Riding the renewable wave: Chroma Energy lights up Knoxville with solar power
Chroma Energy Group has expanded to 16 employees and has secured a handful of notable projects across the Southeast.
It’s been almost two years since we first sat down with Ed Rottmann, the local clean energy entrepreneur behind Chroma Energy Group. Back then, he described the entrepreneurial journey as a “rollercoaster,” and it seems that ride hasn’t slowed down.
Rottmann founded Chroma Energy Group about 15 months ago. The start-up provides engineering, procurement, and construction services for clean energy projects. Chroma Energy specifically designs and installs sustainable energy solutions for utilities, government entities, and commercial businesses, a mission that aligns with Rottmann’s growing passion for renewable energy.
Before leaping into the clean energy space, Rottmann spent 12 years in various roles, including Chief Operating Officer (COO), at Stowers Machinery.
Rottmann relocated his family to Tennessee to work alongside his father-in-law, who owns Stowers.
“I wouldn’t be able to do this without my time at Stowers,” he explained. “I learned so much and worked with incredible people.”
Rottmann credits his Stowers experience for laying the groundwork for his future as an entrepreneur, especially in the realm of leadership.
Rottmann’s interest in clean energy first sparked out of his professional experience at Stowers with backup, standby generators; however, the more he learned about the innovation and growth of clean energy, the more he wanted to be a part of it. In Tennessee, a lot is happening in the clean energy space, and Rottmann found the right time, and opportunity to begin operations.
“In renewable energy, there’s just so much happening. My interest was piqued, and I had to scratch that itch,” Rottmann recalled. So, in late 2022, he made the bold move to resign from his corporate position and officially launched Chroma in early 2023.
Starting a new business is never easy, and 2023 proved to be a challenging year.
“Liking the renewable energy sector versus doing work in it was a big shift,” he admitted. To strengthen his team early on, Rottmann acquired Efficient Energy of Tennessee, bringing aboard experienced foremen and project engineers who could help Chroma Energy grow.
Today, Chroma Energy Group has expanded to 16 employees, evenly split between office staff and project-focused operations. Additionally, they have secured a handful of notable projects across the Southeast and are looking at a very successful FY 2024.
The company’s next big goal? Expand its footprint both locally and nationally.
Locally, Chroma Energy is already part of a high-profile project — one that puts sustainable energy front and center in Knoxville. In partnership with Visit Knoxville and the city, Chroma Energy is designing and installing solar panels around the Sunsphere, the city’s iconic landmark. Soon, this symbol of Knoxville will be powered by the sun.
“It’s Knoxville’s way of showcasing its support for renewable energy,” Rottmann said.
He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of the project and the visibility it gives to the clean energy sector and initiatives. Furthermore, Kim Bumpas, the President of Visit Knoxville said she is appreciative of the partnership!
“We are excited to partner with Chroma Energy Group on the solar component of the new entrance canopy at the Sunsphere Welcome Center,” Bumpas said. “The solar array on the canopy gives a nod to the theme of the 1982 World’s Fair: ‘Energy Turns the World’ while providing the benefit of clean energy for visitors to experience both now and in the future.”
“There’s no better project for us to be part of,” Rottmann added.
On the private sector side, growth has been slower, which he said is typical for the renewable energy industry.
“It always comes back to the numbers. Companies will support the effort if it’s financially feasible,” he explained. “We focus heavily on consulting and analyzing companies’ energy usage to better demonstrate the long-term return on investment.”
Fortunately, the cost of renewable energy is dropping, and the sector is evolving as more manufacturers produce solar panels, electric vehicles, and other sustainable technologies. He hopes this will be the first step in encouraging more companies to pursue greener alternatives for their energy use.
Rottmann is certain more business opportunities are in the pipeline, but in the meantime, he is equally focused on maintaining Chroma Energy’s strong culture.
“I’m always thinking about the North Star — how do we keep our culture as we grow?”
For him, collaboration, camaraderie, and strategic planning remain at the heart of Chroma’s operation.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!