AES Solar
AES Solar is a Carterville, Illinois-based solar PV design and installation contractor founded in 1999, serving residential, commercial, and non-profit customers across Southern Illinois. The IBEW union shop holds Pearl Certified and Enphase Gold Installer designations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersCarterville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What AES Solar does
AES Solar (legal name Advanced Energy Solutions Group, Inc.) is a privately held, founder-owned solar photovoltaic design-and-installation contractor headquartered at 1804 Supply Road in Carterville, Illinois. Founded in 1999 by Aur Beck, the company has operated continuously for 25+ years as Southern Illinois' "original solar expert," serving residential, commercial, and non-profit customers through a vertically-segmented go-to-market. Its installation portfolio spans grid-tied, off-grid, battery-backup, roof-mounted, and ground-mounted systems, with the company describing itself as having installed more than 5.3 million watts of solar cumulatively as of 2024 and delivering nearly 200 installations per year.
The company is an installer-dealer of best-in-class third-party hardware rather than a developer of proprietary technology. It carries three inverter lines — Enphase micro-inverters, SolarEdge power optimizers (99% efficiency), and Outback off-grid inverters — paired with IronRidge and Unirac racking systems and Silfab Solar modules. Operational technology consists of vendor quoting and site-survey tools (Solargraf satellite imaging for rough quotes in approximately five minutes, Solar Pathfinder for sunlight exposure analysis) plus proprietary Enphase Ensemble and SolarEdge monitoring integrations. Installation work is performed entirely by an in-house IBEW Local 702 union crew that the company has built since becoming a union electrical contractor in March 2018.
Revenue mechanics are predominantly transactional and quote-based: customers receive free consultations via website, phone, or showroom visits; pricing is not publicly disclosed; and the company monetizes one-time system sales plus professional services (energy assessments, post-installation monitoring and troubleshooting, firmware updates). Non-profit and tax-ineligible customers are served through differentiated financing structures — Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), leases, benefactor arrangements, and grant-writing assistance handled by a dedicated Commercial Account Manager. Key industry credentials include Enphase Gold Installer status (April 2024), Pearl Certified Contractor designation, NABCEP PV Installation Professional and PV Technical Sales certifications held by Founder Aur Beck, BBB St. Louis accreditation, and Ameren Illinois Residential Program Ally status.
AES Solar firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AES Solar
- Legal name
- Advanced Energy Solutions Group, Inc.
- Website
- https://aessolar.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AES Solar is a Carterville, Illinois-based solar PV design and installation contractor founded in 1999, serving residential, commercial, and non-profit customers across Southern Illinois. The IBEW union shop holds Pearl Certified and Enphase Gold Installer designations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AES Solar industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Solar Installation Services
- NAICS
- Solar Electric Power Generation (221114)
- SIC
- Electrical Work (1731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Utility-Scale PV EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) (EUACAGAB), PV Balance of System (BOS) & Electrical Infrastructure (Inverters, Transformers, Cabling, Substations) (EUACAGAC), Solar Roofing & Roof-Mounted PV Systems (IMADAFAO)
Keywords
Where AES Solar is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Carterville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
AES Solar business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Solar System Installation: Design and installation of photovoltaic solar electric systems for residential, commercial, and non-profit customers. Revenue generated from equipment sales (panels, inverters, racking) and installation labor. Near 200 installations per year.
- Service and Maintenance: Post-installation service including monitoring, troubleshooting, firmware updates, and customer support through dedicated Post-Installation Customer Success Representative.
- Energy Assessment Services: Energy surveys and assessments for homes and businesses to identify efficiency opportunities and optimal system sizing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Free Quote Consultation |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
AES Solar product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AES Solar designs and installs photovoltaic solar electric systems for residential, commercial, and non-profit customers across Southern Illinois. The company provides full-service solar deployment including site assessment, system design, equipment procurement, installation by an IBEW 702 union crew, and post-installation monitoring and maintenance. Offerings include grid-tied, off-grid, battery backup, roof-mounted, and ground-mounted system configurations, plus specialized non-profit funding facilitation through PPA, lease, and grant writing services.
