Bland Solar & Air

In 1985, Glenn Bland founded what would become one of Kern County’s most recognized solar installers in Bakersfield, California. The company began as an HVAC and roofing contractor, and when Glenn Bland installed his first solar systems in 1986, he saw an opportunity to bring clean energy to California’s Central Valley. That dual expertise in roofing and HVAC gave Bland Solar & Air a distinct advantage—they understood how to protect your roof while optimizing your home’s entire energy ecosystem. Over nearly four decades, the company grew from a single Bakersfield location to three showrooms across California, including offices in Fresno and Atascadero (Templeton area), serving Bakersfield homeowners and residents throughout Kern County, Fresno County, and San Luis Obispo County. The company became known as the largest local solar installer in Kern County, completing thousands of residential and commercial solar installations across California’s Central Valley and Central Coast. Glenn Bland didn’t just install solar panels—he helped build the industry itself. Through Solar Seminars, an education organization he co-founded, Bland trained solar professionals across the nation and authored educational materials that became industry standards. His work earned Master Level NABCEP certification, and in 2017, he received Bakersfield’s Business Person of the Year Award. The company made the Inc. 5000 list in 2017 (ranked #1873), recognition of its organic growth and commitment to serving California communities. Unlike many solar companies that subcontract installation work, Bland Solar & Air employed its own licensed installation crews, ensuring quality control from consultation through commissioning. Their installations featured a signature clean aesthetic—running conduit through attics rather than across rooftops—an approach that reflected decades of roofing experience. The company operated its own fully stocked equipment warehouse, which allowed for faster project timelines, with many customers going solar within six weeks of signing. For homeowners in Bakersfield and surrounding California communities, Bland offered more than solar panels. As a true one-stop shop, they provided solar energy systems, battery storage options including Tesla Powerwall installation, HVAC replacements, roofing services, and energy efficiency upgrades—all designed to work together. This integrated approach meant a Bakersfield homeowner could replace an aging AC unit, install a new roof, and add solar panels in a coordinated project that maximized energy savings and home comfort. The company held a 10-year bumper-to-bumper workmanship warranty and offered 25-year warranties on solar modules and inverters, along with financing options through multiple lenders.