At the heart and soul of the business is Steven Johnson. Described by a client as "A man who greets you with a kind smile and a good, firm handshake." Steven is following his dream after a 22-year career as an industrial electrician for a large industrial complex in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Trouble shooting and fixing complex electrical systems to keep the 28-acre industrial complex working at peak performance was Stevens training ground to becoming a master electrician. As a conservation minded individual Steven opened an energy efficient lighting business; selling and installing efficient lightening solutions. His dedication to customer service and excellent workmanship helped his lighting business grow. But soon his reputation as a problem solver spread throughout the community and region. He started receiving phone calls to repair faulty solar systems and perplexing electrical problems. Southern Lights is now known and respected as the "expert" in repairing, designing and installing solar energy systems and solving and fixing hard to diagnose electrical problems in southern Illinois. As a known expert, Steven has been called upon to provide testimony in court dealing with electrical arch blast injuries and faulty NEC coding. Southern Lights, LLC; Stevens initial lighting business has evolved into a premier energy servicing business.
- Licensed Electrician
- North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate credential holder, 0142917-017090.
- State of Illinois: Distributed Generation Installer and Energy Efficiency Measures Installer Certifications
- Member Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, since 2008
- OSHA 10 Construction Certification
- Expert witness for Lawler Brown Law Firm, Marion, IL
- Business owner since 2007
- Bachelors of Science in Advanced Technical Studies and Associate of Science in Technology Studies, both from SIUC
US Marine Corp. 1975 -1978
Services
License electricians who understand the science of electricity both the AC and DC principles. We follow strict National Electrical Codes (NEC code) and complete projects in a neat and timely manner; reflecting our dedication to the success of sustainable energy. We are proud to be in this noble and critical profession.
Our licensed electricians use only the highest quality solar panels, equipment and hardware. We provide quality and NEC code compliant systems that conform to local utility companies installation and power grid connection regulations.
- We know our business! Fixing problematic or improperly installed solar systems by other solar installers is the initial reason we became involved in solar. Now we are the company people rely upon to fix improper installations, under sized systems and to answer questions about their problematic solar systems. You can count on us to respond and solve your systems problems.
- We do not offer a one-size-fits-all equipment solution, which is great because every home/business is different. For a roof-mounted system we look at your home/business, your roof s integrity, its structure and square footage and we look at your surrounding land/acreage for the possibility of a land mounted system. All the while taking into account your personal solar goals. We will customize a system specifically to meet your particular needs and wants.
- Installed on all our systems is a monitoring system that reveals the progress and performance of your panels in real time. A computer and internet connection is required. With this technology, you can also see how much money the panels are saving you, as well as the effect your solar system is having on the environment.
- Illinois has plenty of sunshine and laws that are favorable for solar power and renewable energy. In addition, the Federal Government offers a 30% tax credit for the whole installed cost of your system! Thats a huge benefit available to you. Talk to Southern Lights about the incentives available to you. Besides all the environmental benefits that solar brings, plus the savings on your monthly bills for power consumption and the high return on your investment it is easy to see why so many people have made the leap over. We help you obtain these insentives every step of the way. Most see a return on their investment in less than 10 years.
- DO NOT get caught unprepared from the effects of unpredictable weather and unforeseen power outages. Or do you need a recharger for your battery backup solar system? A standby generator goes on - automatically - protecting you and your home 24/7. Generators are farely economical and are a great way to protection you and your family against possible power outages.
- Ameren business customers, we can assist you in reducing your lighting costs, brighten your space and help you take advantage of ACTON Energy rebates. A simple evaluation of your business by our ACTON Energy representative and you could have better and brighter lighting for about half the cost you were paying for lesser light. Contact us for an Ameren ACTON Energy evaluation!
- Caitlyn MacKenzies story is a tragic story about the importance of electrical safety and properly bonding outdoor spaces. Caitlyn received a fatal electric shock when she touched a pool side lamp while damp from swimming in her familys pool. Our licensed electricians have extensive training in proper wiring methods needed in safe wiring of swimming pools, hot tubs, boat docks, and outdoor spaces. Educate yourselves and those you love to save your family from tragedy!
- Always an advocate of energy savings we welcomed the new wave of lighting innovations and are experts in energy efficient lighting and green lighting technology. We are all about helping people see better, save money and using less energy.
- Fill your space with brilliant, non-electric light. DayStar Natural Lighting System is a skylight using a technologically designed parabolic dome for gathering natural light. The best way to save energy, invest in natural lighting with DayStars!
- We stand behind our work! We back our work with a minimum one year warranty. We stand behind our work and respond to our customers immediately. We provide excellent customer service!
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