Local Business Spotlight Windfree Solar

This Patch article is sponsored by Windfree Solar.

Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Jack Johannesson, Director of Sales & Business Development, of Windfree Solar.

Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Jack Johannesson: Since 2009, Windfree Solar has been a trusted solar installer, proudly serving Chicago and the Midwest with a commitment to clean, renewable energy. As a certified Minority Owned Business (MBE) and Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC), we are deeply rooted in our local community, offering expert solar design, installation, and energy storage solutions. With over a decade of experience, we bring precision, innovation, and a passion for sustainability to every project, ensuring a brighter future for homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Jack Johannesson: Since 2009

Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Jack Johannesson: At Windfree Solar, we were drawn to this work by a shared passion for making a meaningful impact on the world. The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable planet by harnessing the power of renewable energy is at the heart of everything we do. Beyond environmental benefits, we are driven by the chance to help people save money on their energy bills, achieve grid independence, and take control of their energy future. We believe in empowering average homeowners by providing them with stability and resilience through solar energy solutions. By reducing reliance on traditional utilities and offering long-term financial savings, we help families and businesses alike build a more secure and sustainable future. This work allows us to combine our technical expertise with a mission to create positive change—one solar installation at a time.

Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Jack Johannesson: Our advice to anyone considering solar is simple: ask around. You'll hear plenty of promises from certain solar companies, but unfortunately, many of those promises seem to disappear once the contract is signed. At Windfree Solar, we pride ourselves on telling it like it is. We believe in transparency, honesty, and setting realistic expectations from the start. With over 1,000 successful installations under our belt, we’re proud to say that only a handful of customers have ever been less than pleased with their experience—and even then, it’s often due to factors beyond our control. But that doesn’t stop us. We’ve gone above and beyond to help homes get up to code, prepare building projects for success, and fight for our customers when challenges arise. We don’t walk away when things get tough; we keep working to make things right. That’s the Windfree difference.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Jack Johannesson: The most satisfying part of this job is witnessing the tangible impact we have on people's lives and the environment. Seeing a homeowner's excitement as they flip the switch and start generating their own clean energy, knowing they are saving money and reducing their carbon footprint, is incredibly rewarding. It's also deeply gratifying to help businesses become more sustainable and resilient, contributing to a greener future for our community. Overcoming complex challenges, navigating intricate projects, and ultimately delivering a solar solution that exceeds expectations—that's what truly makes this work fulfilling. Knowing that we're empowering individuals and organizations to take control of their energy future and contribute to a healthier planet is the ultimate satisfaction.

Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Jack Johannesson: At Windfree Solar, we distinguish ourselves through integrity, education, and a reputation built on trust and excellence. We’re not a “turn-and-burn” solar company—we’ve been proudly serving our community since 2009, and we’re here to stay. We don’t overextend ourselves, we don’t overpromise and underdeliver, and we never stop innovating or growing. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to being the best. The best experience for our customers, the best choice for solar solutions, and the best outcomes for every project we take on. That’s the Windfree way—delivering quality, transparency, and results that matter.