Solar Design Studio’s founder and managing partner, Bob Solger, first entered the green space in 2003 when he launched the Energy Savings Store – a small firm specializing in the design, procurement, and installation of solar and wind systems throughout Missouri and Kansas.

As a result of Bob’s extensive knowledge in renewable power consulting and engineering, the Energy Savings Store eventually became the largest solar and wind provider in Missouri. The company also participated in several US Green Building Council (USGBC) projects that went on to achieve LEED Platinum and Gold Certification status. And by 2009, the Energy Savings Store was responsible for 1 MW of total installed renewable power capacity spread across 185 separate installations.

Shortly before selling the Energy Savings Store in 2010, Bob launched Solar Design Studio – an international firm that specializes in photovoltaic (PV) design, consulting, financing, and engineering.

Higher Education Credentials

Bob is a seasoned solar veteran who devotes the bulk of his time developing and managing PV projects for Solar Design Studio’s clients. However, he also understands the importance of sharing his unique experiences with those who are just beginning their clean energy careers.
‍
In addition to managing Solar Design Studio full time, Bob also remains deeply involved in education, helping to train budding professionals in his capacity as a:

• Solar and Wind Energy Adjutant Professor at State Fair Community College (Sedalia, MO)
• Solar PV Instructor at Metropolitan Community College (Kansas City, MO)
• Solar PV Instructor at SAGE Group (Kansas City, MO)

Associations and Memberships

Bob credits much of his success to the ongoing support he receives as a member of several renewable energy organizations, including:

• The Heartland Renewable Energy Society and Solar Energy Subcommittee.
• The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
• The Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA) – as a founding member and current board member.
• California Solar and Storage Association Member (CALSSA)
• North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Veterans Committee Member
• SunSpec Alliance Cyberguardians Program Advisory Board Member

In addition, he was previously a board member of the Metropolitan Energy Center.

Awards and Accomplishments

Over the years, Bob has earned numerous awards in honor of his lifelong dedication to solar energy. Some of his more recent accolades include:

• MOSEIA’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award
• MOSEIA’s 2011 Solar Pioneer Award for "Visionary Leadership and Dedication."
• 2007’s Healthy Planet Green Hero of St. Louis.
• SunPower’s first Premier Dealer in the Midwest.

Bob is always honored whenever his sustainability efforts receive the attention of industry peers. But his proudest accomplishments stem from the actual work itself, whether he is installing:

• The first large commercial solar array in the Kansas City area.
• The first commercial project in St. Louis to combine both solar energy and wind power.

As Solar Design Studio continues to fulfill its larger mission of greening the world, Bob hopes to add even more such “firsts” to his growing list of accomplishments.

To learn more about Solar Design Studio’s history under Bob Solger’s leadership, read our About Us page.

And if you’d like more information about how Solar Design Studio can help you achieve your own clean energy goals, schedule a free appointment with our sustainability experts today.