We know there are many reasons for deciding to make the smart switch to solar power. Some simply want to lower their power bills, while others are driven to do what they can now to preserve the environment for future generations. Others are looking to achieve independence from their utility companies or are looking for alternate sources of power in remote locations.
No matter what the reasons, however, one thing is true for every solar power project: Choosing the right company to design, install and maintain your system is a crucial first step.
Why Choose SunFarm for Your Residential or Commercial Solar Power Project?
Licensed & Certified
SunFarm Energy holds current licenses in all of the areas we work and stand firmly behind every solar power system we design and install. We also maintain industry certification through NABCEP, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. This means we meet or exceed the industry’s most rigorous standards based on the latest research to meet the solar power needs of our valued residential, commercial and governmental clients.
An Experienced Team
We’ve embraced the methods and principles of sustainable building and renewable energy for nearly a quarter-century. Our core team began in the Green Building and Sustainable Construction industries in 1996 before forming SunFarm in 2011 to focus exclusively on solar power projects. We’ve helped hundreds of families, business owners and local organizations in Northwest Florida and Southern Alabama achieve true energy independence.
Local and Verified
We aren’t a large national company trying to make a quick buck — we’re your friends and neighbors who live here on the Gulf Coast. We work hard to maintain our reputation for excellent quality and top-notch customer service because that’s what you deserve. We rise above the rest with great people who provide excellent service, as evidenced by our “98% Extremely Satisfied” verified customer service rating from Guild Quality.
Committed to Solar
Solar isn’t a passing fad for us, it’s the heart of a long-standing commitment to improving our homes, our country, and our environment. We don’t rely on high-pressure sales tactics — we educate our clients so they feel empowered to make an informed decision about the right solar system for their home or business. SunFarm Energy is committed to environmental stewardship in all its forms and is a proud partner of The Longleaf Alliance.
Mission Statement
To advance our community’s transition to solar power.
Our Values
- Ethics: We value trustworthiness and believe in doing what is right and decent for all humankind and for the world around us.
- Honesty & Integrity: We adhere to the best practices of our industry, and we will always be forthright and sincere with the products and services that we offer.
- Community: We are a local family-owned business and we are committed to working to continuously improve and contribute to the neighborhoods, towns, and cities in which we live and work.
- Responsibility: We take responsibility for our actions and hold each other accountable.
- Quality & Expertise: We aspire to help our clients realize their solar energy independence through a combination of quality solar PV equipment, expert product knowledge, and smart energy consumption improvements. We continuously train our employees to the highest industry standards.
Meet the People of SunFarm Energy
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Doug Herrick
President & CEO
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Donald Long
Co-Founder & Energy Manager
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Nathan Kercher
Vice President of Business
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Mike Peidmont
Vice President of Operations
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Misty Sprague
Office Manager
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Murphy Allen
Lead Technician
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Samantha Prue
Media & Marketing Manager
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Mitch Cagle
Solar Service Specialist
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Mike Goens
Solar Appointment Setter
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JJ Waters
Energy Consultant
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Brian O'Sullivan
Energy Consultant
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Bart Kelly
Energy Consultant
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Walker Mutz
Energy Consultant
Doug Herrick
President & CEO
Doug has always been passionate about new technology and sustainable building. He began his career as a naval aviator, and later built roots in Pensacola during his time as an instructor at NAS Pensacola.
After retiring from the Navy, Doug opened Coastal ICF in 1996 and later founded SunFarm Energy with co-owner, Donald Long, in 2011. Doug is passionate about helping customers make the smart switch to solar and has his own off-grid guesthouse at his home in East Hill.
When he’s not in the office, you’ll find Doug cruising around on his one-wheel board or taking a walk in Bayview Park with SunFarm’s official mascot, Wattson the Golden Retriever.
Contact Doug: doug@sunfarmenergy.net
Donald Long
Co-Founder & Energy Manager
Don has a passion for keeping up with all the latest trends and immersing himself in the understanding and implementation of solar power and all its benefits.
Don is an electrical engineering graduate of Tulane University and has spent his entire career providing power, infrastructure enhancements, and energy innovations to businesses across the United States.
When not at work, you might find Don replicating and experimenting with new technology in his own home laboratory, or hanging out with his dog, Mojo.
Contact Don: dc@sunfarmenergy.net
Nathan Kercher
Vice President of Business
Nathan is our wizard behind the curtain and helps coordinate all aspects of a solar installation from permitting through project completion. Nathan is a proud Pensacolian and a huge solar advocate.
A graduate of the University of West Florida, Nathan was originally pursuing a pre-med track until he landed in the solar industry and never left.
Nathan loves hanging out with his dog, Goose, and watching Gator football and basketball. He is a self-proclaimed grill master and loves movies and TV shows — you might even hear him quote a classic line or two!
Contact Nathan: nathan@sunfarmenergy.net
Mike Peidmont
Vice President of Operations
Mike is a former Naval Flight Officer (NFO) who recently joined the SunFarm Energy team 2022. After moving across the country many times for the military, Mike is excited to settle down with his family here in Pensacola.
At SunFarm, Mike oversees all levels of business operations from pulling permits, scheduling installations, and even helping hire new staff.
