Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Durrenberger.
Mark, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a nuclear engineer by training, and probably the only one out there selling solar. Now the only nuclear reaction that’s important to me is 93 million miles away (the sun). After successful stints in IT, new product program management and running my own management consultancy, I wanted to stop traveling and I wanted to make a permanent difference. I started getting concerned about the planet a few years before I sold my consulting practice and volunteered to do presentations for Vice President Al Gore in 2005. Shortly after that, the idea of starting a local renewable energy company dawned on me.
Even though I’m the founder and president, I still do sales, working directly with customers to help them get the best system for their situations and to save them money. Meeting new people is the best part of my job.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our biggest struggle over 12 years has been, and continues to be, adapting to changing state policies on solar. One day solar programs are great. The next, the investor owned utilities are being allowed to slap extra fees on people who own solar, or control the amount of solar installed. They say it’s about electricity cost but when you look behind their claims, it’s clear they want to protect their monopoly. It’s hard for consumers to keep up.
Governor Patrick put policies in place that helped make Massachusetts a national leader in solar adoption. Sadly, the Baker administration is much more big-business and utility friendly.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with New England Clean Energy – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
New England Clean Energy designs and installs solar electric systems and solar storage/battery systems for homes and businesses in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. We have the highest customer satisfaction of any installer in New England based on positive reviews on independent website SolarReviews.com. Solar has attracted all kinds of companies, not all of them ethical. We are best known for being local, honest, and for delivering the highest quality solar. I am most proud of creating long-term jobs for dozens of people, and of course for helping combat climate change.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our plan is to run a sustainable business, remain the best installer in the region, and be here long-term for our customers – to answer their questions and honor our warranties at a time when many installers have left the market or gone out of business. The biggest change coming to solar is the addition to batteries to systems to people can store their solar.
Contact Info:
- Address: 43 Broad Street, Suite A408
Hudson, MA 01749 - Website: https://necleanenergy.com/
- Phone: 978-56-SOLAR (978-567-6527)
- Email: info@necleanenergy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newenglandcleanenergy/
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/NewEnglandCleanEnergy
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NE_Clean_Energy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/new-england-clean-energy-hudson
- Other: https://newenglandcleanenergy.com/energymiser/ (Blog)
Image Credit:
Photos courtesy of New England Clean Energy
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