Glendale-based Solar Optimum is expected to do $300 million in sales in 2023, and with more than 100 employees, it is one of the largest solar companies in Los Angeles.
It all started in 2006, when chief executive and founder Arno Aghamalian saw an opportunity to help people reduce their carbon footprint as then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger launched the “Million Solar Roofs Initiative” to put solar panels on 1 million roofs across the state. Aghamalian wanted to be a part of the movement, and launched Solar Optimum in 2008.
Since then, the company has installed more than 200 megawatts of solar energy and has expanded to Arizona and Nevada. Its customers include the Glendale Galleria and the Americana at Brand.
But the company’s success was not a given.
“It was very difficult to find good employees that had experience in this business because the business was so new,” Aghamalian said. “I had to learn and use those challenges I overcame to train the employees based on the knowledge that I gained.”
Another hurdle was the lack of product and strict permitting requirements, which weren’t as streamlined as they are today, he added.
After 15 years in the business, the company wants to help its customers become 100% energy independent.
The Business Journal spoke with Aghamalian about the industry and where he thinks it is heading.
How is your vision of helping customers become 100% energy independent affected by the new CPUC rules, or NEM 3.0?
NEM 3.0 will force us to adapt and provide different solutions for customers who believe in a green future. Previously, it made sense to buy and purely just make an investment play. Now, we’re going to have a shift to show our customers the value of achieving energy savings as utility prices continue to surge, and energy independence as the grid becomes less reliable.
Furthermore, with the recent passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, the demand for commercial solar will increase in spite of NEM as…
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