• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Having Fun!We Are Presidential!We Are Generous!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Local Inventor and Entrepreneur Works to Develop Affordable Solar Power Solutions

By MarionMade! on August 5, 2020

After a $400 electric bill, a Marion engineer and father looked for ways to save money. He thought solar power sounded like an answer. However, most solar panel installations cost more than $10,000. Jason Jordan put his mind to the problem and worked to design a solution: a portable solar panel to put in your yard and plug into a regular outlet. “As a parent of three children, I didn’t have $10,000 lying around. I decided to design an alternative,” Jordan said.

After completing the design Jason knew he needed to take the next step, signing up for the Forge program in September of 2019. After completing the classes Jordan entered The Forge Marion business competition to push his idea from the drawing board into reality. With free Forge business classes from Marion Technical College and $2,500, seed money from winning the top prize in the “Shark Tank”-style Forge competition, Jason has continued to push forward.

“Working with someone like Jason is what makes being an educator worthwhile. It is fantastic to see someone with an idea to take concrete steps to make their dream a reality. Jason’s passion mixed with his drive and know-how will surely lead to some exciting things!” said Scott Hughes, business faculty at Marion Tech.

Jordan Energy Alternative (JEA) was founded. JEA entered competitions in Columbus as well and made

Jason Jordan and the solar panel invention
Jason Jordan and the solar panel invention

it to the top round before the competition was postponed due to COVID. Though the pandemic threw a wrench into his plans, Jordan continues to move forward. He signed up with the CleanTechOpen, a small business incubator that has helped train 1,600 clean technology start-up entrepreneurs and helped create 3,000 green jobs. He’s working toward a global competition in October where competitors meet with investors. He’s hoping that will help him get the capital to move his company forward.

Jordan has found local mentors and coaches to help him work on marketing, business planning, sales, and more. “Marion is rich in knowledge and people who know how to get things done. It is one thing to build a new invention. It’s another to build a company,” Jordan said.
Jordan is working on improving his portable solar panel as well as ways to store excess energy or share it with a neighbor. He sees electric utilities as partners as everyone works to conserve energy

“Marion has a long history of invention and industry – from Edward Huber revolutionizing agriculture with his hay rakes to the crawler transporters to launch astronauts into space, Marion has changed the world. Jason Jordan is another in this line of inventors. I’m confident he will also make history!“ said Gus Comstock with Marion CAN DO!

It was from the 2016-17 Leadership Marion class, sponsored through the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, that the Forge classes at MTC got their start, helping Marion build their entrepreneurial businesses.” said Matt Carbary, president of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce. “It is very exciting to see JEA join so many other successful businesses and nonprofits sparked from The Forge. Jason is promoting business creation potential here in Marion and his products will touch lives around the U.S.!”

While Jordan burns the midnight oil working on his new business after working all day at Whirlpool, he looks forward to the future while crediting Marion with the push he needs to get started. “I’m moving forward because of Marion Technical College, The Forge, and the Chamber of Commerce. Without them, it would still just be an idea on a shelf!” For more information about Jason’s invention and business plans, visit his website.

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • Waldo Pool celebrating 40 years

    In 1977, a group of individuals had a vision of a community pool for the Village of Waldo. In 1978, they proposed a campaign of “Swim with Waldo,” a theme that has stayed with the pool. Through years of fundraising including chicken barbecues, community garage sales, pledges, “Swim with Waldo” t-shirts sales, and many volunteer […]Read More »
  • Marion Health Department

    AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE The responsibility of the Marion County Health Department reaches far and wide. To start, the organization oversees inspections of restaurants, grocery stores, and temporary food. Further, the department handles birth and death/burial records, public pools and spas, WIC, schools and safety, nuisance complaints, and more. […]Read More »
  • Local Entrepreneurs Awarded $7,500 in Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition

    Nine entrepreneurs competed for thousands of dollars in prizes at the Alluvial Private Wealth Forge Competition on Oct. 8. Six winners won prize money to start or grow their businesses, thanks to three generous local sponsors: Alluvial Private Wealth; Gary Ferriman, owner of Showplace Rent-to-Own; and Steve and Brenda Johnston. In addition, all finalists received […]Read More »
  • St. Mary Catholic Church

    When Eber Baker founded Marion in 1822, a handful of Catholics lived in the area. By 1844, with a Catholic population of 100, Marion became a mission site and circuit-riding priests celebrated Masses in private homes. In 1854, the Huber Shop on Mill Street became the first permanent place of worship. On land purchased by […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image