Our Mission

Our mission is to lead with accountability, deliver with expertise, and empower local businesses to achieve energy independence. We provide reliable solar solutions backed by long-term support, ongoing innovation, and a commitment to performance for the life of every system.

Meet Our Founder & CEO

PAUL MCKNIGHT

Paul has spent the past 15 years building a career- and a company- focused on making clean energy accessible, reliable, and meaningful. Before founding EFS Energy in 2011, Paul earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from SIU Carbondale and worked as a quality control chemist in the pharmaceutical industry. But it was his passion for renewable energy and technology that pulled him in a new direction to seek opportunities in solar.

As CEO of EFS Energy, Paul finds the most fulfillment in seeing completed projects and happy clients. “When the client is saving money and contributing to a good cause at the same time,” he says, “I feel great about what we are doing as a company.”

For Paul, solar isn’t just about kilowatts, it’s about values. He’s committed to the “triple bottom line”: People, Planet, and Prosperity. As he puts it, “I really enjoy working with other industry professionals that share my values and… interacting with clients who share my vision of investing in a brighter future!”

That’s reflected in the way he leads, the clients he partners with, and the team he’s built. “I like learning about each of my client’s businesses and stories.” He’s equally proud of his team at EFS. Paul is inspired by his team’s “camaraderie, work ethic, and positive outlook on our industry and life in general. I enjoy spending time with each of them, and we encourage each other to achieve more both professionally and personally.”

When he’s not working, Paul can be found hanging out with his kids playing games and sports, cooking up something new on the grill, or caring for his growing collection of tropical plants and succulents.

His advice to anyone looking to break into solar? Ethics matter. Strive to “get a job with a company that has above board business ethics. Solar is a great industry if you get in with the right people.”

Looking ahead, Paul is excited to share that “Energy storage is the next big wave and EFS will be at the front of it!”