One year ago, Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, leaving our communities shaken—and our own warehouse completely destroyed. Like so many of our neighbors, we had to pick up the pieces and rebuild.

But through it all, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most: creating resilient, sustainable solutions for our community. That commitment was recently recognized by Solar Power World, which named Sugar Hollow Solar a Top Solar Contractor and featured our story of resilience in their latest print magazine. [Read the article here →]

Over the past year, with the support of our community, we’ve rebuilt and kept moving forward—returning to installations, settling into our new home base in West Asheville, and celebrating 15 years in business. Along the way, we’ve been honored with recognition like Mountain Xpress’s Best of WNC Alternative Energy Provider and other awards. We’re excited to share more about this fall. We also launched the Repower WNC Fund, which, thanks to your generosity, has already raised more than $40,000 for nonprofit solar installations. These projects go far beyond electricity—they bring hope, safety, and opportunity. Here are a few highlights:

✨ Together with Warren Wilson College, we installed solar power on a tiny home that was built and donated to BeLoved Asheville, who gifted it to someone who lost everything in Helene.

Our CEO and Founder Doug Ager at the Warren Wilson Tiny Home dedication ceremony.

✨ Through the WORX program at Camp Grier, we helped bring renewable energy to a facility that’s reshaping education through experiential, career-connected learning—blending CTE, STEAM, and SEL in a way that strengthens the public school system while opening doors for students to explore the future of work.

Birds eye view of the WORX Program installation!

There’s more to come, so stay tuned because each of these projects is a reminder that solar power doesn’t just keep the lights on, it powers possibility.

Falling for Small Biz 💛

Recovery doesn’t just mean rebuilding homes—it also means keeping our small businesses thriving, because as one ourselves, we know the importance of supporting local. This fall, we’re launching Fall for Small Biz, a campaign celebrating the local shops, makers, and restaurants that give our towns their heart.

From Sept 3 – Dec 1, nominate your favorite small business for a chance to win up to $500 in gift cards, just in time for the holidays. On Giving Tuesday (Dec 2), we’ll draw winners and purchase gift cards directly from the businesses you love—boosting local economies right when they need it most, and providing you the opportunity to splurge on yourself or loved ones!

👉 [Nominate Your Favorite Small Business]

Prizes

1st Prize: $500 gift card to your nominated business of choice

2nd Prize: $200 gift card to your nominated business of choice

3rd Prize: $100 gift card to your nominated business of choice

Timeline

Sept 3 – Dec 1: Nominate your favorite local businesses, and select your top 2 choices for gift cards if you win!

Dec 2: Giving Tuesday! Random Raffle drawing — winners announced, gift cards purchased & our donation to Earthshine Nature Programs made!

Dec 10 & Dec 17: Finalized Holiday Guide emails with last-minute local shopping inspiration curated by you, our community!

📍 Open to everyone — customers, employees, and the general public.
💛 Boost your local love. Power your community.

Together, we can spread love and dollars locally, while curating a community-sourced Holiday Gift Guide to help everyone shop small this season.

Events & Community Connections

All season long, you’ll find us at festivals, markets, and neighborhood events—sharing solar education, connecting with our nonprofit partner Earthshine Nature Programs, and yes, celebrating the critters that make fall feel a little spooky. 👻🦉

📅 Highlights include:

Sept 12–13 → Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival
Oct 16–19 → LEAF Festival
Oct 25 → HalloweenFest
Dec 2 → West Asheville Tailgate Market (Giving Tuesday!)

See the full list of events on our website here.

Why Fall in Love with Solar?

Fall is the season of preparation. Just as trees store energy for the winter, now is the perfect time to set your home up for the seasons ahead:

Get Ahead of the Waitlist → Going solar is always a process that takes a few months—from design to permitting to installation. With today’s especially high demand, starting now helps ensure you’ll be on track for an early 2026 installation. It’s actually the perfect time to get your solar journey started.
Prepare for Winter AND Summer Savings → Lock in lower energy costs when utility rates typically spike and have your system in place before next year’s heat waves.
Backup for Outages → Batteries give you peace of mind when storms hit and the grid goes down.

When you go solar, you’re not just lowering bills—you’re investing in resilience for your family and community.

A Season of Change, A Season of Love

This fall, as the leaves remind us that change is natural, we invite you to join us in making change that lasts. From solar panels on rooftops to small business gift cards in neighbors’ hands, every action builds a stronger, brighter, more resilient Western North Carolina.

Because falling in love with solar isn’t just about energy—it’s about community.

👉 [Request a Free Solar Quote]
👉 [Nominate Your Favorite Small Business]