This week concluded our 40th Anniversary Photo Contest and we received so many groovy and awesome photos of the early days of solar! Thank you to all of our amazing AEE Solar Dealers who participated and helped us celebrate 40 years in the solar biz.

We’re excited to announce the contest winner and recipient of $400 to spend on AEEExpress.com. Congratulations, Al Rich with ACR Solar International Corp., for winning the 40th Anniversary Photo Contest! Al has been an AEE Solar Dealer since 2017 but has been involved in solar much longer. His company, celebrating their 40th anniversary this year as well, believes in a strong commitment to their customers and to the environment and operates with the motto “Quality, Value, and Integrity Since 1979”.

Check out the two winning photos below for a glimpse into the early days of solar!

This picture was taken at New Alchemy Institute in Cape Cod, circa 1980. The system being presented is a 100% passive Freon-powered solar water heater. This system was designed to provide hot showers to farmers working in the fields. In the spirit of the times, the “new alchemists” gathered in a groovy circle to participate in training to use the solar system. Learn more about New Alchemy Institute!

In this picture, Al (on right) and his partner at the time, Rick Smith, are celebrating the completed installation of their first innovative “Skylite” solar water heater on a fully skirted tilt kit. The system is located in Herndon, Virginia and was installed in 1985. Soon after, they were invited to join S. David Freeman’s solar program and moved to California in 1990. Can you dig it?

We can! Boogie down, Al Rich!