Business Member SpotLight
1. How would you describe your organization’s work?
Riverside Energy Systems designs, sells, installs, and services solar power and battery storage systems across British Columbia. We deliver turnkey renewable energy solutions for residential, commercial, and First Nations clients. Our work combines engineering precision, quality installations, and long-term service to ensure clients receive dependable, cost-effective clean energy.
2. How did the group originate?
Riverside began in 1995 as a small, community-focused electrical and solar service provider. Over the years, we evolved in response to increased demand for renewable energy, growing into a full-service solar service company. In 2018, a new leadership team joined, and in 2024, ownership expanded to better support our growth and modernize operations.
3. What has changed along the way?
We’ve transitioned from a small-scale, price sensitive company to a performance driven organization focused on long-term value, system longevity, and customer satisfaction. We’ve formalized our internal processes and restructured how we evaluate and deliver projects, all while maintaining the integrity of our local roots.
4. What makes Riverside Energy unique?
We prioritize outcomes over hours, treating our team like a high-performance sports organization. We integrate engineering, field operations, and customer service to deliver best-in-class renewable systems. Our strong presence in First Nations communities and our relentless advocacy for the solar industry in BC also sets us apart as a company that aids indigenous communities in their energy needs.
5. Can you describe a project you are particularly proud of? How did that project inform future work?
We’re especially proud to be the leader of Thompson Rivers University’s (TRU) largest solar installation to date. This project wasn’t just about panels; it was about helping TRU advance its bold sustainability goals and demonstrating how clean energy can power real institutional change. As a Kamloops based provider, it was an honour to contribute to a project so close to home. It also reinforced what we’ve always believed: that meaningful, scalable impact comes from strong partnerships, local expertise, and a shared vision for a cleaner future. Going forward, this project will continue to provide a framework for how we approach large-scale installations, especially when aligning technical excellence with long-term community and environmental value.
6. How do relationships with community affect your approach?
Our work starts with listening. We build trust by showing up, being honest, and delivering what we promise. Whether it’s a homeowner, a commercial client, or a Band Council, our approach is to form long-term partnerships that outlast the installation. Community feedback shapes everything from our service areas to our incentive advocacy.
7. What does sustainable energy mean to your organization?
Sustainable energy means more than reducing carbon; it means systems that perform reliably, are financially viable, and empower people to take control of their energy use. For Riverside, it’s about building a future where clean energy is accessible, trusted, and locally delivered.
8. When you look at British Columbia’s energy landscape, what is going well and what needs improvement?
BC has strong public support for renewable energy and a grid with enormous potential for electrical generation, but the policies are lagging. Net metering is threatened, and incentive structures are complex, inconsistent, and slow. There’s a disconnect between BC’s climate goals and the tools given to residents and businesses to participate in them. That’s where Riverside Energy steps in by helping clients navigate these evolving policies, access available rebates, and design smart, high-efficiency solar systems that ensure they can still benefit from clean energy, even when the rules change.
9. What is our most significant opportunity here in British Columbia?
BC can become a national leader in decentralized, community-powered energy, especially in rural and Indigenous communities. With the proper regulatory support and streamlined financing, solar and storage are just one piece that could drive economic development and climate resilience across the province. Riverside Energy is already partnering with communities to make this a reality, delivering solar and battery systems tailored for long-term resilience and connecting people with the funding tools and expertise needed to lead their energy future.
10. What does being a member of the BCSEA mean to you?
It means contributing to a broader movement committed to a cleaner, more just energy future, a mission that aligns closely with our values at Riverside Energy. Through BCSEA, we connect with others who are shaping policy, advancing education, and driving real change in the energy sector. As a company that puts clients first, we see it as our responsibility to ensure solar has a strong voice in BC’s energy conversations. Membership also helps us grow by staying informed, sharing knowledge, and working collaboratively to improve outcomes for our clients, our communities, and the planet. We’re here to not only build systems but also contribute to a better, more resilient future for everyone.
Discover more sustainable energy leaders in British Columbia by exploring our Business Member Directory.