Product overview
AES Solar is a design/build electrical contractor specializing in solar electric system installation since 1999. The company operates as an installer-dealer offering a comprehensive portfolio of solar products and services. Their product lineup includes three inverter brands (SolarEdge with 99% efficiency and power optimizers, Enphase micro-inverters for panel-level monitoring, and Outback for off-grid applications) and two racking systems (Iron Ridge and Unirac). They install various system types across residential, commercial, and non-profit segments including grid-tied, off-grid, battery backup, roof-mounted, and ground-mounted configurations. The company also offers non-profit funding solutions including Power Purchase Agreements, leases, and grant assistance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Residential Solar Installation Solar power system design and installation services for residential properties, enabling homeowners in Southern Illinois to achieve energy independence through grid-tied, off-grid, battery backup, roof-mounted, or ground-mounted configurations. Includes site assessment, system design, equipment procurement, and installation.
- Commercial Solar Installation Solar power system design and installation services for commercial properties, helping businesses, churches, and commercial entities lower energy bills and maximize available federal, state, and utility incentives. Includes grant writing and incentive application assistance.
- Non-Profit Solar Installation Solar installation services for non-profit organizations, churches, interfaith centers, and community organizations that are typically ineligible for traditional solar tax incentives. Includes funding facilitation through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), leases, and grants, with dedicated grant writing support.
- Solar Service and Maintenance Post-installation service including monitoring, troubleshooting, firmware updates, and customer support through a dedicated Post-Installation Customer Success Representative. Ensures ongoing system performance and customer satisfaction.
- Energy Assessment Services Energy surveys and assessments for homes and businesses to identify efficiency opportunities and optimal system sizing for solar installations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 23-71% savings on electric bills reported by customers
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use AES Solar
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
AES Solar technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
AES Solar partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- EnphasecoreEnphase Gold Installer status achieved in April 2024. Provides access to extended warranties on Enphase products, priority technical support, and authorization to install Enphase Ensemble technology including IQ batteries and microinverters.
- IBEW Local 702coreInternational Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union partnership. AES Solar became a union electrical contractor in March 2018, with all installers as union members.
- Silfab SolarcoreNorth American manufacturer of high-efficiency, durable, and sleek solar panels with over 40 years of industry expertise. AES Solar is a Silfab Solar Registered Installer.
- SolarEdgecoreSolar inverter and optimizer technology partner. Offers 99% efficiency inverters with module-level optimization, monitoring apps, and options for battery backup and EV charging.
- Outback PowercoreProvider of superior performance inverters for remote, off-grid power systems. New Grid/Hybrid models allow grid-connected systems to use same equipment.
- IronRidgesupportingRacking manufacturer offering strength-tested, PE certified, Class A Fire Rated products with 25-year warranty.
- UniracsupportingRacking provider with multiple geometry options, recessed clamp options, and built-in wire management.
- John A. Logan CollegecoreCommunity college partnership for solar design and installation courses. 10 years of training classes as of May 2019. Hands-on training classes for new solar installers through Future Energy Jobs Act programs.
- Ameren IllinoissupportingRegional utility company. AES Solar is a Residential Program Ally through Ameren Illinois Savings program for contractors.
- NABCEPsupportingNorth American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Provides industry-standard certifications for solar installation and sales professionals.
- Illinois Renewable Energy AssociationsupportingIndustry association co-founded by Aur Beck in 2002. AES maintains board membership and participates in sustainable energy fairs.
- Illinois Solar Energy AssociationsupportingState solar industry association membership supporting solar industry development in Illinois.
- SEIAsupportingSolar Energy Industries Association national membership representing solar industry interests.
- Midwest Renewable Energy AssociationsupportingRegional renewable energy organization with membership supporting Midwest solar market development.
- Better Business BureausupportingBBB St. Louis accreditation maintained by AES Solar for ethical business practices.
