Gwen Jorgensen, a professional triathlete and US Olympic Gold Medalist, shares her journey of transitioning to solar energy with Freedom Solar Power. As a dedicated athlete, mother of two, and environmental advocate, Gwen recently made the switch at her home in Louisville, Colorado.
A Conversation with Gwen
What do you enjoy doing for fun in Colorado outside of your training routine?
Gwen: I love spending time outdoors with my family. We bike to various places, like bike parks, the pool, and restaurants. My five-year-old son enjoys playing by the creek and having picnics by the pond.
What motivated you to adopt a greener lifestyle and switch to solar energy?
Gwen: My passion for helping the planet drove me to make this change. We already compost and try to reduce our carbon footprint, but we also have significant energy needs. I wanted to pursue a green lifestyle, and switching to solar seemed like an effective way to offset our energy consumption. As someone who cherishes nature, it’s important for me to contribute to keeping our environment beautiful. I’m not perfect, but I do my best, and going solar was surprisingly easy and affordable. I’ve already noticed savings after just a few months.
How have you integrated sustainability into your family’s daily life?
Gwen: We bike frequently, and my son rides 9km to school, which he loves. We’re a one-car family, choosing to commute whenever possible. Additionally, we’ve built a compost pile in our backyard and try to grow our own food when we can.
Many people find the process of going solar overwhelming. How did you manage to fit it into your busy schedule?
Gwen: Freedom Solar handled everything from start to finish, making the entire process seamless. They coordinated with Xcel Energy for inspections, so I didn’t need to be home. The whole time, I was barely involved—just a few minutes of my attention was needed.
What was your experience like working with the Freedom Solar team?
Gwen: Their customer service was outstanding. When they needed to access our roof, they wore booties and even brought a vacuum to leave the house tidy. They answered all my questions promptly and provided multiple options for our solar panels, helping me choose what worked best for us.
Now that your solar project is complete, what has surprised you the most about your new system?
Gwen: I was pleasantly surprised by how much solar power we generate during the winter months. Freedom Solar uses SunPower panels, which are top-notch in the industry.
What fuels your passion and drive in life?
Gwen: My family is my greatest motivation. Sharing time outdoors with them energizes me. I cherish moments when my kids ride their bikes to school while I run alongside them.
As a company, we emphasize stepping out of comfort zones. What advice would you give someone looking to challenge themselves?
Gwen: Take small steps and remember that you can always retreat to your comfort zone. Gradually push your limits. Everything I’ve learned in sports applies to everyday life.
Gwen Jorgensen’s commitment to sustainability and her experience with Freedom Solar exemplify how individuals can embrace renewable energy solutions while enjoying a vibrant, active lifestyle.