StraightUp Solar

08/28/2026

Happy back-to-school week to Affton School District! 📚✨

As students and staff kicked off a new school year this week, we are reflecting on how honored we were to be chosen as their partner to bring solar power to multiple schools across the district.

By choosing solar, Affton is cutting energy costs and freeing up critical resources to reinvest right back into their classrooms, programs, and students—all while helping power a cleaner future for the next generation. We are incredibly proud to support a district that leads by example and puts their students' success first. ☀️🏫

Watch the video below to hear directly from their team about how going solar is saving money and making a lasting impact!

08/15/2026

Through our years in business, one thing has remained constant: our 𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗘 values: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Those values have guided every project, every partnership, and every decision we've made over the past two decades.

In this set of photos, we're looking back at events, outreach efforts, and team moments that brought those values to life. From connecting with our communities to spending time together outside of the office, these memories capture the experiences that have helped shape us over the years.

08/12/2026

Thinking about going solar but not ready for the upfront investment? A solar PPA might be the bridge you need.

A solar PPA allows Illinois homeowners to use power produced on their roof while we handle the ownership, maintenance, and repairs. At the end of the agreement, you can purchase the system or have it removed.

A solar PPA provides:
✅ $0 down
✅ Predictable monthly payments
✅ No maintenance or repair costs
✅ 25-year contract with option to purchase system after 5 years

PPAs open the door to solar for more Illinois families. StraightUp Solar is proud to now offer solar PPAs for Illinois residents.

To compare your solar options and see if leasing is the right fit for you, visit: https://straightupsolar.com/blog-posts/lease-or-buy-solar-panels/

08/10/2026

If your summer electric bills make you do a double take… you’re not alone. ☀️📈

Hot summer months usually mean higher usage and higher costs. Solar helps stabilize that by producing energy during the same sunny days when demand is highest.

Homeowners across Illinois and Missouri are using solar to reduce utility dependence and gain more predictable energy costs year-round. For this homeowner, solar saved her nearly $370 last month!

She shared, "Last year, I was really concerned about the price of electricity going up, and I dreaded receiving my Ameren bill knowing that we were running our pool pump and air conditioning so much. This year, I felt relief. I really look forward to seeing how much solar energy we produced and how much savings we’re receiving."

Stop guessing what next month's bill will be. Connect with our team today: https://straightupsolar.com/residential/

08/07/2026

One month from today, StraightUp Solar will celebrate 20 years of powering homes, businesses, and communities across Illinois and Missouri. ☀️🎉

Over the next few weeks, we're sharing throwback photos of our early days, milestone projects, and the people who helped shape StraightUp Solar into the company it is today.

In this first collection of photos, we're looking back at a few of our early solar installations. Some things have changed over the years, but one thing has stayed the same: we still love seeing solar out in the wild.

08/05/2026

This week, we're looking back at how solar helps power the mission of Habitat for Humanity of McLean County Restore in Bloomington, Illinois. 💛

Completed in November 2021 through the Illinois Solar for All program, this solar array generates approximately 85% of the ReStore's electricity, allowing more of every dollar to support Habitat for Humanity of McLean County's work building and rehabilitating homes in the community.

The system was projected to save the ReStore more than $234,000 on electricity costs, freeing up resources that can be reinvested into affordable housing, homeowner education, and local families.

Thanks for following along as we've shared some of our famous installs in celebration of our 20th anniversary! Did we miss a famous StraightUp Solar install in your area? Take a look through our project gallery at: https://straightupsolar.com/galleries/

08/03/2026

Thinking about going solar but not sure where to start? Attend an upcoming Grow Solar Bloomington-Normal Solar Power Hour to learn how residential solar works, what incentives are available, the installation process, and whether solar is a good fit for your home!

There's no obligation, just practical information to help you make an informed decision. Both events are co-hosted by the Ecology Action Center and are free to attend. Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance!

📅 Wednesday, August 5 | 5:30 PM
📍 Normal Public Library

📅 Tuesday, August 18 | 5:30 PM
📍 Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal

🎟️ https://www.growsolar.org/bn/

07/31/2026

Whether he’s re-powering solar systems or amplifying the sidelines, our Remove & Reinstall Tech Bryson Whiteside always brings the energy! ⚡️

Last weekend, Bryson was out at the Edwardsville Mud Mountain 5K cheering on his dad, Nick—a 20-year military veteran who recently retired from government service to pursue his lifelong dream of coaching high school track and cross country.

Not only is he inspiring athletes on the trails, but he also helped coach the Edwardsville High School girls track team to a 1st place state championship this past season! 🏆🥇

StraightUp Solar was honored to sponsor the Mud Mountain 5K and support dedicated community leaders like Bryson’s dad, who give so much back to our local youth.

Thank you for your service, your mentorship, and your commitment to Edwardsville. Keep shining, team Whiteside! ✨

07/31/2026

Congratulations to Renew Missouri on 20 years of advancing clean energy and policy leadership across Missouri! ☀️

This achievement is especially meaningful to us, as our VP of Business Operations, Erin Noble, was a co-founder of Renew Missouri and played a part in its early efforts to advance renewable energy across the state. StraightUp Solar is honored to celebrate this milestone alongside an organization that continues to shape the region’s clean energy future.

Here’s to 20 years of impact and to the continued work of building a more efficient, resilient energy future for Missouri!
https://renewmo.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agezqC3ivM4

As Renew Missouri celebrates twenty years of clean energy advocacy,...

07/29/2026

We're celebrating 𝟮𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗨𝗽 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 each month by spotlighting an employee who lives the mission, on and off the clock.

👋 Mike Hornitschek | VP Strategic Development
📍 Belleville, IL
☀️ Went solar in 2014
⚡️ System Size: 9.5 kW

Mike has been helping advance clean energy well before joining StraightUp Solar in 2012. A retired Air Force command pilot, aeronautical engineer, and educator, Mike has spent much of his career exploring how energy shapes communities, economies, and long-term prosperity.

His passion for sustainable energy isn't just professional, it's personal.

For Mike, solar represents more than just technology. It's an investment in a more resilient and sustainable future.