LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The solar stars were out in force last night at the Solar Power World Top 400 Solar Contractors Gala, which kicked off Solar Power International (SPI) last night in Las Vegas. Co-hosted by Solar Power World and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), contractors from across the country packed the Juniper Ballroom at the Aria Resort & Casino to celebrate the excellence and explosive growth of the solar industry and the role they play in it. These best-in-class companies were recognized for their respective leadership in the following categories:
Top Contractor Overall / Top Utility-Scale / Top EPC
First Solar: By integrating technologies and expertise across the entire solar value chain, First Solar delivers bankable PV energy solutions that can maximize the value of customers’ PV investment while minimizing their risk. With over 8 GW installed worldwide, First Solar has developed, financed, engineered, constructed and operated some of the world’s largest and most successful PV power plants in existence.
Top Commercial-Scale Contractor
Gehrlicher Solar: Gehrlicher Solar America Corp (GSAC) is a fast-growing EPC providing high performance utility-scale, distributed generation systems and Power Purchase Agreements to utilities, developers, municipalities, educational institutions and commercial customers. Through 2013 GSAC has completed some 115 MW of projects across the U.S. and has expanded into Latin America.
Top Residential-Scale / Top Rooftop Contractor
SolarCity: SolarCity gives customers control of their energy costs to protect them from rising rates. The company offers solar power, energy efficiency and electric vehicle services, and makes clean energy easy by taking care of everything from design and permitting to monitoring and maintenance. SolarCity currently serves 14 states, has over 567 MW total installed and signs a new customer every three minutes.
Top Construction Firm
Sunstall: Sunstall provides effective and efficient ramming services by leveraging German-approved technologies and has over 108 MW currently installed. The company provides outstanding flexibility on all terrains and best-in-class speed piling due to less heavy equipment. Sunstall's specialties include solar pile driving services, engineering and project management for solar projects, solar installation and maintenance, solar consultancy services, and solar tracker installation.
Top Developer
NRG Energy: From large-scale solar generating facilities to installations on commerce rooftops, NRG Solar owns and operates more than 1,200 MW of solar capacity. The company also boasts the world's largest solar thermal project, which resides in the Mojave Desert. NRG Energy's Ivanpah Project uses its 347,000 sun-facing mirrors to generate energy for 140,000 California homes.
Top Electrical Subcontractor
CSI Electrical: CSI Electrical Contractors consists of constructors with more than 20 years of experience and 378 MW installed. The company brings expertise in the design, installation and maintenance of solar energy solutions. CSI’s consultative style and integrated approach are enhanced by the high levels of service and professionalism from a firm clients count on to remain in business, far into the future.
Top Off-Grid Contractor
Sunstore Solar: Sunstore Solar is a family-owned and operated business. Its founder, Bruce Wood, started the first solar company in 1976. Its services include: Grid-tied solar electric systems, secure power systems, solar water heating, and design and consultation. Sunstore Solar is OSHA certified and has an A+ Better Business rating.
For Outstanding Philanthropy – The Brian D. Robertson (BDR) Solar Schools Memorial Fund Award
Everybody Solar: Everybody Solar works to protect the environment and strengthen U.S. communities through solar energy projects. By providing solar power to local charities we help them reduce electricity costs and direct their limited resources to the communities they serve.
Rhone Resch, president and CEO of SEIA, explained the importance of the event in showing the rest of the country what the united strength of the industry looks like.
“If we band together, I believe that we can continue this tremendous growth,” Resch says. “You, the top contractors in solar today, will enjoy many more years of success and leadership across the country.”
About WTWH Media, LLC.
Founded in 2006, WTWH Media is a Business-to-Business media company serving the renewable energy and design engineering markets with four print publications, 40 web sites, 80+ on demand / live webinars and a leading social media reach with more than 700,000 registered users accessing over 4 million page views monthly. More information at marketing.wtwhmedia.com.
