January 22, 2020

This past summer, Courtney Kunkleman moved to Carbondale, CO and was later hired onto Sunsense’s Operations Crew. While learning the ropes of solar PV installation, she quickly became an indispensable part of the team. Courtney’s remarkable work ethic and determination always shine through as she gains experience working on residential, commercial, and off grid solar electric systems. The entire Sunsense team is incredibly excited to see how she will continue to learn and grow within the company.

When Courtney isn’t out in the field, she can be found practicing massage therapy, studying for her NABCEP certification, working on her motorcycle, and training for triathlons…yeah, I’m pretty sure that Courtney is actually Superwoman.

Here is Courtney’s perspective on the Solar Industry!

Why do you choose to work in the solar industry?

A lot of it is really about the company itself and the passionate and talented people that the industry attracts. My vantage point presents a business full of multi-talented self starters helping to construct a mindful future. Plus this industry holds a number of facets to explore and develop. How could I pass this up? I am no stranger to hard work and absolutely love setting myself a new challenge; be it beating my fastest time up a hill or learning the ins-and-outs of the solar installation profession.

How did you get into solar?

I arrived in the valley this summer searching for trails and hot springs, fell in love with the area, and began looking for a manual labor outdoor job that kept my mind and body challenged. Working with the Sunsense team immediately engaged me in these aspects.

What has been the most satisfying aspect of your job?

Knowing that I can be a part of the movement towards diversified power sources is definitely reassuring. Seeing the completion of long projects and building on my skills and experience in such beautiful settings also keeps me energized and excited. I’ve done my fair share of manual labor and customer service work but this application presents more opportunity to refresh the math and physics I’ve dismissed since college and presents wiring puzzles more foreign to me than my motorcycle’s.[/one_half_last]

What has been challenging?

It can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture while troubleshooting and resolving big hiccups on commercial jobs. I find it important to be passionate and proud of the work that I do every day and sometimes it takes a bit of patience and meditation to get that back.

How do you see the future of solar industry?

I see plenty of growth and a movement towards establishing solar as the norm in every aspect of civil development. I hope to witness a revolution in photovoltaic engineering as the challenge of efficiency and elemental availability fuel further research and design.

If you weren’t working in the solar industry, what would you be doing?

It’s very likely that my energy would be diverted towards massage therapy and studying naturepathic therapies full time. I have been licensed and practicing massage for about four years now and plan to continue to do so throughout my life. It is just another aspect of my fulfillment and has given me insight into what it takes to stay balanced and thrive.

If you are interested in getting solar for your home or solar for your business, make sure to call one of our Solar Consultants at (970) 963-1420!

Kelsey Gibb
Administrative Assistant and Rebate Specialist