In his spare time, you’ll likely find Mike cheering on his kids on the soccer field and basketball court.
Contact Mike: mike@sunfarmenergy.net
Misty Sprague
Office Manager
Originally from Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, Misty is a brand new Pensacola resident.
As an experienced office professional, Misty has enjoyed learning about all the steps involved in residential solar projects. At SunFarm, Misty manages office functions, customer service needs, and assists with permitting and interconnection processes.
Misty is extremely excited to be in the Pensacola area with her husband, Tom, and their fur kids: cat, Tigg, and dog, Lola.
When not at work, you’ll find Misty combing the beaches for seashells and enjoying the marine wildlife.
Contact Misty: misty@sunfarmenergy.net
Murphy Allen
Lead Technician
Murphy is SunFarm’s technological guru, and a NABCEP accredited solar PV Installation Professional. Murphy has worked with high-end equipment all his life and is an absolute wizard with electrical needs.
He not only enjoys installing cool technology, you’ll also find Murphy constantly immersing himself in the latest and greatest innovations in the industry. At SunFarm, Murphy helps oversee our field crews and is available for feedback and consultations while on the job site.
In his spare time, Murphy is incredibly involved in his local church and loves working with kids and young adults.
Contact Murphy: murphy@sunfarmenergy.net
Samantha Prue
Media & Marketing Manager
Sam is a native New Englander with a passion for renewable energy and environmental stewardship. At SunFarm, Sam helps lead and manage marketing and communications efforts, social media, event coordination, and community engagement.
She recently moved to Northern Michigan where her husband flies helicopters for the U.S. Coast Guard. In her spare time, Sam enjoys skiing, hiking, surfing, and crafting elaborate baked goods.
Contact Sam: sam@sunfarmenergy.net
Mitch Cagle
Solar Service Specialist
Mitch worked as an installer for SunFarm for over a year before recently making the switch to our Service Department in 2022. He is currently attending the University of West Florida and will graduate this summer.
When not helping customers get the most out of their solar power systems, you’ll likely find Mitch golfing, fishing, and watching sports.
Contact Mitch: mitch@sunfarmenergy.net
Mike Goens
Solar Appointment Setter
Mike and his wife, Denise, recently moved from Indiana to Northwest Florida in the Fall of 2021. They have 8 children, 10 grandchildren, 3 dogs, and lots of family nearby.
Mike is a graduate of Butler University (Go Dawgs!) and loves being outside. When not at work Mike enjoys golfing, fishing, boating, and generally soaking up the sun! He is also involved with the Knights of Columbus and other charitable organizations.
At SunFarm, Mike works directly with customers to schedule appointments and he’s often the first voice you’ll hear from when you request a quote. Mike is also a huge solar advocate and recently switched to solar at his home in Navarre.
Contact Mike: mgoens@sunfarmenergy.net
JJ Waters
Energy Consultant
JJ is a true local and has lived in Pensacola Beach for the last 37 years. Before joining SunFarm, JJ spent 30 years working in broadcast media. She is extremely passionate about environmental stewardship and supporting nonprofit organizations to ensure a sustainable future for her children and grandchildren.
At SunFarm, JJ helps manage both commercial and residential projects and loves to help her customers go solar.
In her spare time, you’ll likely find JJ outdoors fishing, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping.
Contact JJ: jj@sunfarmenergy.net
Brian O'Sullivan
Energy Consultant
Brian joined the SunFarm team in 2016 after a long career in broadcast journalism and is passionate about science, new technology, and environmental stewardship.
He is a huge advocate for solar and recently installed a PV system on his own home here in Pensacola. He takes pride in helping customers get their projects done right and knows firsthand that solar is a smart investment for years to come.
In his spare time, Brian enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.
Contact Brian: brian@sunfarmenergy.net
Bart Kelly
Energy Consultant
For the past 5 years, Bart has been helping property owners realize the benefits of self-sustainable living. He has had lots of fun helping design many off-grid homes, including a smart 8,800 square foot luxury cabin in Colorado. In addition, Bart has also helped to facilitate the deployment of solar and battery powered lighting as well as offline network systems to the most remote mountain top villages of the Himalayas.
Bart is motivated by empowering people with technology, and enjoys doing research and using applied science to deliver cost-effective, life-changing solutions to his family, friends, and community.
He is blessed to live with his high school sweetheart, Mika, and their two kids, and loves going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with family & friends. One of Bart’s favorite hobbies is snorkeling on Navarre Beach.
Contact Bart: bart@sunfarmenergy.net
Walker Mutz
Energy Consultant
Walker is a Pensacola native and recently graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Business and Communications.
After starting as an Appointment Setter with SunFarm, Walker was excited to make the switch to sales this past Fall. He believes that the transition to solar energy is an integral part of the future and growth of our country and is excited to help Northwest Floridians make the smart switch.
When not at work you’ll find Walker out fishing and enjoying the water on his boat.
Contact Walker: walker@sunfarmenergy.net
Work With Us
Rooftop solar is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. We’re always looking for talented folks to join our hard working team. Check out our available listings on Indeed, and via the Pensacola State College job board and Handshake.