From furnace fixes to future-proofing solar energy systems, one family business is rewiring the renewable energy landscape in the Pacific Northwest.
Founded in 1972, Barron Heating AC Electrical & Plumbing (Barron) has evolved from a pure-play HVAC and fireplace contractor to a whole-home electrical and renewable energy solutions provider. Under the leadership of CEO Brad Barron, a third-generation business owner and fourth-generation employee, Solar by Barron now offers high-quality, comprehensive solar, EV charger, and battery backup installation services for homes and businesses in Washington.
Barron's mission–to improve lives by providing whole-home comfort, health, and energy solutions–is core to everything it does. Brad and his team believe that true sustainability comes from combining renewable energy supply with efficient home energy demand, maximizing their clients' environmental and economic benefits.
A comprehensive approach to sustainability
Already a stalwart contributor to its local community for half a century, Barron expanded its comprehensive array of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing services to include renewable energy in 2019. With a background in civil and environmental engineering, a passion for renewables, and his family's deep legacy in the industry, Brad has led the charge with a future-first approach to energy solutions.
“I’m a big proponent of environmental stewardship, and I joined in 2017 with a vision of starting an electrical department within Barron,” explained Brad in a recent conversation with Enphase. “Following its launch in 2018, we introduced Solar by Barron, and I’m proud that our electrical and solar business has grown to about 20% of our total operations today.”
The move to expand into the solar market goes beyond broadening the company’s portfolio–it also reflects its commitment to harnessing the potential of solar power for end users, providing them with sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
One of Barron’s recent exciting developments is its dual installation of solar systems with energy-efficient heat pump technology. To Brad and his team, reducing energy consumption just makes sense to maximize the impact of solar energy production.
“Up to 80% of a home’s energy could be consumed by its heating and cooling needs – both air and water,” Brad stated. “That’s huge. If we can make these systems more efficient, we can reduce the size of the solar system needed–which improves the long-term return on investment for our clients.”
He added, “Solar is just part of the equation of sustainable living. Consumption is a huge and often overlooked component. Here at Barron, we believe that true sustainability is when you combine consumption and production to provide a solution that maximizes economic and environmental benefits.”
Barron began offering Enphase products in 2019, starting with IQ6+ microinverters, and it recently expanded to include residential and commercial EV charging stations and Enphase commercial micros in its suite of products. The growing partnership underscores the companies’ shared priorities in cutting-edge solutions that provide long-term reliability, flexibility, and savings to the customer.
“We are so excited to continue to grow with Enphase,” Brad said. “We are always looking for the latest and greatest technology out there, and Enphase has always delivered for us in that regard.”
Investing in tomorrow’s energy technicians
With 500 residential and commercial solar installations and counting, Barron has doubled its sales staff and is going all in on its renewable energy solutions. However, Brad and his team understand that growth is powered and sustained by a skilled, trained workforce.
In 2019, Barron made the bold move of establishing an in-house technician school to train the next generation of clean energy trade professionals. The school's curriculum—also designed in-house—focuses on creating multi-skilled technicians capable of installing and maintaining a range of energy systems, from heating to cooling as well as electrical and plumbing.
“It’s been a success thus far,” commented Brad. “I’m excited to say that our first cohort of certified and licensed technicians went into the field with practical skills and industry certification.”
A community-first philosophy
Barron's philosophy is simple yet powerful: Invest in people to empower them to invest in their community. This commitment is reflected in their passion for continued education and innovation, ensuring Barron has skilled technicians, electricians, and plumbers ready to serve their community's renewable energy needs. In the spirit of education, Brad was even a guest on a recent HGTV feature sponsored by HVAC solutions provider Daikin.
By combining innovative technology, comprehensive training, and a deep commitment to sustainability, Barron is not just installing clean energy systems - it’s building a brighter, more sustainable future for the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
What’s ahead for Barron? “Well, we want to continue growing our solar business, with a continued emphasis on combining efficient consumption with renewable energy production. When it comes to renewables, we are all in!”