Innovation

The innovation of solar panels is nothing new. What Tru Off Grid does goes above and beyond what other companies offer. Not only does Tru Off Grid offer the product, but they also install the solar panels on your roof, install the battery with the legal knowledge necessary to do it properly, and help with applying for grants that can be up to $5000 in rebates. The innovation with outstanding customer service sets this company apart. This innovation works for two of the UN's SDGs.

The first goal it works for is goal 7, affordable and clean energy. Although the upfront cost of this product is expensive, In the long term, the energy saved will become cheaper and save people money. By just using solar energy it makes it a very clean alternative power source. There have other small, foldable, and portable solar battery packs that allow users to access this clean energy at an affordable price anywhere. This small device can charge small items such as phones.

The second goal it relates to is goal 11, sustainable cities and communities. All of Tru's solar products relate to sustainability in communities. Tru offers solar panels, installation, and expertise in residential areas and cities to lessen people's carbon footprint. They also started to develop and sell solar streetlights to bring more sustainability to infrastructure in the community.

Inspiration

The founder of Tru Off Grid, Jack Abrams, is an avid outdoorsman who wanted to find a way to help keep the environment safe. Jack’s parents are both entrepreneurs, so it was natural for him to branch off and start his own company and work towards achieving his goal of becoming a successful entrepreneur in the solar industry. Jack Abrams has always been a firm believer in the use of renewable energy. This is a big part of what inspired him to launch his own solar panel company.

When asked why he decided to pursue the solar panel industry specifically, Jack outlined “Canada alone, they are 10 years behind the evolution of solar energy, so I decided to jump on that while I can, along with having the pride of providing renewable energy.”

Jack also said that another thing that inspired the creation of his company is that while solar power has been around for a long time, the portable and foldable solar panels that Tru Off Grid offers are fairly new to the industry, and the possibilities with this product expired him and the business evolved from there.

Overall impact

Tru Off Grid allows homeowners to consume energy responsibly and reduce their carbon footprint, along with promoting the non-use of fossil fuels. They make financial decisions based on what’s best for the environment, along with providing top-notch customer service.

This year, Tru Off Grid installed around 86.5 kilowatts of solar which is 220 panels from May to October. This was done across 5 projects, and they’ve already offset a total of 1200 pounds of carbon emissions into our atmosphere, which translates into planting 180 trees. A long-term goal for them is to multiply those stats by 10, and with that much success within 5 months alone this goal is certainly possible.

Jack was able to expand on some of the advantages of a home converting to solar energy, with the biggest one being homeowners and land developers reducing their carbon footprint. Another advantage is the reduction of electrical household costs, proving to be a win-win situation while installing solar. Solar provides the opportunity to reduce the amount of fossil fuel emissions that enter our atmosphere, along with offsetting one's total electrical cost for the year. The ultimate goal is an increase in the use of clean energy, whether that be through electric cars or solar panels.

Tru Off Grid also provides a unique experience in terms of their participation in the production of their products. They start right from the beginning at the creation of the solar panels, continuing into the installation, and the after-impact with customer service. Many other solar companies just focus on installation and work with multiple other teams of people, but Tru Off Grid creates a personable experience for the customer. This involvement has the potential to sway the impact of their product on customers, giving them an advantage within the market.

On a smaller scale, Tru Off Grid also provides lithium batteries to people that are physically impaired, as this group is a big market for them. Individuals who use mobility wheelchairs and scooters have the cost of their products reduced, which is a small but still effective impact of the innovation.

Business benefit

Because Tru Off Grid began to offer an “A to Z” installation of solar panels, they were able to create a new market for themselves and differentiate themselves from their competitors. They became the first company to sell, install, and stay in contact afterward to answer any questions or solve any problems that arise. They also would help customers claim a $5,000 rebate from the government. By doing this they were able to increase their customers' satisfaction and begin to make a name for themselves in the industry.

Because of their success through their portable products, Tru Off Grid was able to expand into other solar products such as light poles, and large-scale solar installations. The original innovation of portable solar power brought the business increased revenue which allowed them to expand their products and services. Being a small company, the expansion has not done much for employee well-being as there are only 3 employees, but it allowed them to expand and begin looking into hiring for more positions.

The recent success of their products also allowed Jack to open a store to showcase their products to possible customers. The store is being converted to solar power and will be able to demonstrate the power of these panels firsthand to consumers.

Social and environmental benefit

Since Tru Off Grid operates within the solar power industry, there are many societal and environmental benefits to the company's innovation.

Solar energy is a much cleaner source of energy than the burning of fossil fuels. The products that Tru Off Grid offers help to minimize the level of pollution that is emitted into the air that humans breathe. Therefore, the company is providing cleaner air quality to citizens, which has overall health benefits. Since switching to solar energy can be a costly investment, Tru Off Grid employees ensure that they educate their customers about any tax breaks and cash incentives that are available. This helps to motivate individuals to make the positive change. Tru Off Grid also offers lithium batteries that can be used to power motorized wheelchairs at a discounted price to those who are physically impaired. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to the local community.

There are also environmental impacts of Tru Off Grid’s innovation. By using the sun as a form of energy, Tru Off Grid is making a positive contribution to the reduction of the burning of fossil fuels which create harsh bi-products such as carbon dioxide. Since burning fossil fuels is one of the leading causes of climate change and global warming, alternative forms of energy are needed to protect our environment. As a renewable source of energy, solar energy will always be accessible, proving that Tru Off Grid’s innovation is a long-term sustainable energy solution.

Interview

Jack Thomas Abrams, Founder