About Sugar Hollow Solar

Transitioning to clean energy is about investing in our future, and the time is now.

What we believe:

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Fossil fuels are dirty, expensive, and entirely unsustainable while renewable energy sources are plentiful and good for the world. The clean energy revolution is happening and at Sugar Hollow Solar, we are committed to leading the charge in our little neck of the woods.

Sure, solar panels are a technology, but they’re also more. Solar unites communities of people who believe a better future is possible. We are committed to doing right by our community, customers, and employees, now and for generations to come.

Sugar Hollow Solar was birthed and has continued to grow on the same land that our founders' great-grandparents farmed. We believe that as a community we need to act now to build a future where the next generations can thrive.

Parasaurolophus dinosaur skeleton.

Learn more about our community-driven donations and efforts in our statement of impact.

Our History at Hickory Nut Gap Farm

Sugar Hollow Solar co-founders Doug Ager and Phelps Clarke standing outside with a black dog.

Founded by cousins Phelps Clarke (2010 - 2022) and Doug Ager, our roots extend deep into the land stewardship traditions of four generations in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Growing up amidst the breathtaking landscapes of this region, our founders learned the values of environmental responsibility and community service. As Doug and Phelps ventured through the forests and farmlands of Sugar Hollow Road in Fairview, NC (which inspired our company's name and is still home to family businesses like Hickory Nut Gap Meats and Flying Cloud Farm), the importance of preserving this beautiful planet became clear.

In 2010, driven by our concern for the environment, we established Sugar Hollow Solar with a dual purpose: to create local employment opportunities and combat climate change through clean energy solutions. Since our inception, we've witnessed the transformative power of solar energy, reinforcing our dedication to this cause. Our journey has included significant milestones such as growing our team to 50+ employees, launching a Nonprofit referral program to further support our community, and installing over 1,000 solar array and/or battery backup systems for homes and businesses, always honoring the wisdom passed down through generations. 

Sugar Hollow Solar team posing outside in front of the Asheville mountains.

Our Founders’ family history is deeply rooted in service and positive change. Notable elders like James Clarke and John Ager made lasting contributions to our communities through public leadership, embodying values of stewardship, resilience, and hope. These legacies continue to inspire the team at Sugar Hollow Solar as we blend modern innovation with timeless principles.

In 2023, we deepened our commitment to sustainability and cooperation by joining Amicus Solar Cooperative, aligning ourselves with a national network of values-driven solar companies dedicated to ethical business and community engagement.

That spirit of shared purpose was tested in 2024, when Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina—and destroyed our entire warehouse. But from that loss, we found deeper clarity and launched Repower WNC, a long-term initiative to bring solar and battery backup systems to nonprofits and community spaces serving those most affected by climate disruption.

Today, as the largest local installer of solar panels and battery backup systems in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, we remain committed to building a resilient, equitable clean energy future—rooted in community, shaped by legacy, and powered by purpose.

Do the right thing.

We…

  • Have integrity 

  • Are kind and compassionate

  • Apologize and admit wrongdoing when we make mistakes

  • Have a genuine desire to heal each other and the world

  • Do what is right even when it does not appear to be profitable, expedient, or conventional

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Our Values

Take the long view.

We…

  • Value long-term relationships 

  • Know the community's trust is our greatest asset

  • Stay focused on our clients and not on our competitors

  • Take care of ourselves as well as our clients

  • Recognize that slow and steady wins the race

Team players & servant leaders.

We…

  • Provide great service to our coworkers as well as our clients

  • Stay focused on serving the organization and not just our team

  • Are good communicators who take the time to try to convince others of our ideas

  • Are honest and open about our strengths and weaknesses

  • Are dependable and willing to hold ourselves and others accountable

Always look for ways to improve.

We…

  • Are problem solvers who are thoughtful, curious, and open to new ideas

  • Are comfortable with uncertainty and willing to take chances and make mistakes

  • Stay in a learning frame of mind and take the time to learn from our mistakes

  • Don't have all the answers but know how to ask the right questions

  • Try to find the simplicity on the other side of complexity

Over-deliver.

We…

  • Are willing to go the extra mile to provide a great experience for our clients

  • Have high standards and see intrinsic value in a job well done

  • Are professionals who show up even when we don’t feel like it

  • Are committed to taking the time to get the job done right

  • Know that a happy client is the best job security we can get

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Learn how much sweet life is with solar.

Whether you're just starting to explore the world of solar or you've been soaking up the sun-powered possibilities for a while, we're here to make the journey smooth and enjoyable for you.

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We’re not in this alone. Meet our partners.

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We partner with:

Sound like you?

Unique Values, Vision, and Mission

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    Our Three Uniques:

    Honesty, Reliability, Expertise

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    Our Vision:

    Our vision is to preserve this beautiful planet for ourselves and future generations by using business as a positive force for change.

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    Our Mission:

    Our mission is to transition our Southern Appalachian community to clean, renewable energy by designing, building, and servicing clean energy infrastructure located where the power is used and delivered with an unwavering commitment to quality and integrity.

  • — Doug Ager, Founder of Sugar Hollow Solar

    “Building and Craftmanship is something that interested me, but I got tired of building things for other people. I realized that I needed to turn that craftsmanship into a business I could grow and retain ownership of.”

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    — Pat J.

    “I loved your connection to the Asheville community. Everyone I talked to and worked with from Sugar Hollow was honest and truthful.”

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    — Ayla F.

    “Everyone on the team was courteous, professional and knowledgeable. Response time to any question or issue was amazing. The process was explained very clearly and worked very smoothly. It was an excellent experience overall.”

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Press, Awards, and Certifications

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