Pennsylvania Entrepreneur Follows Her Passion for Solar Power

"Follow Your Passion."

This sounds good, but what does this statement have to do with solar energy and climate change? In the case of Pennsylvania entrepreneur and business owner Sarah Hetznecker, everything.

Trained as a geologist, Hetznecker and her husband, Gary Sheehan, started an energy consulting firm in 1999 in their native Delaware Valley. Mesa Environmental provided a broad spectrum of environmental consulting services -- waste remediation, energy conservation, site redevelopment -- for government, commercial and residential clients. Throughout her time as a consultant, solar energy remained Sarah's passion, even though it represented only a small portion of their business.

As the business matured, Sarah and her husband saw an opportunity and refocused their business on solar energy system design and installation. They built Mesa into a recognized expert in the design and installation of renewable energy systems of all types and became one of the largest solar energy design and installation firms on the East coast. A few months ago, Mesa Environmental was acquired by (and integrated into) SunTechnics, a subsidiary of the world's largest renewable energy systems integrator. Joining the new company as Regional Managers, Sarah and her husband continue to serve clients throughout the Northeast, where the market for solar is growing rapidly.

Sarah has been honored as an outstanding entrepreneur and was named one of Pennsylvania's "Best 50 Women in Business." A recognized leader in the environmental business community, she's still passionate about solar energy, and not just because it's been good for her business. As a mother of three, Sarah believes that energy conservation, climate awareness and education combine to play a crucial role in protecting our planet for future generations. She's a frequent speaker about environmental topics at schools and community organizations, believing in the power of education to get kids and their parents excited enough about the environment to take action.

Sarah Hetznecker started and built a successful solar energy business based upon her passion -- an enthusiasm for renewable energy that still shines brightly.

This is just one example of how individuals, organizations, businesses and governments are helping to stop climate change. There are thousands more across the country and around the world – and it’s through these efforts that we’re going to be successful. We can’t afford not to succeed in this unprecedented challenge to our planet.

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