Long before fossil fuel depletion and global warming were mainstream news, Sundance began designing and installing renewable energy systems. It all began with a positive vision for the future...
Our Story:
After years of environmental activist work, Dave & Sierra Hollister imagined a company that could manifest and support their shared vision of a viable, environmentally sustainable future; a company that upheld their belief in self-reliant lifestyles and energy-conscious municipalities—out of this Sundance was born. From its humble beginnings in the laundry room of their solar mountain home, Sundance has grown to become one of the largest renewable energy firms in the Southeast. Today, with our main operations located just outside Asheville, NC, Sundance is a full-service organization with a service area that covers five states.
The Early Years:
Long before fossil fuel depletion and global warming were mainstream news, Sundance began designing and installing renewable energy systems. During the early years, we acquired invaluable first-hand knowledge of renewable energy technology by providing repair and replacement services for the many systems that were installed in the 1970s. The vast knowledge acquired through this experience remains a key influence in the exceptional designs that we offer today.
A few stepping stones…
- In 1998 we moved out of the laundry room and into a tobacco barn we’d converted into our office and shop. This move augmented Sundance with the added manufacturing capability and a place to build the administrative underpinnings of our operation. The tobacco barn would serve as our headquarters for the next ten years, until January of 2008, when we opened a satellite office just outside of Asheville, NC.
- In 2001, Sundance started a design initiative to develop a standardized system for hydronic heating systems to enhance the user friendliness and serviceability of the systems we install.
- The VersaCor, introduced in 2002, was the first product to be manufactured and distributed by Sundance Power Systems, Inc
The Industry:
Sundance has been instrumental in shaping the renewable energy industry. Over the years, we have played an integral role in the evolution of the industry, working to expand the reach of renewable energy in the Southeast.
- In 1998 Sundance negotiated the first Net Metering Agreement in the state of North Carolina.
- Sundance worked extensively with the
North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) and the
Southern Alliance for Clean energy (SACE) to bring ‘net metering’ and other interconnection options to the region. - Sundance was a pioneer and played a key role in the development of grid-tied systems in the state of North Carolina.
Sundance Today:
Today, the utility grid in North Carolina offers a variety of interconnection and incentive options, including the financial incentives offered by North Carolina Green Power.
Interest in renewable energy has grown significantly over the years, fueled by these expanded financial incentives as well as a growing awareness of the severe consequences of peak oil and Global Climate change. In response, Sundance continues to expand its capabilities and extend its reach. We are currently engaged in research and development for new products and services.
Some examples include:
- Building on the commercial success of VersaCor, Sundance formed a subsidiary — Blue Ray Technologies, Inc — dedicated to the, design, manufacturing, and distribution of innovative renewable energy products for the residential, commercial and institutional marketplaces.
- Separate divisions within our company for: Residential, Commercial, Municipal and Developer—providing a comprehensive suite of consulting and installation services for each.
- A complete design and engineering department.
- Four full-time installation teams and growing.
- The area’s only full-time service and maintenance division.
- Investment strategy consulting services for public utility and private investor clients.
We would like to thank our clients – most have become our valued friends – homeowners, business owners, political leaders and thought leaders, good people from all walks of life, for their commitment and their inspiration. Our success is their success.
