Mark Shelley’s journey to founding Sun Kissed Energy in Truro, Nova Scotia is far from a straight line, yet his unwavering vision has guided him through it all.
From Corner Brook to Truro
Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Mark’s early life led him to the nearby town of Pasadena. Mark started his professional journey in aircraft structural repair, but destiny had other plans. He ventured into the insurance sector, which eventually brought him to Truro, Nova Scotia, in 2005.
Mark has always had his mind on the solar power industry. In 2019, he set up Sun Kissed Energy as a side project, intending to transition to it full-time by 2025. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 altered his course dramatically. Faced with a changing world, Mark decided to accelerate the growth of Sun Kissed Energy and committed himself to it five years ahead of schedule.
Harnessing the Power of Solar Energy
One of the remarkable advantages of working in the solar power industry is the opportunity to operate outdoors. As social distancing measures reshaped traditional office work and face-to-face sales, the appeal of building solar infrastructure grew exponentially. Mark succinctly puts it, “In solar, you can work outside, right? So that allowed me to keep going.That’s how it happened.”
Mark’s connection to Truro runs deep, making it the natural choice for Sun Kissed Energy’s headquarters. He reflects, “I’ve been here since ’05, the kids are here, my family is here, my mom moved here, my dad moved here, my sister moved here. It’s just home base for me now. So, we’ll run all of Atlantic Canada and nationally from here. Truro, Nova Scotia is the ideal spot for our solar head office.”
The Passion for Solar Power: A Green Revolution
Mark is an earnest advocate for solar energy. He enthuses, “There’s a nuclear reactor in the sky that comes up every day, and it’s free power, and now we have technology to collect that. And in doing that, it makes a fixed cost for anybody that’s consuming power.”
Solar energy isn’t just an environmentally friendly choice; it’s also a sound financial investment. As Mark explains, “It’s the best return on investment that I know of, not to mention the incentives from the government. So, at the end of the day, you have to pay a power bill monthly anyway! Why not divert that monthly payment to yourself as an asset. There’s no reason to pay power anymore, KISS YOUR POWER BILL GOODBYE”
A Vision for the Future: Beyond the Grid
Mark’s vision for Sun Kissed Energy is impressive. “Ten years from now, I think we’ll be a national brand, throughout Canada, helping people design solar systems and staying on the cutting edge. I think the next wave will be batteries. So, you’ll see batteries in the next five years come through. You won’t even need a grid.”
Sun Kissed Energy is committed to remaining at the forefront of the solar energy industry in Nova Scotia and beyond. In just three short years, they have expanded their presence across Nova Scotia, building a dynamic team both in the office and in the field. Mark and his team continually monitor industry trends, embrace new technologies, and leverage government incentives to ensure they offer the best solutions for harnessing the power of the sun.
Mark Shelley’s journey to bring solar energy to homes and businesses is a testament to unwavering determination, environmental stewardship, and a commitment to a brighter, sustainable future. With Sun Kissed Energy, his team illuminates the path to a greener, more energy-efficient world.
Tagged Founder’s JourneyMark ShelleyMeet the TeamOur StorySun Kissed
