The Installation Category honors the precision, innovation, and commitment of professionals and teams dedicated to the solar installation process. In an industry that demands high standards and meticulous attention to detail, these specialists excel in executing complex projects, ensuring safety, and optimizing performance. Their expertise in deploying solar technology effectively transforms blueprints into functional, efficient energy systems that power homes, businesses, and communities.

These awards celebrate the installers who go above and beyond in their field, setting the standards for quality and efficiency in solar energy systems. By recognizing these exceptional talents, we underscore their vital role in advancing the solar industry and in making renewable energy accessible and reliable for all. Join us in celebrating the skilled hands and sharp minds that are building the infrastructure for a sustainable future.

Excellence In Installation Awards

Project of the Year

The Project of the Year Award is designed to showcase and honor the most visually compelling and technically proficient photovoltaic (PV) installations in the solar industry. This award celebrates the artistry, skill, and precision that go into executing a flawless solar project. To be considered for this prestigious accolade, participants must submit a series of photos highlighting their best PV installation.

Installer of the Year

The Best Installer of the Year Award recognizes exceptional solar installation companies that set the gold standard in industry practices, community involvement, leadership, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance. This prestigious award is dedicated to installers who not only excel in their technical capabilities but also embody the values of social responsibility, ethical leadership, and innovation.

Excellence in Operational Efficiency

The Operational Efficiency Award is designed to recognize solar installers who demonstrate exceptional efficiency and quality in their operations. This prestigious award evaluates contenders based on their speed of installation, operational processes, customer satisfaction as reflected in BBB ratings and reviews, and their management of clawbacks.

Best Interconnection (Tie-In)

The Best Interconnection (Tie-In) Award recognizes solar installers who exemplify excellence in the execution of interconnection points within solar installations. This award focuses on the quality, compliance, and aesthetics of the tie-in process, underscoring the importance of safety, efficiency, and visual integration in solar projects.

Excellence in Vehicle Outfitting

We are currently seeking submissions for our esteemed awards, focusing on exceptional organizational and operational efficiency within solar installation vehicles. Our goal is to highlight and celebrate the best practices in vehicle organization that contribute significantly to the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of solar installation projects.

Installation Committee

Cody Oram is a solar operations professional who has been in the solar industry for the last 13 years. He is currently the Vice President of Compliance and Chief Master Electrician at Lumio. Before joining Lumio, Cody helped launch the operations team at Vivint Solar and remained there until 2022. During his time at Vivint Solar, he was part of the core team that took the company from a small solar startup to a publicly traded industry leader valued at 3.2 billion dollars when acquired by Sunrun.

Cody is a master electrician by trade and is licensed in 33 states. As a tradesman, his focus for the last decade has been on the development of tradespeople in the Solar Industry. Cody has spent a significant amount of time working with trade associations like SEIA to create the quality standards that are used throughout the solar industry today. Having direct oversight over Install Quality, Field Training, and Safety allows him to push each tradesperson to develop their skillset and advance their careers.Cody lives in UT with his wife and their 6 children. Outside of work he enjoys restoring cars and motorcycles, is an avid BBQ enthusiast, and loves watching live music.

Jennifer McKeon is the Product Development Manager at Ohm Analytics, a leading data analytics and research platform in the U.S. that specializes in tracking the electrification and adoption of clean energy. Her role is pivotal in providing real-time visibility into the trends of U.S. solar and energy storage, leveraging her strong background in Mechanical Engineering and data analytics to drive innovation and deliver valuable insights.

As a dedicated member of the Excellence in Solar Awards Committee, Jennifer applies her data-driven expertise to enhance the award selection process, ensuring that the recognitions are grounded in accurate and meaningful analysis. Her involvement underscores the commitment to honoring genuine achievement and promoting informed decision-making in the solar industry.

Lee Hatley is a seasoned professional in the solar industry, holding 18 Master Electrician Licenses and the esteemed NABCEP PV Pro certification. As a co-inventor of the EZ Solar junction box and holder of 7 U.S. patents related to solar technology, Lee's contributions to the field are both innovative and impactful. His career began in 2010 as a Jr. Installer at SolarCity, and over the years, he has ascended through the ranks, serving in various capacities from electrician to executive, significantly influencing the growth of some of the largest installation companies in the industry.

Lee's expertise extends beyond installations; he has provided consultancy services to an array of entities within the solar sector, including racking manufacturers, lending and acquisition companies, and multiple EPCs. His fervor for enhancing industry standards is evident in his creation of Shaolin Solar, a set of training materials that have garnered endorsements from prominent companies like Enphase, Pegasus, EZ Solar Products, and Unirac. Driven by a commitment to quality and efficiency, Lee Hatley continues to shape the solar industry by developing processes that benefit customers, installers, and sales representatives alike, ensuring a superior product and advancing the industry's overall standard.

Justin Coonrod's journey in the renewable energy sector is a testament to his unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise. With 14 years of experience, Justin began his career as a Site Surveyor at SolarCity, where his passion for renewable energy and attention to detail propelled him into the role of an electrician. His time at SolarCity was marked by continual growth, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors. Transitioning to Solar4America as a state superintendent for Arizona, Justin showcased his leadership by overseeing operations with precision. Recognizing the potential at Titan Solar Power, Justin worked his way up to National Install Manager and played a pivotal role in scaling them from 7 to 185 install teams nationwide.

After departing from Titan Solar Power, Justin took on a significant role at LGCY as the VP of Strategic Operations before ultimately joining Suntria as Vice President of Field Operations. This marked a new chapter in Justin's career, where he leveraged his vast industry knowledge and leadership skills to drive Suntria's growth and success. Justin's relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in his pursuit of mastery, holding Master electrician licenses in multiple states and actively pursuing additional certifications. His remarkable trajectory serves as an inspiration, embodying innovation, perseverance, and leadership in shaping the future of renewable energy at Suntria and beyond.

Steve Buchmiller is a trailblazing figure in solar operations and the beloved COO of RDCL Services. As a co-founder, Steve spearheaded the rapid growth of a national solar enterprise, assembling a powerhouse team of over 600 professionals across 18 states. Under his visionary leadership, they successfully installed solar in over 15,000 homes, delivering an impressive 100 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. Steve's expertise doesn't stop there—he played a pivotal role in orchestrating the merger of five solar companies, catapulting them into a billion-dollar organization that at its operational height, performed over 500 residential installations weekly. His remarkable achievements are a testament to his unparalleled leadership and innovation in the industry, setting him apart as a true pioneer in solar operations.