Colby Goodrich, Owner & Operator of Goodrich Solar

Meet Colby Goodrich, the entrepreneur and driving force behind Goodrich Solar, a partner of Sunergy Solutions in Montana. 

Combining a passion for renewable energy with a commitment to exceptional customer service, Goodrich Solar is transforming the way residential and commercial property owners approach energy consumption.

We will explore Goodrich Solar’s history, values, and future goals, as well as the unique blend of passion and purpose that distinguishes (this company).

Our History

Colby Goodrich’s journey in the solar industry began with a profound interest in renewable energy and its potential to revolutionize the energy sector. Initially working within the framework of national EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) companies, Colby quickly became disillusioned with their high-volume sales focus and lack of customer care. This experience led him to seek out a relationship with Sunergy Solutions, a top-rated company known for its exceptional customer service and transparent business practices.

Inspired by Sunergy Solutions’ customer-forward model, Colby sought to bring this approach to Montana, “I was absolutely in love with the product and the industry, but not the industry standard of this EPC model,” Colby explains. With a focus on transparency, high-quality American-made products, and long-term support, Goodrich Solar and Sunergy Solutions aims to build lasting relationships with customers and provide services that customers can count on to be there down the road when you need them.

What We Find Most Rewarding

Empowering homeowners to take control of their energy expenses is the most rewarding aspect of running Goodrich Solar. In Montana, where Northwestern Energy holds a monopoly, consumers often feel helpless against rising energy costs. By educating people about the financial benefits of solar energy, Colby and Sunergy Solutions provide an alternative that can save homeowners potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of their home.

“Helping people really understand how much money they are actually spending on energy every month and helping them combat the monopoly that is Northwestern Energy is awesome,” says Goodrich. “It’s about more than just savings; it’s about giving people the autonomy to manage their energy needs and protect themselves from future rate hikes.”

Challenges We Face

Despite the clear benefits of solar energy, the industry faces significant challenges. One major issue is the prevalence of door-to-door salespeople spreading misinformation. National EPC companies often hire independent contractors who are incentivized to make quick sales without regard for accuracy or customer satisfaction. “It’s the numbers game for them, and that kind of model is really destructive to whatever industry it is,” notes Goodrich.

This aggressive sales approach creates confusion and skepticism among potential solar customers, making it harder for reputable companies to gain trust. Additionally, there is the potential threat to beneficial programs like Net Metering, which allows homeowners to generate power and store it as credits, offsetting their energy costs. Net Metering will eventually be lobbied by Northwestern to be less beneficial for the consumer. In states like California and Hawaii, Net Metering has already been dissolved.

Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Next Five Years

In the next five years, Colby envisions Sunergy as a leading advocate for solar energy in Bozeman, significantly expanding its customer base and solidifying its reputation for transparency and customer service. The primary goal is to educate as many people as possible about the financial and environmental benefits of solar energy.

“We’re trying to help people understand how solar can save them money as fast as possible,” Goodrich explains. This urgency is driven by the need to take advantage of current incentive programs before they potentially change. By optimizing solar systems to produce the same amount of power that homes use over a year, Goodrich Solar Solutions can maximize the benefits of Net Metering for its customers.

Federal Tax Credits and Financial Incentives

One of the most compelling reasons to switch to solar now is the availability of federal tax credits. These credits cover 30% of the upfront cost of a solar system, significantly reducing the financial burden for homeowners. “In order to incentivize that, there is a 30% tax credit that essentially takes care of 30% of the upfront cost of your system (in the form of a credit for any taxes owed at the end of the year. Keeping that money in your pocket.),” Goodrich explains.

By going solar, homeowners can not only save money but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. The sooner you go solar, the sooner you start saving money.

Colby Goodrich and Sunergy Solutions are committed to providing the Bozeman community with reliable, high-quality solar solutions that offer long-term financial and environmental benefits. By educating homeowners, advocating for supportive policies, and delivering exceptional customer service, Goodrich Solar and Sunergy Solutions aim to lead the transition to a sustainable energy future. Join Colby and his team in harnessing the power of solar and take control of your energy costs today.

For more information about Goodrich Solar’s and his services, visit the website.