Innovation

Joule Energy installs solar panels and LED lighting for commercial businesses and residential houses. Joule also provides maintenance for their solar panels and the solar panels of other companies. Their solar panels and LED lights help their customers save money on their utility bills by lowering their energy consumption. Residential customers save approximately 17% or more on their electric bills. The solar panels provide clean energy using the power of the sun while traditional electric power utilizes fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gases. The LED lights consume approximately 75% less electricity and last 25% longer than traditional light bulbs. LED lights are more sturdy than traditional light bulbs so they don’t break as easily which makes them more sustainable for long-term, therefore cuts down on waste.

Joule’s solar energy services are particularly helpful in a storm-heavy community like New Orleans because their solar panel installation comes with a battery pack that acts as a generator for homes and businesses. The impact of thunderstorms and hurricanes can leave people without power for days, or weeks, and the battery pack can store energy collected from the sun to keep the building or home powered without having to rely on gasoline.

They have installed solar energy systems in over 1,000 residential customer homes in New Orleans and are currently doing similar projects all over the country in states like California, Alabama, Missouri, Florida, and Colorado. Their development pipeline consists of future projects in Massachusetts and Ohio, plus the continuation of all current projects. Joule Energy’s ultimate goal is to have nationwide coverage and are on a track to do just that.

Inspiration

The founders of Joule Energy always had the unanimous dream to help save the environment and were always passionate about business. When they discovered an opportunity to marry those two passions by creating a company that focuses on renewable energy while creating a positive impact for their customers and the community as well, they jumped at the chance.

The demand for solar energy was high in Louisiana, especially in New Orleans, when Joule first opened their doors. Over the years, the demand has decreased since the elimination of a government tax credit that was critical to the popularity of solar. Since then, Joule Energy has diversified their business model a few times to match where the demand is instead of relocating like many solar companies did. For example, by adding LED lighting solutions, which use significantly less energy to power, to their business portfolio, they have remained relevant in their efforts to provide clients with clean, affordable energy.

Today, Joule remains a triple bottom line company--they care about the business, the surrounding New Orleans community, and the environment all benefiting from sustainable business practices. Joule Energy continuously caters to those core values that the company was founded on.

Overall impact

Joule Energy’s mission is to have consistent progress every day towards a sustainable future. By living and working by these words, Joule’s impact consists of revamping the community around them as well as serving and servicing new and current clients. Their work with solar energy serves as an environmentally conscious option that clients can choose in order to lighten their impact on the environment and even their energy bill. The services that Joule Energy provides allow for long-term benefits for its customers and the environment. The use of LED lighting systems is low in energy consumption and combines well with the renewable energy of the sun feeding into solar panels.

Business benefit

Joule Energy has continuously proved their dedication to helping the environment by producing solar energy that does not contribute to climate change. They design and install LED lighting systems for business and also subcontract utility-scale solar projects. Joule’s biggest customers are typically gas stations and convenience store chains which are growing more rapidly than any other type of convenience store. These types of businesses rely on strong, bright lighting to attract customers, so Joule is able to satisfy this need in a more environmentally friendly way. Investing in popular, widespread businesses such as these will allow Joule Energy to expand to their desired areas like Boston and Cincinnati.

The company began with residential solar. After observing shifts in market needs, Joule Energy introduced battery packs to replace generators, which eliminates pollution and bad smells. There was a high demand for residential solar before the tax credit was cut out. After the tax credit, many solar businesses declined. This gave Joule Energy an opportunity to strive above others with their diversified offerings.

Social and environmental benefit

Joule Energy’s main focus is to make sure their company is societal and environmentally friendly. To help out the surrounding community, Joule donated and installed solar panels to the local Boys Hope Girls Hope, which is an organization that helps youth realize their potential. Camille said it was the most memorable experience she had working for Joule. She said, "It was a time when the whole company was together and we have a really fun team and it was a really enjoyable experience." Camille also talked about how learning became part of the event. She said, "It was one branch of the company teaching other people what they do every day." Joule encourages its employees not only to be community conscious at work but also outside of work by volunteering in the community. Their employees are focused on teaching people in the community about the many benefits of solar and LED power. By using solar power, people are taking part in avoiding producing harmful emissions that hurt the environment. Its renewable process uses the most natural of all resources - the sun.

As far as environmental benefits go, one of the biggest benefits of solar energy is reduced air pollutants. In addition, solar energy is shown to reduce respiratory and cardiac health issues due to the reduction of nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions that are linked to health problems. When Joule Energy installs solar panels on homes, this reduces the need for fossil fuels, and when paired with energy efficient LED lights they work hand in hand to efficiently reduce energy usage.

Interview

Camille Seyler, Marketing Manager