Semper Solaris

Semper Solaris was founded in 2012 in San Diego by Kelly Shawhan, a former United States Marine Corps Captain, and John Almond, a seasoned business leader with over a decade of construction experience. Shawhan, a cum laude graduate of Miami University of Ohio who attended on a full military scholarship and worked in solar energy since 1989, partnered with Almond to address a clear problem facing California homeowners: the ever-rising costs of traditional energy companies. Together, they saw an opportunity to bring military values—honesty, integrity, and hard work—into the solar industry at a time when aggressive sales tactics dominated the market. The company’s name draws inspiration from the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “always faithful,” reflecting a promise Shawhan made with fellow Marines during a mission in the Philippines in 1985. Starting in the competitive solar market of San Diego, the El Cajon-based solar installer grew by standing out through exceptional customer service and high-quality installations. Their military discipline and attention to detail became the foundation of every solar installation project, earning them a reputation as a trusted, local, veteran-owned business. Semper Solaris is known for actively hiring former Marines and military veterans, recognizing that these professionals bring unmatched dedication, training, and work ethic to home solar projects. Several years after launching, Semper Solaris expanded its services beyond solar panels to include battery storage systems like the Tesla Powerwall and Enphase batteries, residential roofing with Owens Corning products, and HVAC heating and air conditioning services—applying the same military-grade standards to every vertical. Today, the company serves California homeowners throughout San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Bay Area, and beyond, offering comprehensive home improvement solutions that help families achieve energy independence. Semper Solaris has earned recognition as one of California’s most award-winning solar contractors, with 12 solar awards, 18 roofing awards, and over 40 total honors. The company received SunPower’s Residential National Top Producer of the Year and Residential National Dealer of the Year awards in 2016—the first company in SunPower’s 32-year history to win both awards in the same year and to win the dealer award two consecutive years. In 2022, Semper Solaris was recognized as America’s number one solar and battery storage installer. The company has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2013 and maintains an A+ rating. Through the Semper Cares Initiative, the company gives back by providing free solar installations, roofing, and home improvements to deserving veterans and their families, having awarded major home upgrades to over 15 military families at no cost. The company also offers special discounts to military personnel, first responders, and teachers. Semper Solaris installs American-made solar panels from manufacturers like Silfab and Q Cells, paired with inverters from Tesla and Enphase, ensuring California homeowners receive high-quality solar energy systems. With a commitment to quality, service, and community, Semper Solaris continues to expand its reach while instilling core military values into every employee and solar project across the state.