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Welcome | Dear Sir or Madam:
Thank you for your interest in Environmental Solar Design, Inc.(ESDI). The purpose
of this website is to introduce you to both our current product line and the 20-year evolution
that led to its development.
Incorporated in l979 during the height of the energy crisis, Environmental Solar got its real start
as a going business in l981 when it became the prime Los Angeles subcontractor for Amcor,
a leading solar thermal panel manufacturer. This was a time when fear of uncontrolled energy
costs and dependence on foreign oil sources was extreme and government incentives for oil,
gas, and solar were huge.
Bob Ellis
President
General Manager
For example, apartment and nursing home owners in the Southern California
nGas Company service area qualified for cash rebates of $288 per unit, plus
n55% in state and federal tax credits. In some instances, commercial solar
nthermal investments made money before the systems were even activated.
nIn most cases, incentives paid over 75% of the initial system cost. These
nwere the solar boom days. Solar was a low risk investment. It was a gusher.
But as gas lines shortened and panic subsided over the next
few years, the rush to renewables began to slow. By the mid-80's, fossil fuel prices had dropped from their highs by almost 70%, while most energy tax and utility incentives had expired. By l988, most solar companies had gone out of business and those that had survived did so in a political and social environment complacent about fuel costs. The first SUV's had emerged. The solar meltdown had begun.
Over the next 15 years, Environmental Solar (ESDI) survived by relying on the products and services that worked well in the past. We focused on our core strengths and values. On the fundamentals, the basics, the "no-brainers". On those elements of
the business that demonstrated greatest economic value and reliability.
Proudly, we did a significant share of repeat business with property owners, architects, and management companies who experienced real savings from their solar/gas conversion.
We also moved heavily into the service business, adopting the
thousands of "orphaned solar systems" in L.A. County
abandoned by their initial contractors. Bottom line, we stayed in business because we kept our word and made sure our products performed as designed.
2001 Savings
Energy Saving Results
While repairing and upgrading these first generation solar "orphans", we have seen it all — the good, the bad, the embarrassing. We have witnessed what works and what does not work; what falls apart and what lasts; what was merely sales-inspired gimmickry, hype, or wishful thinking, and what has proven to be of durable and lasting value. Today, this experience translates for you the consumer, into solar products that utilize smart design and solid materials, sell at competitive prices, and that will be installed conscientiously and safely.
The next few pages will provide you with a glimpse into the world of Environmental Solar Design, Inc. - "a company that makes the environment work for you." In the past, our clients' requests and suggestions have been an invaluable source for innovation and improvement. In this spirit, we await your comments and questions. As we have for over 20 years, we look forward to working with you in pursuit of energy savings.
Respectfully,
Bob Ellis
President and General Manager
Environmental Solar Design, Inc.
Environsolar@aol.com |
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