Business in Focus: CBS Solar Maintains Status as Carbon Neutral Business

For CBS Solar, a company that prides itself as a leader in the solar energy business, it’s important to set a good example with regards to electricity use and efficiency. Since January of 2021, CBS Solar has been operating as a carbon neutral business meaning they produce more energy than they consume. “It’s a big deal that we practice what we preach,” says CBS Solar, Founder and President, Allan O’Shea. “Between our on-site Solar Super Tracker® and fixed solar arrays, and the conservation measures we’ve taken in our office and plant, we are able to sustain and exceed our own power needs.”

Beyond making him feel good, O’Shea says this is move is positive for the bottom line. “Instead of a power bill every month, most months, we have a credit,” added O’Shea. “That savings translates right to our bottom line. I don’t know about you, but I prefer a credit over an expense.”

In addition to the solar power the firm produces, extensive measures have been taken to reduce the amount of energy used each month such as installing high-efficiency, LED fixtures, turning lights and equipment off when not in use, and engaging employees to implement a sustainability plan.
“It really is a mindset,” said O’Shea of the effort to become a net-neutral organization. “We are committed to it in our daily lives and lifestyles as well. You will notice several hybrid or electric vehicles in our parking lot. We have three electric vehicle-charging stations as well as a station specifically for charging Teslas. Some of our employees have solar systems at their homes,” he added.

O’Shea encourages other business owners to take the first step.  “Becoming carbon neutral is attainable if you make it a priority,” said O’Shea.  “It begins with developing and implementing a sustainability plan and making it a part of your company culture.”  Sample sustainability plans are available on-line or you can reach out to your local utility company for guidelines. “Companies that are focused on becoming carbon neutral are committing to a long-term investment, which often begins with implementing a solar energy system. O’Shea points to Short’s Brewing Company as an example of a company that’s committed to process of sustainability. “We installed a system at the Short’s Brewing facility in Elk Rapids back in 2015 that generates an annual energy output that represents about 7% of their annual use,” said O’Shea. “Long-term, that 7% will go right to their bottom line.”

CBS Solar is a family-run business located in Copemish and is a recognized leader in residential and commercial solar energy systems. The company has customers throughout Michigan and offers innovations like the revolutionary Solar Super Tracker®. It is a dynamic solar array that utilizes GPS tracking to follow the sun across the sky. Bi-Facial solar panels collect energy reflected from the ground especially during winter months. CBS Nano Coating is a microscopic coating that is applied to solar panels in the factory and helps keep the panels free from ambient dirt and grime. These innovations contribute to maximizing the solar energy generated by the system. CBS Solar is also a certified dealer for full-house battery backup power systems from Sonnen® and Tesla®.

To learn more about CBS Solar, please visit .