|
2007 Green Heroes
Jordan Jaco
Elementary School Student
Bob Solger
Business Owner
Matt Diller
Classroom Teacher
Sam Simmons
Saint Louis Zoo
Buildings and Grounds Supervisor
|
|
Bob Solger, right, explains energy conservation measures to a homeowner.
Bob Solger
Bob Solger’s work promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources demonstrates his commitment to making environmentally sound practice turn a healthy “green” profit.
He started up The Energy Savings Store in 2003, despite heavy odds against success for this kind of venture in the St. Louis area, where utility costs are relatively low and almost no other financial incentives are available to prompt individuals or companies to switch to green power. Bob has persisted! His small business is still in business, and his professional reputation as an energy resource is well established and growing.
Bob takes his message out to people. The Energy Savings Store has become a familiar presentation at home shows, environmental festivals, trade shows and other events around St. Louis and the Midwest region. Bob gives talks, seminars, classes and demonstrations. He believes in investing his time to help people understand what green energy is all about. In almost any conversation with Bob, you can learn something about using energy much more sustainably than most people do now.
Many of the inquiries Bob handles are from people interested in options like putting solar panels on their home. As a credible energy expert, he will always first direct a potential customer into energy efficiency measures, because still-expensive renewable power technologies need to be coupled with the most efficient appliances and other energy-using systems in order to be cost-effective for the consumer. Bob’s public education includes the perspective that energy conservation is essential to protect the environment, as well as our wallets. He promotes sustainable thinking about energy, with customers and among fellow business people.
Bob Solger has become the local “go-to guy” for technical and product information on renewable energy production, especially wind and solar power. In 2006 he installed 18.3 kilowatts of photovoltaic (solar) equipment and 10.6 kilowatts of wind power systems.
In a fledgling industry sector like Bob’s, cooperation and networking are essential for success. If he doesn’t have on hand the right equipment (or know-how) for a particular installation, he has the resources to identify and get what is needed. He supports conservation education non-profit groups, knowing how much education is needed in his field. His work is not only cultivating profitability for The Energy Savings Store, he is helping to grow a vital new domestic industry, a type of business that is succeeding in Germany and the Scandinavian countries.
Bob Solger committed personal resources into renewable and efficient energy services at a time when this kind of business was extremely risky. Complex and slowly evolving technologies made this focus very difficult to promote. He has translated his background in the computer industry into the means to strategize, experiment, and persevere as the field of renewable energy production expands.
Bob Solger and The Energy Savings Store are demonstrating the value of investing business resources in an environmentally healthy future.
The St. Louis Green Hero Award is sponsored by:
|
