Solar Works Company Profile

or John Parry, running a business isn't just about making a living; it's about changing the world for the better. As the owner and founder of Solar Works in Sebastopol CA, the solar company that's installed more systems in Sonoma County than any other company, John has worked tirelessly for much of his adult life to change peoples' consciousness in the area of energy conservation and renewable energy sources.

With a degree in Physics from the University of California, Irvine, John spent his early career at the Farrallones Institute (now the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center), designing and installing solar and wind power projects and educating people about renewable energy.

Affordable Renewable Energy
In 1986, John founded Solar Works to help people find cost-effective, clean and renewable energy for their homes and businesses. Originally his emphasis was on designing and installing domestic hot water and pool, spa and well-pumping systems, but as Solar Works grew it evolved to include and focus on solar electricity.

An early leader in energy efficiency and conservation of natural resources, John worked hard to educate the public about the benefits of solar power as well as other renewable energy sources, and his hard work has paid off. In 2006, Congresswoman Patti Berg nominated him for the Green Entrepreneur Award, and today, with the world finally waking up to the fact that fossil fuels aren't going to last forever, Solar Work's products and John's years of expertise are very much in demand.

A Global Approach to Energy Usage
Before John designs a system for his clients, he helps them become energy conscious in every way, by replacing outdated appliances, insulating their structures and learning how to avoid excessive energy use during noon to 6:00 pm, which are the higher cost "peak hour" utility rate periods. When his clients are more energy aware, they usually require a leaner and less expensive system than they thought. Using the top-rated, highest performing and most efficient solar panels available, Solar Works has installed more solar systems in Sonoma County than any other local installer. It is a source of satisfaction to John that so many homeowners, business owners and non-profits have benefited from reducing their power costs. And many of them have not paid an electric bill for years.

Actually, most systems installed do not remove the building from the electrical grid. Instead they make the electrical meter literally run backward when the electricity generated exceeds the customer's needs. You earn credit from PG&E for those days or times of year when, because of weather, your system may generate less power than you need. However, in most cases, you will never again pay for electricity.

Rebates and Tax Incentives
All in all, a clean, self-contained solar system is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make to your home or business. However, as the rebates and credits available from the state and federal governments change, it's important to work with a seasoned industry professional like John Parry, so you'll get the best return on your investment.

But the benefits are clearly not simply financial. Installing a mid-sized solar system removes five tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere and saves one acre of trees per year, every year. Systems can be installed on roofs, on the ground or anywhere there is good sun exposure. Solar Works will evaluate your site and your needs and make recommendations.

The carefully hired and trained staff at Solar Works (the once fledgling company has grown to 17 employees), are all dedicated to the cause. No matter who you speak to there, from the owners to the sales and support staff, design team or installation crew, the theme remains the same: The staff at Solar Works are activists; they are out to change their business, their community and the world, and they're dedicated to socio-economic justice and the health of the environment.

Community Involvement
John Parry is very active in the solar industry, especially in Sonoma County, where he's a member of Solar Sonoma County, an organization dedicated to helping Sonoma County go solar. He's also a founding member of Solar Sebastopol, and has designed and installed solar installations for fire departments, the Food for Thought Food Bank, public works buildings, and even auto body shops. Solar Works' website also has an excellent frequently-asked-questions section with a bounty of information to make going solar easier to understand.

John's vision and philosophy dovetail in his work. "To know that I'm working to make the world a better place, providing good jobs for people who enjoy their work, helping keep the local economy going, and supporting people who are making a personal investment in our future as a species . . . it is a dream to be able to do all of this. Together, we're providing solutions for the challenges we're all facing. This is a truly sustainable business, and it gives me great satisfaction."