Village Hardware Finds the Bright Side of Going Solar
When Jeff Evers built a new store in Findlay, Ohio, he saw an opportunity to go solar. Driven by smart economics and long-term savings, Evers shares how the project came together—and what other retailers should know.
Village Hardware’s 156 kW solar system has already produced over 203,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, averaging 456 kWh daily and peaking at 25.2 kW on sunny days.
By Jeff Evers
Our decision in 2021 to go solar came early in the design process for our new store in Findlay, Ohio. I had been made aware of a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant from the USDA that could cover a significant portion of solar panel installation costs. That planted the seed, and we started running the numbers. We had looked into it at our original store in Leipsic, Ohio, but this time it just made more sense, especially since we were already designing a new building. Engineering the roof to support solar panels was simple enough, and it didn’t take up any extra space. If you’re going to make a change like this, building it into your plans from the beginning really helps.
Now, I’m not going to say this was driven solely by environmental goals. While we do care about sustainability, the real tipping point was economics. Our solar panel system was designed to cover around 85 percent of our store’s electricity needs, with the option to sell excess energy back to the power company. With high energy demand (especially for air conditioning) during Ohio’s hot summers, this setup made a lot of financial sense.
In peak summer months, Village Hardware’s solar setup often flips the script—turning what used to be $2,000 to $3,000 electric bills into credits of $200 to $500.
The Installation Process
We were lucky to find a great solar contractor who had worked with many agricultural and commercial businesses in the area and really knew their stuff. They used our other store’s power use as a footprint to design the system and figure out what the costs and payback would look like.
The installation itself was straightforward. We chose a standing seam roof specifically because it’s ideal for mounting solar panels. Our contractor kept up with the latest technology—inverters are now much smaller and more efficient than what was on the market even a few years ago. Each cluster of four panels has its own micro inverter, so you’re not relying on one big one. That makes the system more reliable and easier to maintain.
We did hit a minor snag with the local power company. Getting the right kind of meter installed to handle solar power took longer than expected. We were already open by the time they made the switch, but once that was sorted, everything ran smoothly.
Village Hardware worked with a knowledgeable solar installer who recommended newer micro inverter technology—each cluster of panels has its own, making the system more efficient, reliable and easier to maintain than older centralized setups.
Crunching the Numbers
We financed the solar installation as part of our overall construction loan. Between the REAP grant, which covered 40 percent of the project, and a 25 percent federal tax credit, the economics were hard to ignore. We’re looking at a payback period of about seven years, with the panels expected to last at least 25 years.
So far, our system, which is 156 kW DC, has produced over 203,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. On a sunny day, we can generate up to 25.2 kilowatts per hour, with average daily production of around 456 kilowatts. In summer, when our energy use is highest, we often end up with a credit on our electric bill. I’ve seen summer bills that were negative $200 to $500 when typically we’d be looking at a $2,000 to $3,000 bill.
And yes, it’s kind of fun having solar panels on top of a hardware store. They’re a good talking point with customers and vendors. People ask about them all the time.
Running on Sunshine
Day to day, you wouldn’t even know the panels are up there. They’re quiet, low-maintenance and entirely out of sight. I check on our production with an app, but otherwise we don’t really have to think about it. There are a few extra components such as meter panels and inverters, but nothing that affects our regular operations.
Customers and employees alike have shown curiosity. They want to know how it all works, how much energy it produces and whether it’s worth it. I think it sends a message that we’re trying to do the right thing—not just for our wallets, but for the community. Using our roof space to generate power just seems like a smart use of resources.
In 2024, Hardware Connection recognized Village Hardware with a Beacon Award for Best New Store for its community connection and innovations such as using solar power. (From left) Doug Donaldson, editor of Hardware Connection magazine; Jeff Evers, owner of Village Hardware; Dent Johnson, president of True Value Hardware.
Part of a Bigger Picture
Going solar wasn’t a one-off decision for us. It fits into a broader strategy of being smart about our energy use. We installed all-LED lighting and chose the most efficient HVAC systems available. We even upgraded the building’s insulation to R-60, which is above and beyond what’s typical. We’re not zealots about it, but when there are solutions that make economic and environmental sense, we’re all for it.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
If I had to do it all over again, I absolutely would. As electricity costs continue to rise, the fact that we’re producing most of our own power puts us in a good place. I’m proud we did it, and I think it shows our customers and employees that we’re serious about being responsible.
Jeff Evers is the owner of Village Hardware in Findlay, Ohio, winner of the 2024 Beacon Award for Best New Store. His parents, Kevin and Ann Evers, founded the business with a focus on friendly service and strong community ties—values Jeff continues to build on.
