Independent Power, a Boulder-based company born out of a vision for a sustainable future, has steadily transformed itself from a solar and battery installer into a comprehensive home electrification powerhouse since 1996. At its helm are Liz and Trevor Seelye, two CU Boulder graduates with successful careers in global businesses—with five kids under the age of ten—and a personal commitment to channel their expertise into making a local climate impact.
After recognizing the potential to expand beyond solar and battery installations, Liz and Trevor acquired Windward Electric, a highly regarded local electrical company. This strategic move laid the foundation for Independent Power's evolution into a full-service home electrification provider. With the Windward acquisition, the company expanded its offerings to include a wide range of electrical upgrades essential for transitioning away from oil and gas-based appliances and vehicles. From electrical vehicle chargers to smart panels and induction stoves, Independent Power positioned itself as a one-stop solution for electrification needs. The acquisition also facilitated the establishment of an in-house HVAC team, enabling Independent Power to offer electrified heating and cooling systems like heat pumps, the final piece to achieving a carbon-free home.
"It's important to underscore that these full-scale energy upgrade projects are complicated to assess, estimate and design, let alone build," says Liz. "Our in-house technical capability allows us to make that integration seamless. We pride ourselves on having one of the most experienced and technically sound office and field teams with decades of experience. We have attracted the best electricians, solar installers and HVAC experts in the area to join us. And we're the only company around that installs all of those pieces ourselves rather than sub-contracting to others." This unique blend of expertise drives the company's mission of fighting climate change. This also enables Independent Power to undertake complex and large-scale projects that many competitors shy away from, including a massive solar array for the US Navy in the middle of the Indian Ocean to sizable off-grid systems all over the Rockies (the most well-known being a system on top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park) to thousands of local homes, including their own. "We are also happy customers, as the team helped us complete the construction of our fully electric house in Boulder last year, complete with solar, battery storage, heat pumps, induction stovetop and EV charging. It's amazing to see everything working together and generating zero pollution," says Trevor. "As more and more homeowners seek to go fully electric, we anticipate seeing more of these integrated large-scale projects in remodels and new construction. We are seeing more interest from the commercial space for these electrification solutions and business and building owners assessing the economic incentives and impacts of making these investments."
The success of Independent Power can be measured not only in its growth but also in its impact. Over the years, Independent Power has helped numerous homeowners transition to energy independence, guiding them through the process with expertise and care. This includes helping their customers navigate the wide range of tax incentives available and eligibility requirements. As a locally owned and operated business, Independent Power remains deeply rooted in its community, providing personalized service and contributing to the local economy. The company is even exploring a solar-powered project for the Boulder Star, the beloved holiday symbol on Flagstaff Mountain. By offering holistic electrification solutions and integrated installation services, Independent Power ensures that customers receive high-quality, environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional energy sources.
Looking ahead, Liz and Trevor envision Independent Power as a cornerstone of the movement for energy independence. "One of the core values of the company we define as 'having a visible, professional presence in our local communities; we serve as advocates for impacting climate change,'" says Trevor. "Our vision for Independent Power is to remain a family-owned local company that will have a large impact on helping the electrification transition of residential and commercial buildings in the Front Range over the coming decades." By leveraging its technical expertise and community-driven approach, Independent Power leads the charge toward a greener, more sustainable future.
