This solar company is unlike any other. I’ve been through other presentations by various companies but this one delivers. My campus ministry is able to do more because of what we save with our solar panels. I am forever grateful and I would recommend this solar company to anyone.

Rev. Dr. Joy Carrington

Director Wesley Westminster @ NSU, and Lead Pastor, The Great Awakening, UCC

Richard Walker

Executive Director, Bridging the Gap in Virginia

Through more than six years of collaboration with Ruth McElroy Amundsen on solar and community-based projects, I have consistently experienced her integrity, reliability, and commitment to responsible work. Norfolk Solar Solutions reflects that same established standard of trust, professionalism, and collaborative partnership.

Norfolk Solar Solutions is one of the most trusted -- and effective -- solar advocacy organizations I know anywhere in the Mid Atlantic region. Ruth Amundsen and her team bring the highest integrity, knowledge, and can-do spirit to the task of helping everyone harvest sunlight, lower bills, and save our planet. This group is the best!

Mike Tidwell

Founder and Executive Director, Chesapeake Climate Action Network

Coles Jennings, PE, LEED AP BD+C

Director of Corporate Sustainability, Community Climate Collaborative

I spend my days coaching small businesses and non-profits on how to save on energy costs and go green in the process. Solar is always tops on everyone’s wish list as one of the best long-term energy investments, but the high upfront cost puts it out of reach for many of our partners. Norfolk Solar Solutions provides an amazing fix for cash-strapped community organizations, removing the first-cost barrier while still translating savings and environmental benefits to their PPA customers. Ruth, Alden, and Ivy are true solar superheroes!

Andria McClellan

former Norfolk City Council member, Founder and CEO of Oculus Rail

I’ve worked with Ruth Amundsen on environmental and solar issues since 2017 and have always admired her passion and integrity. She truly cares about climate action and social justice, and she approaches solar projects in a way that’s fair, transparent, and collaborative. Ruth is always willing to roll up her sleeves and help others understand solar. Her nonprofit, Norfolk Solar Solutions, is a fantastic addition to Virginia’s solar ecosystem, particularly for underserved and rural communities.

Frank Hruska

Chief Financial Officer, Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads

Over two years ago, Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads partnered with Norfolk Solar to install solar power on our office, construction warehouse, and thrift store. The project was completed on time and on budget. The green electricity generated and monthly savings were higher than the estimate. Habitat has not paid a cent to the electric company except for the meter charge since we went solar. All of this was solely the result of Ruth and Alden's vision, planning, and dedication to solar power.

Carol Davis

Sustainability lead for Town of Blacksburg

The founders of Norfolk Solar Solutions are true champions working hard to make Virginia's clean energy future a reality. With decades of collective advocacy work in Virginia's energy and climate policy space, I consider them to be key leaders and trusted partners. The mission of their nonprofit organization: to put low- and no-cost solar within reach for Virginia's small non-profits, schools, and low-income residents is critically needed, especially now.

Bill Greenleaf

Executive Director, Impact Lending, Locus Community Focused Capital

In my role as head of our clean energy lending program at Locus, a Virginia based non-profit Community Development Financial Institution, we have had a professional relationship with Ruth Amundsen for over 9 years. We have financed projects she has developed and we have accepted deposits from her to support our solar lending across Virginia. Ruth is extremely passionate about making solar available to nonprofits and low income communities and has demonstrated a high level of integrity in our business dealings.

Bill Muth

Professor Emeritus VCU School of Education, & Third Act RVA Co-coordinator

My organization, Third Act Virginia, set a goal in 2024 to help Richmond Public Schools find an affordable method to solarize 10 schools. Thanks to generous, brilliant, and entirely pro-bono support from Norfolk Solar Solutions, we are well on our way. We refer to Norfolk Solar Solutions as our “Bright Star”. They have been by our side from the start. They have provided reliable technical, financial, and policy guidance in an ever-moving context. They have never asked for anything in return other than not to give up the fight for a just transition to renewable energy. Indeed, it is hard to give up when folks like Norfolk Solar Solutions have your back…and light your way.

Jim Purekal

Director, Advanced Energy United

I've known and admired Ruth McElroy Amundsen and Norfolk Solar Solutions for close to three years. Their mission is simple: deploy more solar, educate more people about its benefits, and reduce the energy burden for Virginia's disadvantaged communities. Ruth is a known entity and a reliable resource for anyone interested in solar.

Mikey McCue

Tiger Solar, Project Development Lead

As an EPC partner of Norfolk Solar Solutions since its inception, our company Tiger Solar has been impressed with the NSS team’s commitment to providing clean energy where it makes an impact. This team brings decades of solar experience and perspective to the table, which leads to unique opportunities. Tiger Solar has been actively building solar projects in Virginia for over 20 years and we know what to look for in a good partner. In an industry plagued by scammers and false expectations, NSS stands out as a team we can trust. We look forward to many more years of projects together.

Susan Feathers

Co-Facilitator of Third Act Tidewater Chapter

Norfolk Solar Solutions (NSS) Leadership Team was instrumental in helping us put together a Solar Schools workshop in October of 2025. It was clear that the school districts represented, vendors and past clients of Ruth Amundsen et al, regarded NSS as expert in the field and trustworthy as business partners. It was a pleasure working with them and we look forward to future partnerships to help Virginia schools go solar.

John Luker

Chair, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, Coastal Virginia Group

I have known Ruth Amundsen for about 10 years as a friend and colleague working on environmental issues. I write this recommendation on behalf of Ruth, an individual whose professional pursuits are linked to a deeply personal and profound concern for the health and sustainability of our planet. Ruth’s passion for mitigating the impacts of climate change through tangible, on-the-ground action has resulted in some truly innovative ideas.

Using Power Purchase Agreements (PPA’s) and LLC’s, she found a way to install solar at no cost to homeowners, small businesses and non-profits like churches and schools. Once the PPA agreement term is concluded, the financiers of the project give the solar panels to the entity and they can look forward to 25 or 30 years of free electricity generated from their project.

At first, it’s hard to understand or perhaps unbelievable that investors get repaid in full including some profit! However, this PPA + LLC method has been used for projects ranging from a small homeowner solar installation to over a million dollar solar installation at Norfolk Academy.

Unlike a charitable donation where you might not be sure where or how your money is used, solar investors have the satisfaction of seeing a specific clean energy project brought to life.

Testimonials