StraightUp Solar is a Missouri and Illinois-based solar installation company that offers a full range of services from design-to-build (engineering, procurement, construction and installation) for solar systems, battery storage, smart panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Since 2006, the company has installed more than 2,800 residential and commercial-scale solar projects for customers who have reaped the benefits of saving money and supporting a healthier environment that features more natural, eco-friendly energy use. These efforts helped StraightUp Solar earn the esteemed title of St. Louis Green Business Challenge Champion in 2023, as the company was able to demonstrate their commitment to continued implementation of deeper sustainability strategies.
“The St. Louis Green Business Challenge network, webinars and events inspire us to examine our business operations and implement new sustainable alternatives,” said Eric Schneider, Director of Business Development for StraightUp Solar. “We are honored to join likeminded companies dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint to improve our communities.”
During the 2023 Challenge, StraightUp Solar’s headquarters in Maryland Heights produced 153 megawatt hours of solar energy, offsetting 66 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and recycled 55,000 pounds of solar panels, microinverters and other solar energy equipment. Within its own offices, the company committed to using only green cleaning products, refillable pens and pencils and recycled content paper for all business operations, in addition to having supplied organic fruit and snacks in the employee lunchroom. Additionally, 10 solar-powered EV charging stations were made open to the public at company headquarters.
Other impressive accomplishments included the company maintaining Benefit Corporation (B Corp) certification, which is unique in the business world because that means they place people and planet above profit and commit to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Consequently, the company has continued operating under a hybrid office model to reduce harmful automobile emissions from commuting, which greatly impacts air quality!
To reinforce its values of advocating for solar energy and educating the community about sustainable practices for a healthier future, StraightUp Solar provided hands-on solar training to K–12 educators in Southern Illinois and partnered with Employment Connections for a Solar 101 workforce training class. Last but not least, the company also sponsored earthday 365 Environmental Days of Justice, Forest ReLeaf Arbormeisters, ParkLands Foundation and Southern Illinois University Sustainability.
For more information about StraightUp Solar and how your company can get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the Challenge’s bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @gatewaycleanair.
