Football is undoubtedly a popular pastime in the US. And while many Americans are emotive when thinking about the NFL, one of those reasons rarely has had anything to do with environmental progress. Now, however, a growing number of professional football teams are getting on board with using solar energy to help power their stadiums. One of the companies helping them transition to renewable energy sources is PowerHome Solar of Mooresville, N.C.
PowerHome specializes in solar energy and energy efficiency services for residential and business clients, unsurprisingly though, much of PowerHome’s recent buzz comes from outfitting pro and college football stadiums with solar panels. The company operates in 10 states, mostly in the South and Midwest.
Earlier this year PowerHome scored its latest NFL partnership when it installed solar panels at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, home of the Steelers. It was the fifth NFL partnership signed by PowerHome, following stadium contracts with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts. In December the company also built a solar installation at N.C. State University’s Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.
Exactly when those panels will be put to use to help power actual games is anybody’s guess. There’s a strong likelihood that both the NFL and college football seasons will be delayed or canceled because of the coronavirus. In the meantime, PowerHome has been busy. The company announced that it will open an office in Raleigh, NC, a move that will bring up to 100 jobs to the region, therefore, adding to the 900 jobs it already has in its service areas. The Raleigh office is PowerHome’s third in North Carolina.
PowerHome CEO Jayson Waller has a bullish outlook on the solar energy industry, even as other sectors of the economy struggle from the impact of COVID-19. “Despite a massive disruption to the economy, consumer interest in solar continues,” Waller said in a statement. “More than ever, consumers are becoming energy conscious and are looking for ways to gain energy independence and decrease their monthly expenses. We’re committed to helping those in our home state become energy independent and have the opportunity to own their power, instead of endlessly renting it from the utility companies.
PowerHome has evolved over time, originally, the company was founded in 2006 as Rescomm. Eight years later, it was rebranded as PowerHome Solar & Roofing, and a year after that, it launched as PowerHome Solar. Rather than hire subcontractors, as many competitors do, PowerHome employs fully licensed electricians. The company has unlimited general contractor and electrical contractor licenses, and has also earned the designation of GAF Master Elite roofer.
Business has been booming of late, and PowerHome’s work has not gone unnoticed in the marketplace. Last year PowerHome placed fifth in the Charlotte Business Journal’s Fast 50 awards program, which ranks the region’s fastest-growing companies. The Business Journal noted that PowerHome’s sales shot much higher beginning in 2017, after the company switched to U.S.-made solar panels ahead of tariffs imposed on imported panels. Most of its business comes from residential customers, though its commercial division has seen fast growth thanks to its partnerships with football stadiums as well as schools and car dealerships.
