Solarize Upper Valley has helped residents in 24 towns go solar - over 300 residents to date and over 450 expected by the end of the year. What's the secret to their success? Join us to find out. We'll hear from Vital Communities, the nonprofit responsible for coordinating Solarize Upper Valley, as well as the volunteer-installer team who brought Solarize to Randolph, Brookfield, and Braintree last winter. Many communities are launching Solarize campaigns across the Northeast, yours could be next.
Presenters:
Sarah Simonds, Vital Communities
Sarah Simonds manages the Energy Program at Vital Communities, a non-profit organization serving the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Through her work, Sarah engages businesses, municipalities, and volunteer energy groups to move the Upper Valley toward energy independence. Since 2013, Sarah has led the development and successful launch of Solarize Upper Valley, partnering with 15 towns to help over 300 residents go solar.
Kevin McCollister, Catamount Solar
Kevin McCollister is a founding partner of Catamount Solar, a full service solar design and installation company based in Randolph, VT. Prior to forming that company he was the senior project manager for commercial PV installations at groSolar and Northern Power, and managed all aspects of installations for projects up to 1MW in size. Kevin has more than 10 years experience in the Vermont solar industry. Prior to working in solar, McCollister spent 10 years managing environmentally-based community development projects in Russia.
Pete Thoenen, Randolph Energy Committee
Pete Thoenen has been a member of the Randolph, Vermont Energy Advisory Committee since 2012. He led local volunteer efforts for the Vermont Home Energy Challenge and Solarize Randolph Braintree Brookfield programs. Currently he is organizing a 150 kW community solar farm in Randolph. Pete has a professional background in product development for both solar energy equipment and high efficiency residential heating systems. He is a BPI certified building energy analyst, Vermont licensed plumber, specialist electrician and gas technician. His day job: boiler technical Sales manager for Rinnai America.