A Bright Future with D&D Electric

Imagine if the sun sent you a monthly bill for all the sunlight you use. Thankfully, it does not, and that’s where solar energy comes in! Harnessing the power of the sun is like having an endless supply of free pizza delivered to your door – minus the calories and with a LOT more environmental benefits.  

Thomas Edison once said “We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house for fuel when we should be using nature’s inexhaustible sources of energy – sun, wind, and tide…. I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”  

Solar energy is rapidly gaining traction in Illinois, thanks to the state's commitment to renewable energy and the numerous incentives available for homeowners and businesses.  

D&D Electric, one of the companies at the forefront of this solar revolution in Southern Illinois is headquartered in Harrisburg. They are family-owned and employ professionals with decades of hands-on experience in many services and specialties.  

We sat down with Dave and Darla Martin, founders of D&D Electric, to hear their impactful story. The history of D&D Electric, formerly known as Dave Martin Electric, “started with three employees in a little hallway” Darla shares and now has nearly fifty employees today. Dave Martin’s career path has been diverse – coal mines, farming, and power plants. He dabbled in entrepreneurship but often returned to familiar territory. In 2012, Dave embarked on the solar energy path when he had the opportunity to install solar panels on a 10-acre farm.  

Dave’s passion for solar energy led him to undertake an ambitious project in 2016: a 120-acre solar installation at Fort Hood, Texas. This massive system boasted twenty-seven megawatts of capacity and an impressive 168,000 solar panels. The project provided power to critical infrastructure, including an airport and hospital.  

As D&D Electric expanded, they faced bureaucratic hurdles, financial setbacks, and longer processes. Along with the complexity of big systems came the challenge of loan approvals, pre-grant applications, and other time-consuming and meticulous steps. This process was cumbersome, but Dave tells that “Persistence and invaluable relationships paid off.” Over time, Dave became a valuable resource for others to rely on in achieving progress.  

Dave and Darla’s journey, from bureaucratic battles to faith-driven triumphs, underscores how “unselfishness and faith have shaped their path.” While some may consider the events at D&D Electric to be mere fortunate coincidences, Dave consistently observed that outcomes tended to unfold favorably, and he acknowledged God’s hand in these blessings. Appropriate phone calls and connections, as well as perseverance through financial hardship, all signified their steadfast faith in God. Their commitment to renewable energy and their adeptness at overcoming obstacles define a legacy that extends to others who have joined the company, making their story truly inspiring.  

As Illinois continues to invest in solar energy, companies like D&D Electric and others throughout Southern Illinois play a crucial role in driving this transformation. Their dedication to sustainable energy solutions helps reduce carbon footprints and promotes a cleaner, greener future for all.