- Carbondale Chamber of CommercesupportingLocal chamber membership and joint events including ribbon cutting ceremonies for solar installations.
- Marion Chamber of CommercesupportingLocal chamber membership supporting community business connections.
- DuQuoin Chamber of CommercesupportingLocal chamber membership for regional business community engagement.
- Herrin Chamber of CommercesupportingLocal chamber membership supporting Williamson County business community.
- Carterville Chamber of CommercesupportingLocal chamber membership for hometown business community.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
AES Solar competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- StraightUp Solar: Midwest-based residential and commercial solar installer of similar scale with multiple offices in Missouri and Illinois. Directly comparable as a regional union/NABCEP-oriented installer competing in the same geographies and customer segments.
- RENEW Energy: Iowa-based residential and commercial solar installer with strong regional brand and similar scale. Comparable as a private regional installer competing on community engagement and incentive expertise.
- Windfree Solar: Chicago-area residential and commercial solar installer serving Illinois and surrounding Midwest. Closely comparable as a private Illinois-based regional installer targeting the same homeowner and small-commercial segments.
- Midwest Solar Energy Systems: Wisconsin-based residential solar installer of similar size and customer profile. Comparable regional installer focused on residential PV with battery backup offerings.
- Eagle Point Solar: Dubuque, Iowa-based solar installer serving residential, commercial, agricultural, and non-profit customers across the Midwest. Comparable regional EPC model with similar customer mix and reliance on utility/incentive programs.
- GRNE Solar: Midwest-rooted residential and commercial solar installer that has scaled regionally. Comparable direct peer for a private regional installer pursuing similar union-quality positioning and incentive-driven project economics.
Broad incumbents
- ADT Solar (formerly SunPro Solar): National residential solar installer backed by ADT's brand and dealer network. Competes with AES for residential customers across the Midwest and represents a financed, scaled entrant in the same vertical.
- Blue Raven Solar: Fast-growing national residential solar installer (now backed by SunPower) operating across multiple US regions including the Midwest. Comparable as a broader incumbent applying aggressive financing to compete with regional installers.
- Sunrun: Largest US residential solar installer with national reach, financing/leasing products, and battery storage offerings. Sets the competitive ceiling on regional installers like AES in Illinois and is increasingly active in the Midwest.
Others
- Enphase Energy: Microinverter and battery supplier whose Gold Installer program AES participates in. Enablement-layer relationship: not a direct competitor but its product roadmap, installer program tiers, and warranty economics directly shape AES's economics and differentiation.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
AES Solar social profiles
Digital presenceAES Solar compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
AES Solar financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AES Solar leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
AES Solar funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AES Solar M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AES Solar
What does AES Solar do?
AES Solar designs and installs photovoltaic solar electric systems for residential, commercial, and non-profit customers across Southern Illinois. The company provides full-service solar deployment including site assessment, system design, equipment procurement, installation by an IBEW 702 union crew, and post-installation monitoring and maintenance. Offerings include grid-tied, off-grid, battery backup, roof-mounted, and ground-mounted system configurations, plus specialized non-profit funding facilitation through PPA, lease, and grant writing services.
Is AES Solar a public or private company?
AES Solar is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was AES Solar founded?
AES Solar was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is AES Solar based?
AES Solar is headquartered in Carterville, United States, in the North America region.
How does AES Solar make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Solar System Installation is the primary driver. The others are service and Maintenance and energy Assessment Services.
Who are AES Solar's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are StraightUp Solar, RENEW Energy, Windfree Solar, Midwest Solar Energy Systems, Eagle Point Solar and GRNE Solar. Broad incumbents are ADT Solar (formerly SunPro Solar), Blue Raven Solar and Sunrun. Enphase Energy is listed as an others.
Does AES Solar have an API?
No public API is recorded for AES Solar.
What industry is AES Solar in?
AES Solar's product category is Solar Installation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMABAB, Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System), with a secondary code of EUACAGAB, Utility-Scale PV EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction). Its NAICS code is 221114 and its SIC code is 1731.