Jake Kubiski was enjoying a Central America vacation with his girlfriend (now wife) Kristine when his life changed forever. He was relaxing in the sun, laying in hammocks and enjoying a more natural way of life when he came across an article in a local magazine about how the country of Costa Rica was operating on 100+ days of renewable energy. A thought formed:
“I wonder if Canada is doing something like this?”
Kuby Renewable Energy was formed and shortly after, Kubiski’s friend, Adam Yereniuk, joined as a partner to help with installs, design, website development and, as the founder puts it, “Frankly just figuring out how to run a business.”
Now, 10 years on, the start-up company in Edmonton that only installed solar panels has become Solar by Kuby, Carbon by Kuby and Utilities by Kuby. The 150-person team operates across four locations throughout Western Canada, delivering streamlined solar solutions for residential and commercial clients.
For founder Kubiski, it’s been a wild ride, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Despite changing political and economic landscapes, at the end of the day, most people care about being energy independent, saving money and doing good by the environment,” he says. “It comes down to dollars and sense and cents – and the price of renewable energy systems, mainly solar, has dropped more than 80 per cent in the last 20 years. Renewable solutions are now affordable for the everyday Canadian, plus there is a ROI that pays it all back over time.”
He acknowledges that solar energy was once a niche option, but advancements in technology and falling costs have made it a competitive choice alongside traditional energy sources, driving a significant surge in demand.
Kubiski, Yereniuk and their team stay at the forefront of emerging innovations that advance the solar industry, driving technology development, embracing calculated risks and fueling Kuby’s rapid growth over the past decade.
“I’m definitely the most passionate on the tech side of it all,” Kubiski smiles. “It’s changing so fast all the time and it’s cool to be a part of it, on the leading edge of it, in what is available to Canada. Modules have become much more efficient. When we started, we were installing 250-watt modules and now we’re up to 500-watt and above modules with roughly the same dimensions. The inverters are also far more efficient and can now be integrated into electrical systems with ease. The battery systems have become smarter in how they discharge energy, store energy and work with different wire service providers to accomplish the goal of reducing grid outages. Even microgrids are emerging as a trend and solution. We didn’t expect this when we launched 10 years ago!”
As he reflects on the projects Kuby has taken on over the years, his excitement shines through.
“They are all just so cool! It’s hard to pick the coolest one! Each project is unique. We prioritize engineering design, ensuring every project is not only innovative but also the best solution for the customer. For Instance, Red Deer College (now Red Deer Polytechnic) and Edmonton Convention Center were two standout project for us. We helped RDP transform their residence building into a showcase clean energy project that generates energy from its East, West, and South walls. ECC is probably the most spectacular project we have worked on – 100m of cascading solar glass roof down the Edmonton river valley, it is amazing to see from inside the building. Both BIPV projects were very difficult to execute and turned out beautifully. We’ve also partnered with BC Hydro on large commercial grid displacement projects, blending public and private efforts to target heavy electricity consumers. From solar canopies to battery storage, every project showcases our commitment to sustainable and cutting-edge energy solutions.”
The young company is also heavily focused on social enterprise. One example is seen in Kuby’s support of the Winnifred Stewart organization. In partnership with Real Talk by Ryan Jespersen, Kuby gifted a 30-year solar energy system to Winnifred Stewart, an Edmonton-based charity dedicated to supporting individuals with diverse abilities. The solar installation, placed on Joey’s Home, a residence for assisted and independent living, will significantly reduce energy costs, allowing the charity to allocate more resources to its initiatives.
Since Kuby opened the doors, the business has grown at a rate of 100 per cent a year. What started a two-person company has now grown to four offices and more than 150 employees. Numerous residences and businesses, from humble homes to iconic and landmark centres sport Kuby’s renewable solutions – and this young, agile company is just getting started.
“Our focus is on innovation and growth by investing in technology, software and streamlining processes to make solar adoption easier and more accessible,” says Kubiski. “By advocating for simplifying permits, reducing red tape and educating customers about their energy impact, we aim to enhance the overall experience and drive meaningful change. Adopting the mindset of being at least one per cent better every day drives us to improve operations, culture and customer satisfaction, ensuring we stay far ahead in a competitive space.”
Kubiski is very thankful for his wife Kristine who has supported his vision from the start, to the entire team at Kuby, all the stakeholders and the community that allows Kuby to give back.
“The world will continue to change around us,” he concludes, “but with the agility and nimbleness that form the foundation of everything we do – that remains the core of our DNA – Kuby will adapt faster than the changes coming down the proverbial pipeline.
Kuby’s current impact generates 41,000 MWh+ annually of clean energy, powering more than 6,000 residences and businesses, driving cleaner operations for numerous businesses and institutions while having the effect of more than 800,000 trees absorbing carbon dioxide every year.
Kuby Energy Edmonton
4605-92 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB
Kuby Energy Calgary
4519 35 St SE
Calgary, AB
Kuby Energy Lethbridge
426 10 Street N
Lethbridge, AB
Kuby Energy Kamloops
463 Dene Drive
Kamloops, BC
