South Coast Solar (SCS) (No. 167 on the Solar Power World Top 400 list)
South Coast Solar (SCS) (No. 167 on the Solar Power World Top 400 list) takes its commitment to the Louisiana solar industry seriously — and they work hard to make sure it grows for all installers.
Since its founding in 2008, SCS has been at the forefront of shaping renewable policy in Louisiana, says Scott Oman, COO/CTO of SCS. The principals of the firm (Oman, Robert L. Suggs Jr. and C. Tucker Crawford) have been instrumental in crafting tax-credit law and rules, contractor licensing requirements and net-metering policy as intervenors at the Louisiana Public Service Commission.
“We believe imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and we are proud to have set the standard as our industry has grown from only a handful to more than 200 solar companies statewide,” Oman says. “With each installation, we take pride in making a difference in the energy world and the improved quality of life of the customers we serve.”
Oman says all solar contractors must be at least part-time lobbyists for several reasons:
It is definitely possible to create a solar market where none previously existed. He considers himself fortunate to be able to follow his dreams in his hometown of New Orleans. In large part, that’s because of the company’s activity on the policy front working with legislators to get these policies on the books.
Net-metering laws are currently under assault by utilities across the country. Without a unified effort by solar professionals and those who have invested in solar energy systems, it’s quite possible that solar customers could end up paying for being grid-connected. Why? Well, utilities are spreading the falsehood that the grid is being subsidized for them by non-solar customers when in fact the exact opposite is true.
Solar professionals must fight for tough licensing and inspection requirements so that the reputation of solar as a long-lasting dependable energy source is not tarnished by systems that fail because of poor installation and commissioning practices.
As a result of the company’s hard work, Oman says South Coast Solar puts clients in control of the cost and impact of their energy consumption — and it continues to fight for public policy that will help it — and the industry — continue to grow. SPW