36+ Years
of leadership in the clean energy revolution
7 Years
of service on the COSSA/COSEIA Board of Directors
1,000s of Projects
providing clean energy across all levels from residential to utility-scale
PC: Kelsey Brunner / Post Independent: Sunsense President Scott Ely
“Those of us working in solar and storage in Colorado today stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us, like Scott Ely. While Scott is humble about his contributions to this energy market, it is only because of his daily and tireless efforts that Colorado is on its present path toward decarbonization.”
– Mike Kruger, President and CEO of COSSA
In our November edition of Power in Numbers, we featured Sunsense Solar and the groundbreaking Ameresco/HCE Solar & Energy Storage Project located near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Little did we know there was more to celebrate than one remarkable project—November also marked the announcement of a pivotal transition for Sunsense’s Founder and CEO, Scott Ely. As he embarks on a new chapter, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of this solar industry pioneer.
The Early Days of Solar in the Rockies
Scott’s adventure in the solar industry began in the early ’80s in Boulder, Colorado, where he held numerous roles at Novan Energy, a solar thermal manufacturer. It was a time when the concept of renewable energy, particularly solar power, was still finding its footing amongst the challenging terrain of the West’s fossil fuel industry. Scott’s passion led him to attend Colorado Mountain College in 1987, making him one of the early graduates of the Solar Retrofit Program. Subsequent stints at Photocomm, an early PV distributor in Chino Valley, AZ and Rocky Mountain Solar Glass back in Boulder set the stage for Scott to launch Sunsense in 1990 with the intent to play a pivotal role in ushering in the era of easily accessible solar power.
Using the Sun Makes Sense
To better reach the market, Scott relocated to the Roaring Fork Valley. In those early days, it was often required to navigate 4-wheel drive roads and set up camp for days to provide PV systems for remote, off-the-grid cabins. Fast forward and Sunsense has flourished, growing to over 30 employees and becoming a highly-respected solar and storage contractor serving not only Western Colorado, but often far beyond.
Under Scott’s leadership, Sunsense’s projects have left an indelible mark on the community and the environment. From off-grid systems to residential and commercial installations to ground-breaking initiatives like the Ameresco/HCE Solar & Energy Storage Project, Sunsense projects have engaged a broad array of clients and been at the forefront of some of the most impactful solar endeavors in all of Colorado. That impact has, and continues to be, more profound than just megawatts.
Zoom in on Sunsense’s 20-year collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, and in particular, the Basalt Vista Project. This local, 12-building, affordable housing model has set the national standard for net-zero living. Coupled with this history of partnering with Habitat to provide pro-bono solar installations for over thirty (30) low-income households, it paints the picture of how Scott has included anyone and everyone from the community to participate in the clean energy revolution.
The Journey Continues
Now, with 35 years invested in building Sunsense, it’s time to step aside and let the employees carry the torch. The transition from sole ownership to Employee Ownership fits well with the team effort that helped establish Sunsense as a leader in PV and storage on the Western Slope. Scott intends to engage in many opportunities focusing on humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. By parlaying experience and contacts with motivation and desire, Scott is anxious to stay in the flow.
A Hearty “Thank You” To a Solar and Storage Legend
From sole proprietor to commercial sales to strapping on the tool belt, Scott has a unique view of the past, present and future of the solar electric industry. Over the years, Scott said he had the honor of working with many of the solar industry’s pioneers and cherishes those long-standing friendships. Scott shared how proud he was of the deep ties he and Sunsense Solar share with COSSA going all the way back to the COSEIA days.
With a 30+ year membership and Scott’s notable 7-year run on the COSEIA Board of Directors, Scott’s contributions to COSSA’s mission deserve of a resounding vote of gratitude from the entire industry.
One of the best who always treated others with respect.
A great legacy, and a greater person.
I was fortunate to serve with Scott on COSEIA’s Board of Directors from 2000 to 2006. Scott always had valuable insights and opinions on the direction that COSEIA should take as the industry began its PV-focused expansion in Colorado. And he always brought to those board discussions not only his Western slope business experience but also his relaxed, positive outlook on Colorado’s solar future. Scott had a knack for getting his point across in a low-key manner but still got buy-in from the rest of the board.
Thank you Scott for what you have contributed to the solar industry in Colorado. And I hope I keep running into you at solar shows in the future!