We are very pleased to announce another year of steady growth and continued increase in solar projects that add more clean energy to local grid systems. Work in the commercial solar installation industry remained strong in 2022 and the company is looking to grow with new projects in New Hampshire and Maine. With more projects planned for 2023 and 2024, Norwich Solar is prepared to remain a leader in deploying more affordable Solar Power to help New England companies, communities and institutions. These solar projects will help ratepayers manage increasing energy costs and have a positive effect on the region’s climate change and clean energy goals. To support its mission, Norwich Solar has hired several new staff members to manage project development, procurement, construction and maintenance. We added ten new people in total. Six under the Norwich Solar company, and another four under RunTime Solar.
Norwich Solar’s CEO, Jim Merriam says, “In a time where attracting and hiring talented staff is often challenging, we are extremely fortunate to have received many qualified applicants for our open positions. Our reputation as a positive and caring workplace has allowed us to select the best candidates to round out our team.”
Earlier in the year we welcomed Jo Anna Young as the new Project Development Coordinator. With an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies from Western Kentucky University and just over seven years of paralegal, customer service, and executive support experience, Jo is now coordinating Norwich’s sustainable energy projects. Diana Wood brings 20+ years of experience in comprehensive brand communications and design to support the company as the new Director of Marketing and Outreach. Stefan Isenberg will use his background in trucking, logistics and heavy equipment operation as the Operations Assistant based out of the company’s Windsor Technology Park location. Mike Pepe, the new Project Manager, worked for many years implementing industrial measurement systems around the world. He looks forward to applying his experience in project management to help grow local solar. Simon Leavitt joined Norwich Solar as Director of Engineering. With a lifelong interest in renewable energy he is excited to support the engineering team while drawing on his background in manufacturing and quality systems. Geoff Martin is the new Development Project Manager and joins the company after working for more than two years as the Regional Energy Coordinator at Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission.
Martha Staskus, Chief Development Officer, comments that, “The company is very excited about the addition of these talented and experienced people. Norwich Solar is now better prepared to manage the sometimes complex process of bringing solar projects in New England to fruition. Each person in our company brings enthusiasm and unique expertise that support our mission to address the growing need for locally produced clean energy to help ratepayers manage the increasing costs of electricity.”
We are also excited to announce that RunTime Solar has significantly expanded our team this year, by hiring four new full-time staff members, increasing the company’s capacity for unparalleled service in solar optimization and management (O&M). This crew also sometimes helps with solar installation projects.
The company welcomed Dustin Spence as the Case Manager to the team. He brings several years of experience in the residential solar industry and is a Certified Associate in Project Management. Robert Dunn joined the crew as a new Solar Technician. He has a B.A. in Renewable Energy and Ecological Design and just received his Journeyman and Solar License. He has loads of experience in solar in the Green Mountain State. Matthew Burhans is a new Field Technician, and has previously worked for one of Vermont’s largest solar companies, bringing his years of experience to RunTime. Brodie Sandquist left his business as a mushroom grower to join the team as the Assistant Field Technician in order to pursue his interest in solar and hopes to gain years of training with Norwich Technologies and RunTime Solar.
In early 2023, Tom Murphy was hired as a Senior O&M Technician. Tom is an experienced solar installer and electrician. Part of Tom’s goal while working at RunTime is to acquire a Master Electrician license and contribute to the growth and development of the Electrical Apprenticeship program.
General Manager, Dan Kinney is excited about the changes and says, “RunTime Solar will be able to better meet our high level of service thanks to the addition of these experienced new people on our team. These full-time positions are a good example of RunTime and Norwich Technologies’ commitment to supporting local jobs and people.”
Norwich Technologies has been voted as one of the top 50 Best Places to Work in Vermont in 2020 and 2021 by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. We take pride in providing a rewarding and supportive workplace that gives employees optimal working conditions and good benefits. The company is also competitive in the solar industry and is ranked among the top solar contractors in the country by Solar Power World magazine for four years in a row.