CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee -(WDEF) Signal Energy, which is head quartered in Chattanooga was recently named the number two solar contractor in the U.S.
Signal Energy CEO Ben Fischer says the ranking gives the company a unique distinction.
"Being ranked number two in the country right behind First Solar gives us an honor that surpasses other companies and large corporations that are building renewable energy projects as well," Fischer said.
What makes Signal Energy's success so remarkable is that they're one of the few solar energy companies in this country that didn't hit rock bottom. Companies like Transform Solar in Idaho recently went out of business after laying off hundreds of workers. Solar giant, Solyndra filed for bankruptcy after receiving more than $500 million in federal stimulus money. Solar Trust of America also hit rock bottom.
Many U.S. failures in this industry was blamed on higher demand and steep competition in places like China and Europe.
Signal Energy has avoided those problems by being highly selective when it comes to taking on specific large scale projects across North America.
"When we build a project, we'll build it for maybe 100,000 panels so those changes in the world market that lead to lower cost actually helps us. It helps the consumer and it helps utilities," Fischer said.
