Sun-Powered Growth and Giving: Celebrate 13 Years with us at Sugar Hollow Solar

The old Sugar Hollow Barn

In a world increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change, our need for sustainable energy solutions has never been greater. For over a decade, we at Sugar Hollow Solar have been at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, making a significant difference in our own Western North Carolina communities and beyond. Founded by two cousins, Doug Ager and Phelps Clarke, our commitment to environmental stewardship, exceptional customer service, and fostering a thriving community has propelled us to new heights. As we celebrate 13 years in business on August 10th, let's delve into our remarkable journey, the impacts we've had, and our vision for the future.

First, to honor this significant achievement of 13 years in business, we want to give back to our community for supporting us over the years. For every client we've ever had the privilege to serve, we're pledging a donation to Invest Appalachia. This organization is dedicated to nurturing robust, just, and interconnected communities across Central Appalachia, the very community we were born in. By fostering collaboration between local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and investors, Invest Appalachia is paving the way for resilient economic opportunities that celebrate our region's distinctive cultural, environmental, and human treasures.

We feel this donation aligns well with our story and the way our founders' family's history connects to this exquisite region. Our donation in honor of our clients serves as a testament to our shared commitment to both preserving our rich heritage and propelling us forward into a future brimming with promise.

Proudly standing as fourth generation descendants in the area, Sugar Hollow Solar's founders remain firmly rooted in the same soil that cradled their great-grandparents ambitions, Jim and Elizabeth McClure, whose transformative journey onto this land in 1916 marked the inception of what would later evolve into the birthplace of our company. 

Built on a Foundation of Values: 

A painting of Sherrill’s Inn in the Inn.

Picture this: a young couple (Jim and Elizabeth McClure), just beginning their journey of marital bliss in the early 1900’s, stumbling upon the rustic charm of Sherrill's Inn and the sprawling farmlands that caress its surroundings. Elizabeth was enchanted by the area's beauty, and she dedicated herself to improving the grounds that enveloped the inn and breathing life back into its timeworn walls. Jim founded the Farmer's Federation Cooperative and dedicated himself to helping the region's farmers improve their livestock and crop genetics and negotiating better pricing for fertilizer and grain that was given back to the farmers.

Elizabeth, a woman of both artistry and compassion, etched her mark not only through her murals that adorned the inn's walls, capturing the essence of life at Sherrill's Inn, but also through her unrelenting dedication to the gardens on the property and hospitality. This mantle of gracious care was inherited by her daughter, Elspeth, solidifying a legacy that endured through generations.

As the river of time meanders through our founder's family history, aspirations sprouted in diverse directions, each member weaving their unique story into the narrative. Elspeth's union with Jamie Clarke ignited a commitment for political change, propelling Jamie into the corridors of power as a U.S. Congressman. The family's tireless efforts have become the bedrock upon which the McClure, now Ager-Clarke-Hamilton family legacy has been built upon. With several modern family businesses like Hickory Nut Gap and Flying Cloud Farm thriving and Doug's brother Eric Ager recently taking a seat NC legislature, the family continues its efforts to serve the community and work towards a better tomorrow. 

Phelps left and Doug Right posing for a photo early on.

In a modern chapter of the story, Doug Ager, inspired by the the work of his forbears and other family members, saw how business could be used a positive force for good, transitioned from the realm of building houses to founding Sugar Hollow Solar, all with an unwavering focus on creating a meaningful and sustainable impact. His journey formed a dynamic fusion of land stewardship, environmental responsibility, attention to detail, and creative fervor. 

Meanwhile, Phelps Clarke, Doug’s cousin and founding member from 2010 to 2021, emerged as a beacon of modern wisdom for the company. His resolute dedication to customer service and genuine care for our clientele etched indelible marks upon the foundations of our company's principles. The invaluable lessons cultivated during his time now serve as one of our guiding stars, helping steer our company toward the business of excellence and compassion, shaping a contemporary chapter rooted in timeless values.

