Solar company breaks ground on Springfield HQ

Solar startup Vroom Solar Inc. yesterday broke ground on its multimillion-dollar Springfield headquarters.

A groundbreaking ceremony with representation from the company, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce was held at the site located at State Highway 266 and Farm Road 99, southwest of the Springfield-Branson National Airport.

The cost is $2.4 million, with the bulk being the building, said majority owner Luke Phelps.

The project additionally calls on the creation of 35 jobs over the next couple years, Phelps said via email.

The company is utilizing the Missouri Works program through the state Department of Economic Development to receive incentives in exchange for the new jobs, according to a news release.

“It’s always exciting to see companies establishing in our state and creating new opportunities for Missourians,” said Michelle Hataway, acting director of the DED, in the release. “Our state continues to set itself apart as an ideal location for cutting-edge employers like Vroom Solar. We’re proud this company chose Missouri for its headquarters and appreciate all our partners who worked to make this significant project a reality.”

The headquarters is scheduled to open in May 2024, said Vroom Community Relations Coordinator Katherine Benson. The company currently operates in a temporary office in Ozark.

Established a year ago this month, Vroom Solar is developing solar direct kits with patent-pending load management and multiple application mounting solutions, according to past reporting. Vroom Solar is working to manufacture and sell kits – each with solar modules, a racking system and a control center – for users to essentially set up their own solar power generating system.