Recently, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) honored national award winners for the Best of 2015 in renewable energy and energy efficiency. Celebrating 22 years of recognizing exemplary people, projects and programs, this year’s winners in each competitive category were selected by more than 1,500 online voters. IREC 3iAward recipients were recognized during an awards ceremony at Solar Power International.
“Through these awards – celebrating Innovation, Ingenuity and Inspiration – we’re proud to recognize individuals, programs and projects that are leading the way to a cleaner energy future,” said IREC Vice Chair Larry Shirley. “Their work is setting new standards – creating solutions to today’s complex renewable energy and energy efficiency challenges – changing communities and our national energy landscape in the process,” added Ken Jurman, IREC board member and chair of the 3iAwards Committee.
“We are very excited to honor some truly extraordinary individuals today,” said IREC President/CEO Jane Weissman. “They are among our nation’s most important energy trailblazers, visionaries, quiet leaders making a very real difference. We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire others to build on their successes.”
IREC 3iAwards are presented for: State & Local Government Project of the Year, Community Renewables Project of the Year, Closing the Divide Between Efficiency and Renewables, IREC Accredited Training Provider of the Year, and IREC Certified Trainer of the Year.
IREC Certified Clean Energy Trainer of the Year
Kelly Larson – Solar Energy International (SEI)
Kelly Larson, an instructor for Solar Energy International since 1999, is an
IREC Certified Master Trainer, a NABCEP PV Certified Installation Professional, and a California licensed electrical contractor. A veteran herself, Kelly is lead instructor for SEI’s Solar Ready Vets program, training exiting military personnel to enter the solar industry. With a contagious passion for solar energy, Kelly is a patient instructor who teaches industry best practices, helping build a stronger solar workforce.
IREC Accredited Clean Energy Training Provider of the Year
Solar Energy International (SEI)
An innovative nonprofit educational organization founded in 1991, Solar Energy International has provided industry-leading technical training and expertise in renewable energy to more than 40,000 individuals worldwide, empowering people, communities and businesses. It is the lead training institution for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Ready Vets pilot program.
IREC‘s 2015 Action Heroes
Presented by IREC President/CEO Jane Weissman
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Kathy Swartz is a quiet giant of a leader. Her steady resolve to achieve excellence in training is the reason Kathy is an
IREC Action Hero. As the executive director of Solar Energy International, she has proven that quality training pays off.
IREC has worked with Kathy for many years and her leadership and expertise as part of the Solar Instructor Training Network spread success throughout the country.
About IREC
IREC is a nationally recognized thought leader, stakeholder coordinator, expert resource and facilitator of regulatory reform. Our work expands consumer access to clean energy; generates information and objective analysis grounded in best practices and standards; and leads national efforts to build a quality- trained clean energy workforce, including a unique credentialing program for training programs and instructors. IREC‘s programs and policies benefit consumers, policymakers, utilities and the clean energy industry.
IREC is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors and program funder support.Â
Kelly Larson, an instructor for Solar Energy International since 1999, is an IREC Certified Master Trainer, a NABCEP PV Certified Installation Professional, and a California licensed electrical contractor. A veteran herself, Kelly is lead instructor for SEI’s Solar Ready Vets program, training exiting military personnel to enter the solar industry. With a contagious passion for solar energy, Kelly is a patient instructor who teaches industry best practices, helping build a stronger solar workforce.
Kathy Swartz is a quiet giant of a leader. Her steady resolve to achieve excellence in training is the reason Kathy is an IREC Action Hero. As the executive director of Solar Energy International, she has proven that quality training pays off. IREC has worked with Kathy for many years and her leadership and expertise as part of the Solar Instructor Training Network spread success throughout the country.
