company history

As a young idealist, SDA founder Steven Strong forged new paths to energy independence for his clients. SDA staff have decades of experience in all aspects of design, installation and commissioning of solar and wind power systems.

Solar Design Associates is an interdisciplinary group of dedicated professionals working to create a sustainable built environment. Since its founding in 1974, the firm has earned an international reputation for the pioneering integration of renewable energy systems and environmentally responsive building design. At the time of the first oil embargo, Solar Design Associates' President Steven Strong was working on the Alaskan pipeline project as an engineering consultant. There he became convinced that, rather than "going to the ends of the earth to extract the last drop of fossil fuel", there were easier and better ways to deliver comfort and convenience to consumers.

Steven returned to Boston with a bit of money and a great deal of conviction, and founded Solar Design Associates, to create energy-conscious buildings powered by renewable energy.

For over thirty years, SDA has incorporated renewable energy systems - particularly solar electricity - into the design of commercial buildings and custom homes. At the same time, SDA has tirelessly championed renewable energy utilization and acceptance through publishing, public speaking, professional workshops and other and advocacy activities.

The firm has become known for inspired design of delightful living and work environments that require little or no purchased energy.
SDA projects range from Maine to Hawaii and across the globe. They vary in size from large to modest, and in style from ultra-contemporary to traditional.
They comprise both grid-interactive and stand-alone solar electric systems, and also incorporate solar thermal and wind technologies. Our most innovative work involves Building Integrated Photovoltaics. BIPV integrates solar energy into the skin of buildings, to become an integral part of the architecture.

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