Full Spectrum Solar sees sunny future on East Wash

Monday, June 28, 2010

Burke O'Neal stands in front of a solar systems installed by Full Spectrum Solar on the roof of the Williamson Street Coop.

From an article by Mike Ivey in The Capital Times:

Talk about a perfect fit for Madison.

A locally owned and fast-growing solar energy company moves into a vacant building that formerly housed an auto body repair shop.

The company — Full Spectrum Solar — is even being welcomed with open arms by the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Association, a group known for taking a tough look at any new development.

“They came in to talk with us about a month ago and a lot of people are very happy to see a 21st century, green business coming into the neighborhood,” says Pat McDonnell, past president of the neighborhood association.

If all goes according to plan, Full Spectrum Solar this October will move its operations from the Madison Enterprise Center small business incubator at 100 S. Baldwin St. into new digs at 1240 E. Washington Ave., the former Quality Collision.

Full Spectrum Solar isn’t just replacing a 20th century auto painting operation. It’s buying one of those underutilized properties along East Washington Avenue the city of Madison has been looking to upgrade.

“We’re pretty excited about having our own building,” says Burke O’Neal, 38, who founded the company in 2002 with his younger brother, Mark. “If nothing else, we’ll have a place to park our vehicles.”