Three-hundred-fifty solar professionals, representing more than 110 solar installation and development companies, celebrated Monday, September 14, 2015, at the Top 500 Solar Contractors Gala. The annual event recognizes solar contractors listed on the Solar Power World Top 500 Solar Contractors list for their contribution and dedication to the solar industry.
Held at the Hilton Anaheim, the Gala included networking, dinner and awards. The president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Rhone Resch, opened the night with stirring remarks on the necessity of the ITC extension and the achievements of attendees.
Solar Power World editors Kathie Zipp and Kelly Pickerel presented contractors at the top of various categories in the Top 500 issue with crystal awards onstage. Awards included:
- Top Hot Water Installer: Solar Source
- Top Construction Firm: Arraycon
- Top Rooftop & Residential Contractor: SolarCity
- Top EPC: Mortenson Construction
- Top Electrical Subcontractor: E Light Electrical Services
- Top Off-Grid Contractor: SEPCO
- Top Commercial-Scale Contractor: HB White Canada
- Top Utility-Scale Contractor, Developer and Overall: First Solar
Representatives from the Brian D. Roberston Solar Schools Memorial Fund Award, a project of The Solar Foundation, recognized installers that have carried on Brian’s legacy of education and advocacy for green energy.
Brian Robertson was the CEO at Amonix, Inc., a company specializing in the design and manufacture of utility-scale solar power systems, as well as co-founder of SunEdison. Brian died in a plane crash on December 22, 2011.
“Everyone at this conference knows solar is a good solution for everyone but not everyone has the money to make it happen in their neighborhood,” Brooke Robertson, one of Robertson’s three children, told attendees. “Therefore, it is necessary for the solar industry to give back. Many solar companies are very good at giving back and tonight we have the privilege to acknowledge them.”
Baja Construction sponsored the evening’s opening networking reception. APsystems, formerly APS, sponsored the dinner portion of the night. Solectria sponsored the cocktail reception.
The 2015 Top 500 Solar Contractors Gala was supported by generous solar manufacturers and solar providers:
