CEDAR RAPIDS — The merger of two Corridor electrical contractors will increase the pool of electricians handling “green energy” installations.

Pfoff Electric of Marion, owned by Stan Pfoff, on Oct. 1 merged with Nelson Electric, 618 14th Ave. SW. Nelson Electric is a 43-year-old company that has worked on many residential, commercial and industrial projects including the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo.

Jim Jones, vice president of operations at Nelson Electric, said Stan Pfoff and six electricians employed by Pfoff Electric joined Nelson Electric after the merger. Jones said the seven electricians brings Nelson Electric ‘s employment to 86 people and expands the company’s base of green energy expertise.

“Stan’s company brings strength to Nelson Electric in things that we already do,” Jones said. “He’s also been doing a lot of green energy products like wind and solar, which really helps us with that side of the business.”

Jones said there is growing interest in solar energy, both commercial and residential.

“We have been doing a ton of solar energy projects since Stan and his crew joined the company,” Jones said. “There are a lot of folks who are looking at solar from the residential viewpoint. As the cost of the solar panels declines and the efficiency improves, I would expect the interest to continue to develop.”