Semper Solaris Construction, Inc. is a residential solar power installation company based in San Diego, California, founded by Kelly Shawhan and John Almond in 2012. The company is known for its angle of hiring former Marines within the solar industry, as well as its focus on American culture in its marketing.

Semper Solaris
Company typePrivate
IndustryConstruction
Home improvement
Solar energy
FoundedMarch 9, 2012; 12 years ago (2012-03-09) in San Diego, California (incorporated)
FoundersJohn Almond
Kelly Shawhan
Areas served
San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and the Bay Area of California
Key people
John Almond
CEO
Kelly Shawhan
COO
ProductsSolar panels
Roofing
ServicesInstallation
Replacement
WebsiteOfficial website

History edit

Semper Solaris founder John Almond was previously involved in the construction business, and had changed his focus to solar energy upon establishing the company. It was said co-founder Kelly Shawhan had worked in solar energy since 1989.[1][2] Kelly Shawhan was previously a United States Marine Corps captain. It was reported the company's name choice was based on the Marine Corps motto "semper fidelis" and an oath that Shawhan had with 12 other Marines in the Philippines in 1985.[3]

In 2015, the company installed a total 0.400 megawatts that year which reportedly fluctuated from 0.200 in 2014.[4] Solar manufacturer SunPower gave the company a 'Residential National Dealer of the Year' title in 2015.[5]

In 2016, three Semper Solaris employees had stopped to save two passengers out of burning box truck, which had driven off Route 163's guardrail and onto the Route 305 in San Diego County.[6][7] The Semper Solaris employees, received a "Special Commendation" from the Mayor's office of San Diego.[8]

Corporate affairs edit

The company is known for its hiring of former Marines and United States Military which in return coalesces a company culture based on the values of the said military cultures.[1] Homeboy Industries's "Solar Panel Training Program" have been linked to the company's hiring of ex-convicts.[9]

Semper Solaris has charted Solar Power World's Top Solar Contractors list for four years.[10]

Jawad Khan of Business.com's marketing journal reported that the company's supporting of military and local businesses, as well as American made products were a distinct angle in online marketing. Khan stated that the company's expression of values would be effective for certain audiences.[11] In 2013, Joseph Calack of engineering journal RFCafe praised the dealer for its transparent sale of a photovoltaic SunPower solar system.[12]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Semper Solaris brings sustainable energy to San Diego". Del Mar Times. San Diego, California. October 7, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  2. ^ "Local Business Spotlight – SEMPER SOLARIS SOLAR ENERGY (Alpine Owned and Veteran Owned)". Alpine Community Network. Alpine, California. May 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  3. ^ "Local, Veteran Owned Semper Solaris Wins SunPower Residential National Dealer of the Year Award". The San Diego Union Tribune. 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2016.
  4. ^ "2015 Top 500 North American Solar Contractors". Solar Power World. 2015. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  5. ^ Wilson, Lance (April 6, 2016). "SunPower Awards Semper Solaris Residential National Dealer of the Year" (Press release). MarketersMedia. Semper Solaris. Retrieved 2016-06-28.
  6. ^ Rivera, Salvador (January 28, 2016). "Moving truck plunges off freeway, erupts in flames". News. San Diego, California. Event occurs at 5:37 PM. Fox News Channel. 5. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  7. ^ "Truck plunges off overpass, bursts into flames". San Diego, California: ABC 10 News. January 28, 2016. Event occurs at 5:26 PM. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  8. ^ Semper Solaris RESCUE - Once a Marine, Always a Marine! Oo-rah! (MP4). San Diego, California: Semper Solaris. 2016.
  9. ^ "Homeboy celebrates solar training program". Park Labrea News. Beverly Press. March 3, 2016. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
  10. ^ "Semper Solaris profile". Solar Power World. 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  11. ^ Khan, Jawad (April 19, 2016). "Why Google Loves Brands and How Businesses Can Take Advantage". Business.com. Retrieved June 28, 2016.
  12. ^ Calack, Joseph (November 5, 2013). "Solace in Solar". RFCafe; Sunshine Design Engineering Services. Retrieved July 3, 2016.