The Manufacturing Category recognizes the innovators and leaders in solar product manufacturing who drive the industry forward with advanced technologies and sustainable practices. These professionals and companies excel in creating high-quality, durable solar products that enhance energy conversion efficiency and withstand the test of time. Their commitment to innovation ensures that the solar industry continues to evolve, offering more effective solutions for global energy needs.

This award underscores the significant contributions of manufacturers who not only meet but redefine industry standards, ensuring the production of superior solar modules, inverters, and related technologies. Join us in acknowledging the creators and builders whose products power the global shift towards sustainable energy.

Excellence In Manufacturing Awards

Excellence in Solar Modules

Excellence in Mods Award is a prestigious recognition designed to honor the standout solar panel modules in the industry, focusing on their contribution to efficiency, reliability, and overall market impact. The criteria for this award are meticulously chosen to highlight modules that not only promise superior performance but also demonstrate a commitment to the U.S. market and excellence in logistics and warranty provisions.

Excellence in Racking Systems

The Excellence in Racking Systems Award aims to recognize superior products and services in the solar industry that support the secure and efficient installation of solar panel modules. This award evaluates entries based on their warranty offerings, the handling of warranty claims, particularly those related to roof leaks, the availability and utility of installer portals or design tools, and the innovation they bring to installations.

Excellence in Storage

The Excellence in Batteries Award recognizes the pinnacle of innovation and quality in home backup battery systems. This award is bestowed upon products that demonstrate superior performance, compatibility, ease of installation, and customer support, ensuring that homeowners have access to reliable and efficient energy storage solutions.

Excellence in Solar Inverters

The Excellence in Inverters Award is designed to honor the best inverter products in the solar energy systems market. This award celebrates manufacturers that excel in product reliability, customer support, and innovative features that set their inverters apart.

Excellence in Smart Home

The Excellence in Smart Home Award aims to recognize outstanding Smart Home systems that seamlessly integrate with modern lifestyles, enhancing convenience, energy efficiency, and home management. This award assesses a range of factors from customer interaction to system functionality, installer requirements, and integration capabilities with solar and battery systems.

Manufacturing Committee

James Wadsworth has been in the solar and electrical industry since 2010. James began his professional career as an Industrial electrician at MKD Electric in Chicago and His Solar Career at Stellar Energy Contractors in Colorado. James went on to work at Titan Solar Power in 2015 where he developed his career, starting as an Electrical Lead on a solar installation crew, quickly becoming the Assistant Director Of Operations until Starting Titan Electrical Services in 2018. James served as the qualifying party and Vice President of operations for TES. In 2022, James left Titan Solar Power and started his own electrical company, First Electric. In just two years, First Electric has become the leading electrical contractor for solar companies in Arizona and continues to provide above-standard work and fair pricing. First Electric has also recently opened operations in Las Vegas, NV. James and his team at First Electric look forward to much more growth in the electrical field and their professional relationships, in the upcoming years.

Lexie Lucas started her career in the solar industry in 2014. As a total solar nerd who is passionate about renewable energy, she strives to make an impact that will leave the industry better than she found it. Throughout her career, Lexie has established two solar companies, supported the launch of two leading solar panel manufacturers, and co-founded the world's first woman-owned solar panel company--and she still has much more work to do within the industry. As the founder and CEO of Sunlink Power, Lexie is focused on connecting each segment in the solar value chain to offer a better ROI and service end-users.

Nate Bendall has over 12 years of experience leading solar EPC and installers, providing efficient, tangible solutions that increase efficiencies and decrease soft costs. He is currently the CEO of Final Mile Solar. He founded Final Mile Solar in 2017 with the idea of bringing real innovative solutions to allow solar EPCs to grow without investments in warehouses, personnel, or fleet vehicles. Final Mile has delivered over 500,000 solar panels in 8 different states across the U.S. They were the first distributor to deliver directly to the roof with their patented roof rack for staging all the equipment on the ridge. He resides in Salt Lake City, UT with his wife and 4 young children. He enjoys coaching his children in basketball and soccer.

Brandan Sirrine is widely recognized for his influential social media brand and marketing company, "Solar Goat," where he has established himself as a prominent voice in the solar industry. Through his engaging content, Brandan discusses new technologies, best practices, and is not shy to address the elephant in the room within the sector. His insights and commentary have not only educated a broad audience but have also sparked meaningful conversations and debates among industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Beyond his online persona as the Solar Goat, Brandan is deeply committed to the hands-on aspect of his work. When he's not active on social media, he's likely to be found on rooftops, diligently working with the solar systems and technologies that captivate him. As the owner and operator of a small repair company, he applies his extensive knowledge and passion to ensure that each project is executed with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Brandan's dual roles allow him to make significant contributions to the solar industry, from raising awareness and sharing knowledge online to making direct, tangible impacts through his repair work. His commitment to excellence and innovation in both realms is what truly sets him apart in the field, as he continues to work tirelessly to make a substantial difference in the solar landscape.

Michelle Phelps has worked in the construction industry for 20+ years with a focus on solar for the past 6 years. She began as Fleet & Safety Director at Titan Solar Power and by the end of 2018 she moved into the role of National Director of Operations. In this role she had oversight of the Purchasing team, as a team they were responsible for ensuring sufficient material for 30 warehouses, totaling approx. 230 MW of material in a year. Between 2019-2022 she strategized with direct and distribution partners for the successful opening of 20 new warehouses. During her time she provided co-leadership of the Regional Ops team to help drive the company's overall mission and goal throughout the Nation.

In 2022, Michelle started her role as Director of Material Procurement with Quativa, working with strategic partners to streamline and make quality material available to all Quativa installers. In 2023, Michelle took on additional responsibilities overseeing Supply Chain and Vendor Partnerships for Energy Service Partners.