If you ask the founder of Alliance Cooperative Energy, James Van Ness, it’s a “yes.”

Mr. Van Ness worked as an Instrumentation Engineer for Honeywell until 2008. Frustrated with management, he pursued a startup opportunity through the N.J. Meadowlands Business Accelerator program. He launched ACE in 2010.

“The incubator provided invaluable consultative services—accounting, sales and marketing, legal advice and presentation skills to attract investors,” said Van Ness. “We have twenty-five projects in queue, all in various stages.”

A portion of ACE’s work comes through established solar companies. It’s common for California-based Sungevity and other non-New Jersey solar leasing companies to hire work out to the state’s contractors, electricians and roofers after a certification process. ACE is one of many entrepreneurial companies that receive these contracts. It’s a win-win-win.

This level of work is extremely satisfying for the once corporate-stifled Van Ness.

“It’s definitely a switch. There are distinctions between installation and design in New Jersey and California, so we’re learning from each other,” said Van Ness.

ACE focuses on the New Jersey residential solar market. While this is lucrative and exciting, Van Ness added training services to his business model to meet the state’s need for qualified engineering labor. He offers specialized installation and design classes at Warren Community College, located in Washington, N.J.

The sales and marketing consultation services offered by the N.J. Meadowland’s program also prepared Van Ness to seek direct sales. He differentiates his services with thorough panel-company research.

“Customers need to know where the panels are coming from. I look at the stability of the company for them, so they can be assured someone will be around to fix a problem, if it comes up,” said Van Ness.

Ace is heading into 2012 with steady hands at the wheel. Turning the startup into another success story in the new green economy is worth Van Ness’s full attention.

Pictured: Alliance Cooperative Energy's James Van Ness.