Suncatcher Solar

Suncatcher Solar is a family business that grew out of a strong interest in using solar power and other renewable energy. Its founder, Angie Ortlepp, literally lives what she sells. Her home, an off-grid wind and solar powered living lab, was designed by Angie and built by her family in 2004. In 2007, she used her home to satisfy the requirements of her Masters degree in electrical engineering.In 2003 we had an idea – we wanted to build a home that used the energy of the sun for warmth and power, providing an affordable and sustainable house while maintaining a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. Our experimental prototype home grew out of this idea, as did the desire to share with others the joy and experiences from this unique experiment.  Our vision is to help others with the same hopes and dreams to design and build comfortable eco-friendly homes, communities and businesses. We have the benefit of experience, education and training, and an unwavering belief in developing better ways to build and heat our homes.  We live in a fossil fuel society. Much of our growth, development and comfort have been derived from the energy trapped in coal, oil and natural gas. Unfortunately, burning fossil fuels creates increased C02, smog and other air pollution. Mining and drilling for fossil fuels also has a negative impact on the environment. However, without these important fuels our society would not have the standard of living to which we have grown accustomed. Despite all the benefits of these powerful energy sources, we are being forced to recognize that fossil fuel supplies are limited and becoming scarce. The most accessible sources of these fuels are rapidly disappearing and we have to work much harder to find replacements. Rising demand and depleting supplies have resulted in a dramatic rise in fuel prices. We are also finding that burning massive amounts of fossil fuel to drive society’s growth comes at significant environmental and social cost. To move forward, we have to respect where we’ve come from and consider practical alternatives.