Business Member SpotLight
1. How would you describe your organization’s work?
Glean is similar to a mortgage or insurance broker in the solar industry. We are partnered with local solar installers that we have vetted according to our code of conduct. We provide homeowners with 3 solar quotes, an easy-to-compare quote summary document (that includes a detailed financial analysis) and a quote review call where we answer questions, provide unbiased advice and help you choose the best installer. The best part is that our service is free for homeowners!
2. How did the group originate?
Our team consists of graduates of NAIT’s Alternative Energy program in Edmonton, Alberta. While working for various solar installers over the years, we noticed that getting and comparing solar panel quotes was too difficult. Homeowners often expressed frustration when trying to compare the essential aspects of each quote apples-to-apples and choose an installer. There are tons of installers to choose from and misinformation is all too common which makes it challenging to know who to trust and where to begin. This is why we created Glean in 2021 to be a one stop shop for starting the solar journey.
3. What has changed along the way?
Since we began in 2021, we have become much more selective about the installers that we allow to join our network. We quickly learned that our reputation only goes as far as the installers that we use. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction. We only allow installers into our network that can meet our Code of Conduct. Glean installers must be local, highly experienced and have a superior reputation. Glean solar installers must also use in-house labour (instead of subcontracting). In some areas that are more susceptible to the issues caused by door knocking and high-pressure sales, we do not work with installers that use door-to-door sales.
4. What makes Glean unique?
Glean is a broker, not a solar installer. As such, we have a unique perspective on the solar industry that we can offer to homeowners to help them make educated decisions. On average, Glean examines anywhere from 50-100 solar panel quotes from across Canada each month. We have one of the most extensive databases of solar pricing, equipment and quoting trends in Canada. This gives us the unique ability to compare every homeowner’s quote to the rest of the solar industry to determine whether they are getting fair value or not.
5. Can you describe a project you are particularly proud of? How did that project inform future work?
There isn’t really one specific project that stands out. We are most proud of the much-needed transparency and unbiased education that we have brought to the solar industry. We have brokered residential quotes as small as 4 kW all the way up to commercial projects over 100 kW. We are particularly proud when we can save people money. In some instances, we have saved homeowners upwards of $10,000 just by getting them a few more quotes and helping them choose a more fairly priced installer. We are proud to make solar more accessible, affordable, and approachable for everyone.
6. How do relationships with community affect your approach?
The quality of our service depends on the valuable partnerships we have built with solar installers and the conversations we have daily with homeowners. These relationships give us a unique pulse on the solar industry from both perspectives. We are constantly focused on gathering feedback and opinions from homeowners as well as expertise from all our solar installers. This ensures we are up to date with industry trends and allows us to help homeowners make the most informed decisions possible.
7. What does sustainable energy mean to your organization?
At Glean, we believe that a clean, renewable future is possible and that solar energy plays a pivotal role in making that future a reality. To us, sustainable energy means connecting home and business owners with trusted local solar installers to ensure they can feel confident that they are choosing the best quote and the installer that aligns most with their values. This not only supports the adoption of renewable energy but builds trust and confidence in the solar industry as we transition to a more sustainable future.
8. When you look at British Columbia’s energy landscape, what do you see going well and what needs improvement?
While we applaud the progress that has been made to grow the solar industry in BC, it has not come without growing pains. More regulation is needed when it comes to the door-to-door sales of solar panels. Too many homeowners are being pressured into buying solar panels at over inflated prices without being allowed to shop around. We believe that all homeowners should have the opportunity to get and compare at least 3 solar quotes before choosing an installer. Whether they use Glean’s service or not. Pressuring a homeowner into signing a contract at their door should not be allowed and incentive programs should require at least 3 quotes to qualify. We have and always will fight for fair and ethical sales practices to protect families and the reputation of the solar industry.
9. What is our most significant opportunity here in British Columbia?
The endless free sunlight hitting rooftops across the province all year round! Solar panels give us the ability to tap into an infinite free resource that doesn’t harm the environment. With most solar panels coming with 25–30-year warranties now, the risk is incredibly low. Not to mention the rebates and hydro bill savings. There has never been a better time to go solar!
10. What does being a member of the BCSEA mean to you?
Being a member of BCSEA means joining a collective movement for positive change. It connects us with a community that shares a vision of a future powered by renewable energy for all British Columbians. Thanks for the opportunity to let us tell you what Glean is all about!
Jordan Kruhlak
Founder – Glean Solar Broker
Discover more sustainable energy leaders in British Columbia by exploring our Business Member Directory.