About

We Are on a Mission

At Solential, our mission is to create a brighter future though innovative energy solutions. As Energy Innovation Engineers, we leverage solar PV, energy storage, microgrids, and emerging technologies to redefine how the world is powered. We design tailored Energy EcoSystems that integrate diverse energy sources and technologies, enhancing energy security, reducing environmental impact, and adapting to evolving needs.

Our Story

Solential Energy was founded in 2009 to provide solar energy solutions to commercial customers. Within a year, we were installing solar arrays in the Caribbean alongside the National Guard. By the end of our first decade, we had designed and built more than eight megawatts of solar across the Midwest for businesses, regional electrical cooperatives and schools. 

Our second decade has brought new verticals: agriculture, correctional facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, and other municipal entities. These new industries, along with America’s transition to renewable energy, have sharpened our approach. We are more strategic, holistic and collaborative, working with customers and partners such as energy services companies and engineering firms to address industry‐specific emerging and long‐term energy needs that address efficiency, affordability, resiliency, and sustainability. 

We embrace innovation. We were among the first to launch a Cloud‐based app that enables 24/7 remote monitoring of solar array performance. We were the first to use solar to power an American feed and grain mill. Today, we are among the first to bring floatovoltaics—floating solar arrays—to water and wastewater treatment facilities in the Midwest. Soon we will be implementing microgrids for municipal customers seeking resiliency and to hold the line on utility rates. 

2009

SOLENTIAL WAS FOUNDED

Dave Burns and Jim Shaw established a company specializing in commercial solar solutions, based in Carmel, Indiana.

2010

SOLENTIAL IN THE CARIBBEAN

Deployed 500 kW of solar energy solutions for homes and businesses in the US Virgin Islands, an area grappling with exorbitant energy prices.

2012

FIRST DEPT. OF DEFENSE DESIGN CONTRACT

Partnered with the US Virgin Islands National Guard to develop a microgrid system for their central base on St. Croix.

2014

SOLVIEW: REALTIME MONITORING

Developed SolView, an in-house solar array monitoring software & asset management system.

2016

FIRST RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE PROJECT

Awarded our first 2MW project, 3 community solar projects in 3 states for Wabash Power Alliance. An additional 3 sites were awarded as Phase II in 2017.

2019

FIRST MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER PROJECT

Installed 1.2MW of solar at two different locations in the city of Carmel, Indiana, followed by similar projects in Huntingburg, Indiana & Houghton Lake, Michigan.

2020

FIRST CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

Secured contract from Jasper County, Indiana for solar in conjunction with their HVAC, building envelope and system upgrades.

2021

LARGEST PROJECT TO DATE

Awarded 7MW C&B Graham Solar Single-Axis Tracker Project to bring affordable solar power to 35,000 co-op members in Hendricks County.

2022

AG INDUSTRY FIRST

Commissioned 3.06MW array to reduce soaring energy costs for top pork producer, The Maschhoffs, located in Griggsville, Illinois.

2023

MIDWEST’S LARGEST FLOATING SOLAR PROJECT

A microgrid design/build project in Fort Wayne, Indiana, incorporating natural gas generation, battery storage, floatovoltaics and existing bioplant.

2024

FIRST SUBSTATION MICROGRID

Two projects featuring solar panels and battery storage to be implemented at the substation level in Illinois for enhanced resiliency and peak load reduction.

Careers: Come Shine with Solential

Are you interested in changing the world for the better? Do you enjoy learning, having responsibilities and being challenged?  If you have a background in the energy industry, sales or project management, we’d like to hear from you. Please email your resume and a cover note to:

careers@solential.com