Solar Source Of St. Petersburg Goes Global

It was solar before solar was cool. And it is now reaping the benefits.

Solar Source, a St. Petersburg manufacturer and distributor of solar panels for businesses and homes for more than 25 years, has grown from its roots in the Tampa Bay region to serving clients around the world.

Unique in its industry, Solar Source has a diverse staff and uses no subcontractors.

"Solar technology is experiencing tremendous growth, and it will eventually create more jobs than any other industry in recent times," says company owner Wayne Wallace.

Part of the growth has been from new federal energy policies to seek more diverse sources. Solar's presence is now also set in Florida state law.

Beginning July 1, 2009, all utilities in Florida were required to have technology in place to buy back excess solar power from solar generators in homes and businesses. The state requires the utilities to pay for that at the same rate the utility charges, further enhancing the value of solar, Wallace says.

The state Department of Education also approved Solar Source as Florida's first solar renewable training school for contractors, vocational school students and others.

Some of Solar Source's notable projects include the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center, which was used for the Olympics; the Australian Olympic Pool; the Florida cities of St. Cloud and Cocoa Beach; and the largest solar pool heating system in the world in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Writer: Dave Szymanski

Source: Wayne Wallace, Solar Source