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Local electrician fired up about solar

JANESVILLE — They don't make exciting noises, and they don't have any fascinating whirling parts.

But as far as Dennis Fugate is concerned, solar panels are the most exciting things since sliced bread.

Fugate owns AgSun, 1321 S. Jackson St., Janesville.

Talk to Fugate about solar power, and you're bound to catch his enthusiasm for the alternative energy source.

Grant money abounds for homeowners who want to go solar, Fugate said.

And projects mean work for local contractors, he said.

On Monday, Fugate expects diggers and concrete workers will get started on the foundation for a ground-mounted solar panel system at a home business outside Janesville, Fugate said.

For now, AgSun's electricians are pulling double duty and doing solar and electrical installs, he said.

"My hopes are to put on at least one more crew this summer doing strictly solar," he said.

Because the industry is new, the certification process for solar panel installation is a slow one, said Fugate. He's been working toward certification for two years.

A contractor has have jobs inspected by a third party before becoming fully certified, Fugate said. The job starting Monday might be the one that lands the certification, Fugate says.

Fugate is thrilled at the potential of solar power, which he calls "phenomenal." He is frustrated, however, that American technology lags behind Europe and China.

"We should be selling them to the whole world," he said.

Focus on Energy provides a simple program for people considering installing solar panels at home or at their business, he said.