FLS Energy

About FLS Energy

FLS Energy, established in 2006, carved a significant niche in the North American solar energy sector from its headquarters in Asheville, North Carolina. The company was founded by Dale Freudenberger and others, who envisioned making solar energy a mainstream power source. What began as a residential solar construction firm evolved into a full-service energy provider specializing in utility-scale and distributed solar projects.

The firm's business model was comprehensive, managing the entire project lifecycle from conception to commissioning. FLS Energy offered turnkey solutions, which included in-house system design, engineering, procurement, construction management, and financing. This integrated approach allowed them to serve a diverse client base, ranging from residential customers to large utility companies, as well as industrial clients, universities, and governmental institutions. Revenue was generated through direct sales of solar systems and through power purchase agreements (PPAs), where clients could buy solar energy at competitive rates without upfront costs. A key aspect of their strategy involved owning and operating a portfolio of solar assets, ensuring a long-term revenue stream.

In November 2016, FLS Energy was acquired by Cypress Creek Renewables, a leading national solar developer. This strategic merger integrated FLS Energy's project portfolio, which included 350 megawatts of operational projects and a 600-megawatt pipeline, into Cypress Creek's expanding operations. The acquisition aimed to combine FLS's regional strength and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) expertise with Cypress Creek's financial scale, creating a powerhouse in the distributed and utility-scale solar market. Following the acquisition, FLS Energy continued to operate from its Asheville office as a subsidiary, contributing to the combined entity's growth and solidifying its presence in the Southeastern United States.