The Solar Design Studio (SDS) was founded in 2008 by Bob Solger for the purpose of providing clients with an integrated service that produced the design of the optimum solar solution for a building or home.
Our process involves the integration of the architectural design, energy efficiency analysis and solar solution design process. Our collaborative team included TMA Architects – Tim Montgomery, www.tmaarchitects.org and Butterfly Energy Works – Gary Steps, www.butterflyenergyworks.com. Our collaborative team provided building and home owners with the best overall sustainable design that enabled the least amount of energy usage.
Since 2008, our business has evolved into a national and international consulting firm. We service clients across North American and Europe.
Bob Solger’s Experience
My “sustainability quest” began in 2003 when I founded a small business, The Energy Savings Store. 
The company became the largest and most experienced solar and wind solutions provider in Missouri and Kansas. The November 2010 sale of my company enabled me to continue my “sustainability quest” by sharing my knowledge and experience with businesses expanding into the North American market, equipment manufacturers, distribution companies, solar integration companies, design professionals and those pursuing a career path in sustainability.
My real-world experience as a business owner, consultant and as a designer and installer of solar and wind systems provides a strong experience base for enabling others which to develop the practical skills to properly apply solar technologies.
My experience in the solar and wind industry includes:
- 9 plus years of design and installation experience
- First NABCEP certified Solar PV installer in the Kansas City area
- Certified Wind Installer
- Designed more than 20 MW of systems
- Installed more than 1.2 MW of systems
- Founded and managed a successful solar and wind integration business
- Teaching solar and wind system fundamentals to design professionals for CEC credits
- Trained my own field installation teams
- Accomplished speaker
- Experienced community college instructor
- Founding board member of the Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA).
The Energy Savings Store, served the metropolitan areas of St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as the out state areas of Missouri and Kansas. The company specialized in the design, procurement and installation of solar and wind systems, including participation in several U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) projects, which have achieved LEED Platinum and Gold Certifications. The company completed 185 projects, which represents more than 1 MegaWatt of installed solar and wind systems.
I am a member of the St. Louis and Kansas City Chapters of USGBC, the Heartland Renewable Energy Society and Solar Energy Subcommittee, the American Solar Energy Society, Solar Energy Industry Association and a founding member of the Missouri Solar Energy Industry Association (MOSEIA). I was honored as the Healthy Planet Green Hero in 2007 and a board member of the Metropolitan Energy Center in Kansas City. A few notable accomplishments included installing the first large commercial solar arrays in the Kansas City area, installing the first commercial combined solar and wind system in St. Louis area, and achieving the designation as the first SunPower Premier Dealer in the Midwest.
Career Summary
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Technology from Bradley University, Peoria, IL and a M.S. in Industrial Engineering from North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
After graduating from college in 1976, I served 8 years in the US Air Force, as an officer and aviator. After leaving the Air Force in 1985 I entered the computer industry as a project engineering/manager responsible for presales and installation of large engineering and industrial automation systems. I transitioned into sales and was directly responsible for selling large industrial automation systems to international consumer product manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.
Founder and owner of The Energy Savings Store.
Higher Education Experience
Solar and Wind Energy Adjutant Professor, State Fair Community College, Sedalia, MO
NABCEP Solar PV Instructor, Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, MO
Solar PV Instructor, SAGE Group, Kansas City, MO
Consulting Experience
Strategic business, market development and technology application with one of Europe’s leading solar thermal equipment manufacturers and solar integration firms.
Business development, marketing and sales operations with several Midwestern solar integration firms.
Technology application services with a leading North American solar pv equipment manufacturer.
Financial feasibility validation services for the leasing and financing of solar projects to US based owners of projects.
Engineering and design services for both solar pv and solar HVAC systems.
