About - Vernon BC based solar panel

Roost Solar is based in Vernon, BC. We specialize in residential, agricultural and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and serve clients across the Thompson-Okanagan, including Vernon, Salmon Arm, Kamloops, Kelowna, and surrounding areas.

We believe that quality matters. We only use products that are built to last and have the strongest warranties in the industry.

We work with all our customers to design and install solar PV systems that are tailored to their situation. Our free estimates include site-specific solar production calculations, savings calculations, and expected cost of solar PV systems, so that you can determine which system is right for you.

Roost Solar is comprised of a team of highly skilled and dedicated individuals that will ensure your system is designed, installed and monitored for optimal production throughout its decades of service. We are a fully licensed electrical contractor with Technical Safety BC (Roost Solar Technical Safety BC Contractor Licence No. LEL0209968).

Roost Solar is committed to recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff. Every installation professional we employ carries one or more of the following qualifications:

FSR Certified Journeyman Electrician
NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate
Occupational First Aid

Roost Solar has experience with many popular solar brands, maintains many product certifications, and is part of several local associations.

The Okanagan's ONLY NABCEP PV Installation Professional

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certification is widely recognized as the gold standard for North American solar professionals. Steve Russell is one of only four NABCEP certified PV Installation Professionals in BC, and is the only certified PV Installation Professional in the Okanagan.

Generac Clean Energy Aligned Contractor

Generac PWRcell is an intelligent energy storage system. Equipped with PWRview energy monitoring technology, PWRcell protects you during times of power outage and allows you to control your energy usage to save on utility costs.

BC Sustainable Energy Association

Roost Solar is a proud member of the BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA)

SolarEdge Preferred Partner

SolarEdge is a world leader in smart energy solutions. Roost Solar is one of few Canadian installation companies that have earned the status of preferred partner with SolarEdge through the successful installation of SolarEdge products on a regular basis.

Home Battery Partner

LG chem is ranked as one of the world's largest lithium-ion battery manufacturers and has an impressive range of home energy batteries available to pair with major inverter companies, including SolarEdge.

Steve Russell

Steve has two decades of experience working in the energy and utility sector both as a technical consultant to utilities and since founding Roost Solar. Steve is the only NABCEP PV Installation Professional certificate holder in the Okanagan.

Brad Swanson

After spending five years in the WHL (Western Hockey League), Brad received a Bachelor of Education from UVic. He has a passion for the outdoors, the earth, lifelong learning, and is a NABCEP Certified PV Associate.

Darren Anderson

Darren is a BC Master Electrician – FSR B and has a MSc in Renewable Energy. He has been designing, installing, consulting, teaching about, and managing grid-connected and stand-alone battery-based solar projects for 17 years in Canada and internationally, including projects for the UN Foundation, UNEP, UNDP, WHO, Inter-American Development Bank, Partners in Health, Free the Children, the Clinton Foundation, and the Government of Norway.

Kelly Wozniak

Kelly holds an MRM from Simon Fraser University and spent over a decade supporting planning projects led by First Nation and Provincial governments before joining Roost Solar. She is a NABCEP Certified PV associate.

James Williamson

James is a Red Seal Journeyman Electrician, a volunteer firefighter, and has a Mechanical Engineering Technologist diploma. He is experienced in agricultural, residential and commercial electrical work.

Carmen Eby

Carmen is a Journeyman Electrician with experience in residential, commercial, and service work. Born and raised in the Cariboo region, Carmen moved down to the Okanagan to pursue her love of the trade and passion for outdoors.

Garrett Gilbert

Garrett is a skilled labourer and machine operator who has worked in a variety of industries including construction, landscaping and the railway. In addition to his skill with a drill, Garrett is known for both his pack-horse ability and love of baseball and hockey.

Sean Bradbury

With a background in adventure tourism and adventure sports, Sean is equally comfortable harnessed in on a rooftop as he is climbing cliff- faces. Sean is a first year electrical apprentice and is looking to expand his skills in the renewable energy sector. When not on a rooftop he can be found pursuing his love of the outdoors.

Couldn’t be happier

“Steve and his team were a pleasure to work with! They have done an incredible job on the installation, were very professional, and took the time to make sure that we understood everything. Our house started generating more power than it uses within a day! We couldn’t be happier with our new solar system. I highly recommend Roost Solar.“

Morgan R.

Attention to detail

“Some contractors are an absolute pleasure to work with, and Roost Solar is at the top of that list. They provided thorough quoting, excellent communication throughout construction, and paid attention to the even the smallest details. Thanks for the great work guys!“

Tyler U.

Really understood our needs

“Roost Solar did a fantastic job installing our residential solar panels. We found that Steve from Roost Solar really understood our needs. He provided us multiple configurations to achieve our renewable energy goals. We chose the one that fit our renewable energy needs and only required panels on both sides of the garage roof. Thanks Steve for this fantastic job – we are more than happy.“

Ulli S.

On time and on budget

“Stephen Russell and his crew at Roost Solar delivered exactly what they said they would. He took the time to explain in lay terms every aspect of the project and what we could expect. His quote was detailed and complete. The project was finished on time, on budget and the crew were very respectful and friendly throughout the process. Stephen provided references which gave us the confidence to use his company. We would not hesitate to recommend Roost Solar. In fact when we do the second phase of my system (storage) I will have them back.“

Peter H.

Professional team

“I was very impressed with the professionalism of the team during the entire process of getting our grid tied array, from the planning to the quotes to the actual install. I have no hesitation in recommending Roost, and I am very happy with our array.“

Daniel A.

Accurate production estimates

“Steve and the Roost Solar crew made it easy to get into solar. When I first approached him about the possibility, Steve gave me a highly detailed estimate based on Google Maps, our current consumption, ROI… all of which is turning out to be right on the money. Steve is also great to work with, does what he says he’s going to do, when he said he was going to do it. We’re extremely pleased with the service and love being part of the solar ‘movement’!“

Greg S.

No pressure to buy

“Stephen was very knowledgeable, answering all of our questions without any pressure to buy. His crew were some of the best trades we’ve had at our home – polite, professional, efficient and friendly. I highly recommend Roost if you’re moving to solar!“

Ali P.