Business Profile: SunBlue Energy, Sleepy Hollow

It’s true that Chris Hale, president and founder of SunBlue Energy in Sleepy Hollow, is a strong believer in the power of new technologies.

But what inspired him to establish his own solar energy company six years ago was a photovoltaic class he took at Bronx Community College.

A former project manager at a New York City-based technology company, Hale saw opportunity in solar energy and believed it would be the perfect business to establish in Westchester County.

Teaming up with Barrett Silver, senior vice president of sales and marketing, the company has thrived since its inception and is one of the go-to solar energy companies for homeowners and businesses seeking alternatives to traditional forms of energy.

“This is a very mature technology and has been around for a very long time,” said Hale, whose company has installed more than 100 solar energy systems throughout the tri-state area in the last five years.

“The demand has increased, which has allowed for more investment in the technology, and prices have also come down,” explained Hale. “It is the fastest-growing industry out there.”

Hale said one of the common misconceptions is that reliance on solar energy won’t work in the Northeast. In fact, solar energy takes its heat from light, which means that solar panels can work just as well in Alaska as they do in Florida.

While it is gaining popularity in the U.S., other nations have moved ahead, he noted.

“The country with the most progressive solar program is really Germany, and they have installed so many more kilowatts than what we have, and there’s a lot less sunshine,” said Hale, referring to a climate that’s comparable to upstate New York.

While clouds may hinder the efficiency of solar panels, newer technology has allowed ambient light to filter through, and as a result it can generate a healthy dose of energy for the average home or business.

Solar panels, consisting of photovoltaic cells, are placed on the roof of a house or business and convert light into direct current (DC) electricity, which in turn is converted to alternating current (AC) through an inverter. If electricity is not being used during the day, the excess is pushed back into the grid, proving to be more economical than relying on traditional electricity services.

Most residential solar energy systems can be installed within a week. For commercial properties, Silver said it takes a bit longer while SunBlue Energy obtains necessary approvals and permits from local municipalities and state agencies.

“We pride ourselves on customer service and high-quality design and installation,” said Hale, who is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners.

Hale said his company of certified installers, sales consultants and project managers all live in the area and are familiar with the needs of customers in the region.

What has convinced a growing number of prospective customers to switch to solar energy, Silver said, is their electric bill. The Northeast has some of the highest energy rates in the country, and when residents and business owners evaluate the benefits, they are often convinced by the incentives that can offset the upfront costs of installing a solar energy system.

Perks include a 30 percent federal tax credit and a 25 percent New York State tax credit. The New York State Energy Research and Development Agency also offers generous incentives. Systems can be purchased outright, financed or leased.

Hale said the company monitors customer systems on a regular basis and is fully responsible for its operation for five years after installation.

For more information on SunBlue Energy and installing a solar energy system, call 914-222-3510 or 914-297-9870 for a free consultation or visit www.sunblueenergy.com.