Solar Alternatives was founded in 2008 to provide affordable, productive, and durable Solar and Renewable Energy system solutions for Southeast Louisiana. We pride ourselves on responsible and customer-centered design, attention to detail in every installation, and excellent post-sales service. Our staff’s design and installation experience includes Grid-Tied and Off-Grid Photovoltaics, Glycol Closed-Loop Solar Thermal, Passive Batch Solar Thermal, Thermoplastic Solar Pool Systems, Commercial Scale Solar Process Heat, and Auxilliary Residential Solar Equipment.
Solar Alternatives employs and encourages clean technology wherever possible, from recycled paper in advertisements to a clean-energy hosted website. Solar Alternatives engages the construction and real estate industries with energy efficiency options for clients, a construction materials recycling program, and preservation-minded development philosophy. Training sessions are also available for qualified groups to familiarize with the various technologies, installation methods, and financing options available with Solar Energy Systems.
With the complexity and diversity of available Solar products, it’s crucial to work with a company that can thoroughly assess your application and needs, and offer clear guidance and specific recommendations. Let our experience and professionalism lead your development with confidence.
Jeff founded Solar Alternatives in late 2007 with a goal of product diversity and engineered quality in solar design and installation. Through national solar training programs and his own contracting and engineering background, he has helped bring a renewed sense of quality and customer awareness to the industry. Jeff is involved in many governmental, non-profit, and community solar projects, and helped found the region’s renewable energy trade association, Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association in Summer 2010. He currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer for the association and is often called upon to speak and consult on industry affairs and regulatory policy.
Jeff’s early solar career includes ownership of Bayou Power, Inc (2004-2008), an electrical and general contractor for historic and commercial properties throughout Southeast Louisiana. He travelled the country during this time attending solar conferences and training sessions, and still maintains a statewide Masters Electrical License. Mr Cantin previously consulted in enterprise software development through Group 227, Inc in Atlanta, GA until 2003, playing a key role in redevelopment of major enterprise websites Weather.com (2000-2001) and European mega-portal Vizzavi (2001-2002).
Jeff’s previous non-profit experience includes serving as Field Engineer in Haiti for the Association Haitienne de Developpement Humaine, and as Director of New Orleans-based American Zen Association from 2003-2005, where he arranged multiple grant awards and established a firm long-term financial base for the organization. He was born and raised in New Orleans, and has lived in Atlanta, Houston, London UK and Amsterdam. He received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Rice University in 1998 and holds Installer Certification in Solar Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal classifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
