Meet the team
Co-Founder
Tony Martin
Tony began his solar career over a decade ago installing solar panels in Colorado. He has since completed hundreds of installations, and has worked as a project manager on both residential and commercial solar projects. Before moving back to Illinois in 2019, he served as operations manager and co-owner of a Boulder-based solar company for over five years. This top-to-bottom work experience has enabled him to stay in tune with every aspect of the solar industry and develop a deep understanding of how to deliver the best possible customer experience on every project. Tony is a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certified installer.
Co-Founder
Traci Martin
Since purchasing solar panels for their first home in Broomfield, Colorado, Traci has been a solar evangelist. While originally a speech-language pathologist by trade, Traci has spent the last five years working for start-up companies in program development, customer success, and operations management. Her head for logistics, strong attention to detail, and love of spreadsheets help her ensure that every Sonne Energy project is delivered on time and on budget. Traci holds the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate Credential.
Powered by the sun. Built for you.
We are an Illinois-based, family-owned and operated solar energy company. After learning the ins and outs of renewable energy through more than a decade of experience in Colorado’s thriving solar industry, we’ve brought our love for the sun back home to Illinois. We’ve seen firsthand how many homes and businesses have been able to lower their energy costs and increase their self-sufficiency by adding solar panels.
We are committed to doing business differently: we only want your business if solar energy can make a real difference toward reducing your energy costs and meeting your overall goals. We don’t believe in sales pitches, we believe in conversations. Let’s get to know each other, discuss your energy needs, and find out if going solar may be right for you.
“We don't believe in sales pitches,
we believe in conversations.”
At Sonne Energy Solutions, we’re building a different kind of solar company. We are focused on open, honest communication about everything from whether solar is the right fit for your property to your project timeline. We keep our costs lean and pass those savings on to our customers, allowing us to offer a product that will lower your energy costs and environmental footprint at the same time.
This vision has been a long time in the making. After years of cross-country moves and a deepening understanding of the solar industry and its incentives in different states, we longed to bring our expertise back home to Illinois. In 2019, our dreams finally became a reality when we returned to Teutopolis, and Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC, was officially launched.
Sonne: Behind the name.
As natives and residents of Teutopolis, Illinois, a small town that is proud of its German heritage, we wanted a name that would connect our roots to our bright energy future. Sonne means “sun” in German, and for us, it perfectly symbolizes the connection between where we come from and where we’re going.
Sonne Energy Values
Commitment
We believe that solar is here for the long term. We are committed to evolving our business as the industry shifts and bringing the most innovative solar solutions to our customers.
Education
We also know that with any new technology comes many questions and iterations. We stay up to date on industry standards and love educating the public through sharing the ins and outs of solar.
Innovation
Every problem has a solution, sometimes you just have to be creative to get there. We believe in figuring it out.
Balance
Whether it’s work and family priorities, energy use, choices in vehicles, or designs for a solar project, we aim for balance.
Open Communication
Honesty is the best policy. We don’t like sales pitches and we don’t believe in fluff.
Relationships
Relationships are important. Whether you are a solar customer, former colleague, or vendor, we consider you part of our solar family. We pride ourselves on our nationwide network of professionals that allow us to bring affordable solutions to Illinois.
