National Solar Energy Corp & Fulton Bank

National Solar Energy Corporation has grown from a two-person start-up to a thriving energy equipment supplier with 50+ employees, in less than 5 years, with a little help from Fulton Bank.

From its humble beginnings, starting out in a tiny office in an auto repair garage, co-founder and CEO Manuel Gregory has carved a path to success in making National Solar Energy Corporation, a Laurel, MD-based solar energy equipment supplier, a trusted resource in solar energy. An entrepreneur at heart, Manuel had his finger on the pulse of the community and realized there was a need for job creation. He wanted to help fill this need, while at the same time, start a business in an industry that he initially knew little about.

National Solar Energy Corporation: A small business making big progress

In the fall of 2020, in the middle of the COVID pandemic, Manuel and his co-founder, Kevin Pham, launched their own solar business. They knew they were entering a crowded industry, so to differentiate National Solar Energy from its competitors they decided to make integrity their #1 priority. While transparency, integrity, superlative customer service, and high quality formed the foundation of their business, Manuel and Kevin knew they needed the right banking partner who believed in them. Enter Fulton Bank — a “bank that’s big and small, in all the right ways.”

With a diverse range of financial products and services throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, Fulton Bank has a commitment to delivering the absolute best banking experience for its customers. Fulton Bank also plays a key role within the various communities it serves, from providing finance education and small business services, to fostering affordable housing. Fulton likes to say that it’s large enough to provide all the services of a big bank, but small enough to provide the personal service that customers count on.

“By getting to know our customers, we’re able to help them achieve their dreams,” said Joe Durham, Market President for DELMARVA. “We are the just-right bank for Maryland.”

Fulton Bank and National Solar Energy Corporation created a recipe for success

With a solid business model and their own brand of ingenuity, coupled with a small business loan from Fulton Bank guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Manuel and Kevin had the investment capital they needed to continue steadily growing the business. Realizing that most utility providers keep raising their rates to their customers, National Solar Energy offered homeowners renewable energy for no money down. This allows their customers to redirect their monthly energy payment toward something they own, rather than “rent” their power from an outdated grid with rising rates. And thanks to state incentives, the power company even pays the homeowner for unused electricity through SRECS (Solar Renewable Energy Credits). In addition, qualified homeowners also can take advantage of great tax benefits and instantly boost the value of their home.

The small business services offered by Fulton Bank have been a true difference maker to the ongoing success of National Solar Energy.

National Solar Energy Corp. excels by staying connected to both Fulton Bank and the community

The banking partnership also has inspired National Solar Energy to forge its own unique presence in the community. Fulton Bank is a community-minded bank that gives back by donating dollars and time to local efforts that advance job training and workforce development; financial literacy and economic empowerment; home ownership and affordability and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Similarly, National Solar Energy invests in both its employees and the community by fostering a culture of care and mutual respect. This includes serving as a mentor to employees so that each feels they have the training and support needed to provide the best solar experience possible to their customers. As a faith-based company that believes in the power of humanity, National Solar Energy Corp. has helped transition those who have faced incarceration or dangerous life-threatening situations to full-time employee status, resulting in true life transformation. In turn, their employees embrace this culture of care by giving back to their community. One example of this is their recent volunteer effort during Baltimore’s Thanksgiving Day Turkey Drive. Indeed, it’s no wonder those familiar with National Solar Energy Corp. know them as much more than just a solar company…they are more like a community company!

Fulton Bank: Changing lives for the better is more than just a slogan

As a full service bank that takes pride in helping small business owners reach their goals, Fulton Bank continues to create a legacy of community care. While most banks may be driven to simply take money or deposits, Fulton Bank is there to help with a variety of lending solutions, including those for minority-owned businesses. From personal banking and small business banking to commercial banking, investments, financial education and other services, Fulton Bank remains committed to making a difference in the Baltimore community and throughout the region.