Trades Culture Bootcamp: Mentoring the Next Generation of Solar Professionals

This June, we teamed up with local initiative Trades Culture for its second annual program, stepping in to provide hands-on solar installation training for students from Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) and Western Colorado University (WCU).

The intensive, week-long camp—founded as the educational arm of local company Hearth Design Build—aims to give trades and environmental students exposure to cross-disciplinary skills, sustainable building techniques, and a robust regional professional network.

As part of this year's expanded curriculum, our team led the cohort through practical solar theory and guided them through a full, real-world solar panel installation at the Coldharbour Institute’s “Taylor House.” For some students, such as those from art and biology backgrounds, this was all new stuff. For others, such as the electrical students at NNMC, it was a natural extension of their current curriculum. For us as educators, it is a challenge and a joy to meet students where they’re at, making the trades accessible to all regardless of background.

Donny instructs students in wire management, a necessary step before laying panels.

A Broadened Scope for Sustainable Trades

While last year’s inaugural bootcamp focused on a single timber-frame build, of which we also co-led, the 2026 program significantly expanded its reach. In addition to the hands-on solar installation with Nunatak, students rotated through:

• Sundial fabrication at Western Colorado University's Quigley Hall.

• A custom high-performance home tour with Crested Butte contractor Craft Mountain Homes.

• A site visit to a local Habitat for Humanity build.

• Networking dinners with working professionals, including a state electrical inspector and construction project manager Lisa Lucas.

• Local recreational opportunities to explore local culture, including rock climbing, rafting, and fly fishing.

• Immersive tour of Hartman Castle with Hartman Castle Preservation.

After a day installing solar, students from NNMC test the fantastic fishing waters out at Coldharbour Ranch.

Taken just before a splash battle breaks out.

The diverse curriculum highlighted how interconnected the modern trades have become. "We're all neighbors, we're all working towards the same goal… we all come from different backgrounds, but we're a team," noted one participating student from NNMC.

At Nunatak, we appreciate and embrace that mindset; communities are stronger, more resilient, not only when they can produce their own power, but also when they can share it and cooperate in myriad ways. Just as we work alongside and depend on plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC technicians to construct a system (such as a house), we rely on our neighbors to do the same for our towns and neighborhoods.

Students show off their finished sundial, now at home at the Taylor House, to complement to the PV array as old and new technologies of the sun.

Students fabricate a Zia symbol to honor New Mexico, standing next to Tenderfoot Mountan to honor Gunnison.

Community and Conservation

The camp also emphasized the broader environmental context of the Gunnison Valley. Between PV work sessions, students visited the Coldharbour Ranch to learn about land restoration and local food production, and concluded the week with a rafting trip down the Gunnison River to discuss Western water conservation and local history.

The week capped off on Saturday, June 7th, with a closing celebration at the newly solar-powered Taylor Street House. For us, partnering with Trades Culture is a natural extension of our commitment to community resilience, high-quality craftsmanship, and fostering the next generation of clean energy professionals.

About Trades Culture Trades Culture focuses on providing students with early, multi-disciplinary exposure to the trades, team-building, and professional networking. For more information on the program, visit tradesculture.org or contact TradesCulture.GV@gmail.com.

Good vibes only when installing solar!

The Sun Still Rises: Navigating the New Energy Landscape of 2026

Today– as in the late 70’s and seemingly every decade in between – the path to energy independence is evolving. Yet for all this time, one thing remains constant: Solar PV is a remarkably clean, fiscally wise, and endlessly cool answer to local and global energy needs. As we look toward and prepare for the 2026 install season, we must take a moment to share our new sweet deals and some information on why solar is still a great investment.

Donny makes it look easy.

Solar Still Makes Sense

We’ve fielded a lot of questions lately about whether the math still adds up now that the residential tax credit has expired. The short answer? Yes. While the residential credit for purchased systems is gone, commercial solar federal tax credits remain robust for 2026. For our local business owners, the incentive to switch to clean energy is as strong as ever. 

On the residential side, you may see a surge in "leased" solar offers claiming to still provide tax breaks. We urge our neighbors to tread carefully here. These deals often come wrapped in fine print, hidden fees, and a "vignette" of support that vanishes the moment the last bolt is tightened.

Nunatak believes in ownership and transparency. To help bridge the gap this year, we’re stepping up where the credits stepped back:

• 10% off regular PV system pricing when service agreements are signed before April 1st

• 5% off regular PV system pricing when service agreements are signed before May 31st

  *the above deals are for fixed-cost grid-direct PV systems only - including fixed-cost battery backup!

• 50% off per module for Canadian Solar 395w panels- while our current stock lasts

Growing With You: Upgrades and Expansion

Many of you may already have solar, but maybe it’s been a while since we’ve met. Perhaps your family has grown, you’ve added a heated garage, or your home office now demands more power. If you have more roof space or increasing energy needs, we’re ready to help you scale up your production.

We are also leaning further into load management and monitoring. With GCEA’s new residential energy rates, knowing how and when you use power is the key to lowering your bills. We can help you install the tech to keep a watchful eye on your consumption in real-time.

Oh, and if you just fell drop-dead in love with a new chandelier or fixtures, or have a faulty light switch, we have your back there too. With multiple licensed electricians on staff, we can handle all your electrical contracting needs. What can’t we do!

With our rugged fleet of vehicles and adventurous spirit, we can go almost anywhere for your electrical needs.

Resilience Beyond Solar

Though we take pride in being the Gunnison Valley’s neighborhood solar installer, we do so much more than that. Energy isn't just about the bill—it’s about taking control of your power and about reliability when you truly need it, when the grid goes quiet.

Batteries & Future-Proofing: Grid-interactive batteries are no longer a luxury; they are the bridge to a future-proof home, ensuring you stay connected and powered-up during outages.

The Power of the EV: We are watching the 2026 market closely for bi-directional EV charging. While we’re still waiting on final certifications for many US models, the option of using your truck or car to power your home during a blackout is here. There are a few viable options available for this already. Stay tuned for more information on this.

Generators & Electrical Contracting: From new construction and remodels to supplemental electric heat, our licensed team is expanding. We are now offering comprehensive generator services, installations, and troubleshooting to ensure you have a fail-safe, no matter the weather.

2026 is set to be a year full of diversification and new exciting prospects within and beyond the world of solar PV. Should you need us, your local Gunnison Valley solar installer+ is, as always, just down the street.