Our History

Founded in 1980
Borrego Solar was founded in 1980 by Astrophysicist, James Rickard, PhD. Dr. Rickard earned his C-46 contracting license in 1982. Borrego Solar’s first project was the design and construction of Dr. Rickard’s all solar home in Borrego Springs, California. Prior to the establishment of net metering and the California Energy Commission’s Buy Down Program, Borrego Solar’s primary business was the design and construction of off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and solar thermal systems.

Over 1000 Solar Power Installations
The company transformed with the emergence of the California grid–tied solar market in 1999. Since that time Borrego Solar has specialized in grid-tied solar energy. Since 1999, Borrego Solar has designed and installed more than 1000 PV solar power systems for commercial, residential, and government applications.

Expansion
In 2007, company executives moved to Massachusetts to establish a regional office just outside of Boston. Working very closely with the MA Renewable Energy Trust (now the Mass Clean Energy Center) to bring state incentives to residential and commercial customers, Borrego Solar quickly became the market leader for solar in the state of MA.

Strategic Focus
As of February 2009, we narrowed our focus and are now exclusively working on Commercial and Government solar energy installations. At the same time, we further expanded into the Mid-Atlantic region with operations in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Integrated Solar Financing
In August of 2009, we launched our integrated solar financing program to help schools, companies, and government organizations finance solar projects efficiently. The first of its kind, our $30MM fund provided by Walsin Lihwa (copper, steel, wire and cable manufacturer with over $6 billion in annual revenues), a current investor, positions us to develop and finance more than $100 million in solar projects in 2010 and 2011.