The tradition of creating organizations with a purpose demonstrates our founding family’s unwavering commitment to serving the community and the environment. With a deep-seated reverence for the land, a penchant for beauty, and an unswerving commitment to progress, we at Sugar Hollow carry the torch passed down by our founders' ancestors. Our story bridges time and is fortified by the aspirations and achievements of Jim, Elizabeth, James, Elspeth, and the countless others who've contributed to the symphony of our heritage. As we navigate the uncharted waters of an ever-evolving solar industry, the spirit of innovation and service guides us, nurturing the seeds of promise planted by those who came before. 

Fueled by Purpose: 

At the heart of Sugar Hollow Solar lies an unwavering beacon of hope, ignited by the profound challenges posed by climate change. In a world yearning for solutions, Doug and Phelps chose to take action, acknowledging the call for urgency and seizing the mantle of responsibility. Their resolute vision affirms that prosperity and sustainability can coexist harmoniously, where community, well-being, and the planet's vitality go hand in hand. 

A moment of rest

Embracing the sun-kissed path of solar innovation, we have embarked on a journey that not only illuminates lives with clean energy but also powers vibrant communities. Every solar panel we install helps transition our community to clean energy and paves the path toward a brighter future. Each job we create becomes a living confirmation to our steadfast dedication to growth and empowerment. Today, as we actively expand our team and invite new talent to join us, this endeavor not only enriches individual’s lives but also contributes to the hope and progress we strive for on a grander scale. Together, we cast our gaze toward a horizon where innovation and service intertwine, nurturing the seeds of promise into a flourishing garden of change that future generations will hopefully inherit with pride.

Impactful Numbers: 

During our 13 year journey, with the support of our community and clients, we've achieved some remarkable milestones. We've installed over 870 Solar PV systems on homes and businesses in the area, something we're truly proud of.

A map of all of Sugar Hollow Solar’s installs in WNC and north western South Carolina.

Now, to break down what that means with some comparisons: if we look at how much renewable energy these systems have produced over their lifetimes, it translates to something like planting a whole forest – we've offset the carbon equivalent of planting 297,242 trees and letting them grow for 10 years. Not only that, but our clients' choice to go solar has led to the equivalent environmental benefit of taking 3,845 cars off the road or lighting up the lives of 3,213 homes.

When it comes to the environment, our focus has also been on reducing carbon emissions. A staggering 19,541,968 pounds of coal have been spared from being burned, thanks to our community’s commitment to harnessing the power of the sun. This translates to preventing a mountain of coal from being used, sparing the release of this CO2 into the atmosphere. As if that's not awe-inspiring enough, our cumulative power production of 24.94 GWh (gigawatt-hours) is a monumental achievement. To put it simply, this is equivalent to powering around 1,912 homes for an entire year. It's this kind of real-world impact that drives us forward on our incredible journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Yet, for us at Sugar Hollow Solar, success is not solely measured in numbers. Our commitment to the community and our dedication to creating a better future for the next generations form the cornerstone of our achievements. Through our referral donations to a different nonprofit every year, and our work with Blue Horizons and the Energy Savor’s Network Neighbors to Neighbors Program helping to provide no-cost systems to income-qualified Buncombe County residents with a focus on BIPOC households, we are doing our part to unite and support individuals who believe in a brighter tomorrow.

Looking Ahead: 

As Sugar Hollow Solar celebrates our 13th year, our journey is far from over. As we continue to scale the company to be able to train the workforce and build projects to transition our energy grid, we continue to grow our impact. Since 2010, we have proven that it's possible to build a successful business while making a positive impact on the world. Through our solar installations and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, we have contributed significantly to the fight against climate change. And as we continue to lead the charge in the clean energy revolution, our commitment to community, sustainability, and a brighter future remains strong. Here's to 13 years of transformative change and a future filled with endless possibilities for Sugar Hollow Solar all thanks to our wonderful clients, staff and community.