Primo Energy

Primo Energy produces alternative energy systems that incorporate wind, solar and batteries for a complete nanogrid operation.

(formerly Primo Wind)

Primo Energy in the News

Meet Primo Energy

Primo started with the idea to improve micro wind turbine efficiency. We soon realized for off grid power and last mile installations a hybrid system is the best choice. So now all our systems are made up of wind, solar, and batteries in several configurations that serve expeditionary power for the military, disaster relief, park and community designs and even a model for students to assemble in a classroom with full curriculum from 3rd to 12th grade.

Why is your company the best option to solve the problem you're solving?

Primo fits a niche, a big niche, where portable power is needed but with enough power to really be useful. Small turbines or solar alone are not enough power. Our systems power storage start at 2.7kW/hrs and wind and solar is continually filling up the storage. This power is useable for many applications from lighting and charging to pumping water.

What nuggets of info make you interesting? Why do people care about what you're doing?

There are still about 1 billion people on the planet with no access to power. Imagine that! When the sun goes down there is no more productivity and fear creeps in. Primo can eliminate these issues with inexpensive renewable power products. In areas where there was power but is now gone from a hurricane or other disaster Primo provides power for security or to keep medicine refrigerated. We are a San Diego company so we design and build our products right here in San Diego.

What else do you want us to know?

Energy is critical to everything we do. We walk in a room, flip a light switch and expect the light to work. We are upset if it doesn't and we really don't know where the power comes from - a gas fired power plant, a wind farm, solar panels? Who cares we want light!||Now consider climate change and all the mandates for renewable energy. Renwables will provide power but also lower carbon emissions, ocean acidification, sea level rise an more. Primo isn't THE solution but it is part of the solution.||Finally education is the key. So if your plan if for 1 year plant rice, if your plan is for 10 years plant trees, but if your plan is for 100 years educate children.

BEHIND THE COMPANY

CEO/Founder: Ned McMahon

What one book, podcast, newsletter, etc. do you recommend to other entrepreneurs? Why?

I would recommend something like ""The Song of The Bird"" by Anthony de Mello. It keeps me grounded.

What is your company's secret sauce?

Primo spent the first few years working to develop a better micro wind turbine and through nearly 100 prototypes we finally developed a blade and rotor system that delivers power as soon as it starts spinning in as little as 5 mph. We now have 12 patents around this system.

What inspired you to start/run this company?

I have been a sailor all my life and I knew how to use the wind to make a boat go. I knew Venturi and Bernoulli. I thought we could do a better job with the free power of the wind so why not.

What's the best entrepreneurial advice you've received?

Cash is King! I wish I listened to this a bit better as there been lean times through the process.

What's the worst entrepreneurial advice you've received?

Cash is King! This also distracts from why we are doing this in the first place. Everyone wants to make money and have a return - that's a given - but its what we can do beyond that which is the most rewarding.

What sets your company culture apart?

Primo is creative with design. We are practical when needed and put in the aesthetics when needed too. We have a small team of fabricators, engineers, and sales working together to deliver the right product for the right use.