and we are among the most trusted solar companies in the state.
Your support has helped us give back to countless organizations and initiatives in the community. We THANK YOU for generating positive energy alongside us for 25 years and continuing to advocate for clean renewable energy and environmental well-being. We look forward to many more years of serving New Mexicans and working with you to build a more sustainable future for all.
If you are interested in joining the clean energy movement and generating solar energy of your own, we’re here to walk you through the process and answer any questions! We make it easy and consultations are always free.