Powering Possibilities: The Evolution of REC Solar

It all began with a big idea. And the roof of a garage.

In 1997, Judy Staley and Fred Sisson — two graduates of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo — hatched a plan to install a demo solar system on the roof of Judy’s mom’s house.

It wasn’t a particularly large system. But it was ambitious, born out of Judy and Fred’s desire to contribute to an emerging industry: grid-connected solar power.

It worked. And it sparked the beginning of something much bigger: the founding of REC (Renewable Energy Concepts) Solar.

Fast forward nearly three decades, and REC Solar is now a nationwide solar Independent Power Producer. With 700+ megawatts of solar and storage projects across 29 states and an operating portfolio of 290+ MW of solar, REC Solar is supplying clean energy and electricity to hundreds of organizations, helping them reduce emissions and take control of their energy future.

But the heart of REC Solar’s story isn’t just about numbers.

It’s about its team. Its passion for solar.

And a continued, relentless belief that solar will make the world a better place for future generations.

Shortly after its founding, REC Solar began installing systems for residential customers and soon expanded to commercial customers.

That early momentum attracted investor Angiolo Laviziano, who served as CEO and helped establish Mainstream Energy Company, the parent organization of REC Solar and AEE Solar, a leading wholesale distributor of solar products.

But even with a parent company, REC Solar kept its independent spirit – growing into more territories and expanding its reach.

By 2007, the company began operating in Hawai’i, where it remains today as one of the state’s premier IPPs with more than 120 completed projects across the islands.

In the following years, REC Solar continued to grow at a rapid pace, installing nearly five times more solar capacity than it had during the entirety of its first decade.

As REC Solar expanded nationwide, it quickly became renowned as an industry leader in customer satisfaction and high-quality construction.

In 2014, residential solar provider Sunrun acquired REC Solar’s residential division, along with Mainstream Energy’s AEE Solar and SnapNrack.

This marked a pivotal moment in REC Solar’s history, one that solidified its focus on commercial solar solutions and services.

Soon after, Duke Energy, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, took notice of REC Solar’s growing influence in distributed generation.

A year later, Duke acquired a majority interest in REC Solar and committed up to $225 million in commercial solar projects under long-term power purchase agreements.

By 2017, Duke Energy acquired full ownership of REC Solar.

And in 2021, REC Solar joined forces with Duke Energy Renewables and Duke Energy One to launch Duke Energy Sustainable Solutions, offering integrated clean energy and resiliency services to organizations nationwide.

Duke Energy gave REC Solar the financial strength and operational support to own and operate solar systems for the long term — laying the groundwork for the company’s next chapter.

In 2023, REC Solar entered a new era when ArcLight Capital Partners, LLC, acquired the company. What began as a single solar panel on the roof of a home nearly 30 years ago has now evolved into a fully-fledged solar Independent Power Producer.

Today, REC Solar profitably builds, owns, and operates its solar and storage projects. Its offerings now include financed onsite solar and storage, project and portfolio acquisitions, greenfield solar development, and community solar — positioning the company as a powerful force in the clean energy industry.

And for its employees?

REC Solar has also learned that success comes from evolving with the industry and investing in its people. As a remote-first company, it emphasizes work-life balance and a culture that thrives on collaboration, integrity and an entrepreneurial spirit.

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, with rising electricity demand driven by data centers and electrification, REC Solar remains poised and ready to pioneer the next wave of what comes next.

“Our fundamental goal is to keep doing what REC has done well for decades; leverage our experience to build safe, clean, and reliable solar and energy storage projects that provide electricity to our customers, while generating value for our investors,” said REC Solar CEO Robb Jetty.

REC Solar’s story is still unfolding. But its passion remains unchanged since 1997: to change the world by delivering reliable renewable energy.

You’ll often hear REC Solar employees say, “A solution rises every morning.” But for them, it’s more than an empty mission statement or a legacy — it’s a daily commitment.

And it’s a promise of a brighter, cleaner, and more resilient future for us all.