Things are looking bright for Ross Bradley, a Bristol-based electrician who specializes in solar power.
Bradley opened Uprising Solar and Electrical in Bristol in late December 2014, and he said business has been steady.
With over 10 years of experience in the field, Bradley said solar power and electricity isn’t just his job. “This is my life,” he said.
There are two different types of solar power, according to Bradley: solar power that is tied to the grid and solar power that is off the grid.
Bradley, his wife, Crissy, and their two sons live off the grid.
Off-grid solar power uses batteries to store electricity, according to Bradley. Grid-tied solar power feeds into the home’s electricity distribution system.
There is a learning curve to living off the grid, Bradley said.
“I offer technical support, moral support, any kind of support for those who live off the grid,” he said.
Bradley has equal experience installing and maintaining both types of solar power.
Bradley obtained his associate degree in photovoltaic system design and installation in 2003. He worked under a local electrician until he obtained his limited residential electrical license.
Bradley earned his license as a master electrician in 2010. The same year, he started working for Hodgdon Yachts.
“I worked with Hodgdon Yachts until around Christmas,” Bradley said. “It looked like the right time to go out on my own. I’ve been busy ever since.”
Bradley grew up with solar power. His grandfather caught the “solar power bug” and passed it down to his son and grandson.
“My grandfather bought the first readily available solar panel on the market to power his HAM radio at his camp in the 1980s,” Bradley said. “The original panel is still being used.”
New solar panels have at least a 25-year warranty, according to Bradley.
Bradley said a solar panel needs a good south-facing open space that catches light from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the minimum.
Bradley has no other employees yet, but he said the workload is getting such that in the near future he may hire someone.
“This summer I’m interested in finding a student at the high school or college level who is pursuing the trade,” he said.
Uprising Solar and Electrical has completed projects all over Lincoln County.
“You don’t need to look out of town to find a fully licensed and insured master electrician,” Bradley said.
Bradley stands by his work from start to finish, and is always available for questions or repairs.
According to Bradley, solar panels have come as far as they need to come to be cost-effective for their owners.
“The technology is here; there is no better time,” he said. “More financing institutions have options available for solar power.”
The typical hours for Uprising Solar and Electrical are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call 380-5759 or visit www.uprisingsolar.com.
