Jump to a Team
Leading the Change
2022, what a year of changing the way the world makes and uses energy in North Carolina and beyond.
While scientists were capturing images of the Milky Way, we were busy doing some things of our own. We’re excited to share all the sun & energy saving fun we were up to with the help of our team members, customers, partners, and community in 2022. Enjoy 🙂
Keep reading for a deeper dive into each of our teams’ work and impact in 2022.
2022 Builder Efficiency Industry Highlights
The HERO Code program expanded to Duke Energy Carolinas territory in NC.
The 45L Tax Credit was extended with the signing of the IRA.
2022 Builder Team Updates
A record for our field team 🌟
In the office and out in the field
To Team Leaders in 2022
Leading us to add a full-time Training Manager!
Don’t forget! NC is transitioning to ENERGY STAR 3.1 in 2023. Learn More →
by Carly, Robert, and Noah who brought home the GOLD from Rater Fest!
Better Homes Services Launched!
To help builders deliver homes on budget, on schedule, and error-free through HVAC Grading and Air Sealing corrective work.
Learn More →
Cool Projects from 2022
A tie between Stewart Construction & MilCo properties
By Hagood Homes
By Blue Heron Homes
Savings Earned
By Pulte Homes
What's Ahead for 2023?
- Dominion / Piedmont HERO Programs
- 45L Tax Credit transition to ENERGY STAR 3.1
- Lower HERS Scores with more traction around solar + energy efficiency services!
- SEER2 Code Change
What Happened in the Solar Industry in 2022?
NC ranked 4th for solar installed across the country
Learn More →
The Federal Solar Tax Credit was restored from 26% → 30%
Learn More →
It was confirmed that the REAP grant will increase from 25% to 40% in 2023
Learn More →
The Duke Solar Rebate came to the end of its cycle
Learn More →
Duke Energy Increased Rates in December
Learn More →
Pink Energy (aka Powerhome Solar) closed shop for good
Learn More →
New Tesla products, features, & resources!
Powerwall Plus →
We introduced SPAN Panels (or SPANels, if you will) into our services
Learn More →
Our Tech Support team has been ramping up to support solar homes across NC
Learn More →
2022 Solar Team Updates
We added 4 new Project Managers, a Solar Designer, & a new Solar Educator to the team!
We added 4 new Project Managers, a Solar Designer, & a new Solar Educator to the team!
Our solar team had a fun afternoon getting together (on the ground) at Frankie’s Fun Park.
Events Hosted
We got our customers together for a round of cheers & beers at Gizmo locations around the Triangle.
Your referrals were a huge support in 2022! We said thanks with two B Corp themed giveaways.
Cool Projects from 2022
with the HBCU Clean Energy Initiative
Learn More →
Installed
with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
Learn More →
in Raleigh, NC
in Durham, NC
preparing new homes for the addition of solar
partnering with 37 different builders
What's Ahead for 2023?
- We’ll be adding another solar designer to the team (refer a friend or apply here!)
- Net Metering Updates on the horizon in NC
- Still able to take advantage of the 30% tax credit for solar and storage
- Battery storage will continue to be an important factor for home energy stability amid storms and unexpected grid outages
- We’re now offering SPAN as a product to expand battery storage capacity
- More potential for IRA rebate money becoming available for home upgrades, like the SPAN panel
- Our Zero Energy Blueprint program continues to take off as energy rates rise across NC
- We’ll be installing solar at Eden Village in Wilmington, NC, as well as several more Habitat for Humanity Homes in the Triangle
- We’ll be launching more resources!
- Expanding our video resource library
- Offering group training for sales agents (get in touch with Sam if you’re interested!)
Keep following our newsletters, social, and blog to stay up to date
2022 Industry Updates
45L was extended with the signing of the IRA
Our team was included on the advisory committee for NGBS 2024
We became a Fitwel Partner & Green Building Initiative Member
2022 Multifamily Team Updates
Our multifamily team grew from 8 team members to 14 in 2022 alone! Check out our team’s updated credentials below.
Cool Projects We Worked On
NOVEL Edgehill
Two Star Fitwel & NGBS
Nashville, TN
Crescent Communities
Pembroke Student Housing
NGBS + Solar
Pembroke, NC
EquityPlus
East Gate Village II
Our 1st NGBS & ENERGY STAR MFNC Certified Project!
Gordonsville, VA
Surber Development & Consulting
University Place
NGBS + Solar
Chapel Hill, NC
Ram Realty Advisors
What's Ahead for 2023?
- More hiring & team growth (see open positions here!)
- Many more LEED commercial projects – previously most of our LEED projects were for multifamily projects
- Green Globes Renovation/Existing Building Certification under our belts
- Lots of Fitwel growth! (Healthy building & the “S” in ESG growth)
- Start working with existing building certifications for Fitwel, Green Globes, & NGBS
- More renovation projects! (NGBS) → new pathway in existing building certification
- Preparing for more ENERGY STAR/DOE ZERH projects (45L)
- Goal: SEM office LEED Certified
Highlights from 2022
- SEM was named Best for the World in the Environment Category for the 5th consecutive year! Learn More →
- Bob and Maria attended the B Corp Champions Retreat in Philadelphia
- We also submitted our B Corp Recertification assessment — we’ll keep you posted on our results when we hear back!
Cool Projects from 2022
with Habitat for Humanity
(+3 more scheduled in early 2023!)
with proceeds benefitting Hope Renovations
Volunteered
with our community partner, Project Pando
hosted at SEM HQ in Raleigh!
facilitated by LaShauna Austria from Seeds of Change Consulting
Team Training
through SEM YOUniversity, our internal growth program
What's Ahead for 2023?
- We’ll hear back about our B Corp recertification status
- We’re hoping to host another B Local event
- Goal: 12 Professional Development Hours for all team members
- Goal: 2 JEDI Training Courses taken for each team member
- Goal: Using more of our PTO Volunteer hours (as a company)
- Our annual B Corp Gift Guide will be coming out again! Here’s the 2022 Guide in case you missed it →
Stay tuned to see how our impact is growing!
We’ll be launching our 2022 Impact and Transparency Report this Spring. In the meantime, check out our 2021 report if you missed it!
Ready to Get Started?
Reach out to our project teams to share your goals and learn more!
About Us
North Carolina’s solar power and building performance expert. Founded in 2001, we’ve worked for 20+ years to improve the way people make and use energy.
