Introducing the Renewable Energies Group
Renewable and solar energy are all the talk these days and City Electric Supply is harnessing that.
With the rapidly growing demand for alternative and solar energy in the U.S., City Electric Supply initiated its Renewable Energies Group in North Carolina and is harnessing these new opportunities for expansion within the company.
Recently promoted Raleigh West Group Manager Robbie McNamara said during his time as branch manager of CES Chapel Hill in North Carolina that most of the branch’s revenue stream and clientele stems from renewable energy, particularly contractors in solar energy.
Throughout the years, McNamara saw a great opportunity to expand and evolve the branch in better serving more customers and their growing demand for renewable and solar energy.
The recently opened Renewable Energies Group specializes in this vertical and services customers in renewable energy projects that include solar, wind, and battery storage.
“We couldn’t be more excited to grow this part of the business,” McNamara said.
REG provides equipment and components including: wire management, balance-of-system components, medium voltage cables, medium voltage gear, photovoltaic wire, conduit and fittings, and more.
McNamara added that although most of the business transactions are handled at REG’s temporary location in CES Cary, he’s excited to open a new location next year in Durham, North Carolina.
“Currently, our group office is located in Moneta, Va.; however, all Raleigh West Group branches are geographically located across central North Carolina,” McNamara said.
Though REG is currently based in Cary, N.C., he said most of their targeted clients are located around the country.
“The intent of REG is to provide dedicated focus on these particular accounts and customers in this niche market of renewable energy no matter their geographical location,” McNamara said.
McNamara said he’s seen an average increase in sales of roughly 50 percent per year over the previous four years and feels confident CES Renewable Energies Group will continue to see this growth pattern.
Branch Manager Mason Philips has worked in the renewable energy industry for six years and was involved in projects totaling over 200MW of power. He is excited to be part of the growing business.
Phillips expressed customer service is highly important and makes all the difference in building strong, sustainable relationships.
“Our goal is to provide our customers with what they need, when they need it. We are able to understand our customers’ needs as well as the specialized and unique requirements and timelines,” Phillips said.
He refers to multiple occurrences when customers have called evenings and weekends needing products on-site the following morning. Phillips and McNamara make sure the customers’ needs are met in this fast-paced industry due to Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) deadlines, which typically carry significant penalties, if not met.
“It’s essential our customers are supported and have the materials, equipment, and tools on-site when needed to allow for a successful completion,” Phillips said.
He believes consistent and reliable communication allows everyone to be involved and engaged throughout the project.
In 2010, Phillips pursued solar energy after working in the general construction industry. His interest in renewable energy grew. Shortly after, he obtained a position as Director of Construction with a leading solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) firm.
Just as he did when he first started, today he remains enthusiastic about working in solar energy. “There’s always something exciting and new in the industry,” Phillips said. “The efficiency and technology of the components change rapidly, which is always fun to learn about and maintains my interest.”
He said it keeps him on his toes and allows him to adapt to these changes.
Phillips reminisced on one of his favorite projects where he assisted and managed a microgrid energy system using a combination of energy sources including solar, wind, and traditional backup generation sources.
“It encompasses several different technologies and aspects of renewable energy, which is awesome” Phillips said.
He believes one factor driving the success in the industry are generous tax credits for solar energy systems. The federal tax credit is 30 percent and an additional state incentive can be used in conjunction (that amount varies state by state).
“Eventually the tax incentives will be less important to the future of solar industry as utility prices are increasing, and solar components are gaining efficiency, all while prices are dropping,” Phillips said. “This allows more people to have solar, which is very exciting!”
Phillips is excited to be part of CES team, and is motivated to continue the growth of this business within the Renewable Energies Group. His goal is to build a nationwide footprint for renewable energies.
“The opportunity to come to CES was exciting because of the potential growth and ability to continue to work in a great industry. It’s also exciting to follow in Robbie’s footsteps and expand upon what he has built over the past few years,” Phillips said.
The Renewable Energy Group projects span across Georgia, Massachusetts, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.
Both Phillips and McNamara are focused on providing the best products at the best prices with an emphasis on servicing the customer. They strongly believe customer service, hard work, and integrity are the key components to any successful relationship.