When E2 Solar’s co-owner Kelli Hewitt sat down at the kick-off ceremony for the 2014 SolarWorld Installer Summit in late August, she didn’t expect to be a topic of conversation. Within a few minutes, however, Kelli was invited on stage to be honored with the John W. “Bill” Yerkes Award for Outstanding Female Solar Business Owner.
John “Bill” Yerkes is regarded as a founder and pioneer of the modern solar industry. During his 50-year career as an engineer, entrepreneur and solar visionary, he helped to drive solar power into the mainstream and create the industry we know today.
Yerkes began his career developing solar cells for NASA, leading the team that built the solar array that Apollo 11 left behind on the moon. In 1975, Yerkes formed Solar Technology International (STI), a start-up that would later become ARCO Solar, and eventually SolarWorld Industry Americas. Over the next four decades, Yerke’s innovation and leadership helped SolarWorld to become the largest and most widely-respected solar panel manufacturers in the United States.
The John W. “Bill” Yerkes Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the solar industry. As the recipient of the award for Outstanding Female Solar Business Owner, a few aspects of Kelli’s career were highlighted, including:
• Being one of the few hands-on female owners in the industry.
• Leading and growing E2 Solar for almost 10 years, all while exemplifying passion, success, dedication, and business ethics.
• Building and living sustainably in an off-grid, straw bale home.
• Kelli’s passion and dedication has helped shape E2 Solar into the company we are today. Her drive and leadership continue to move us towards a thriving future.
In the spirit of dedication and a thriving future, E2 Solar recently launched Homegrown Energy campaign. Here’s how it works: with the purchase of any solar photovoltaic system through the end of 2014, E2 Solar will donate one percent of the sales price to the homeowner’s choice of one of two local non-profits: Central Oregon Locavore, or Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA).
Purchases of a solar system between now and October 15 will also receive a $500 discount off their system price.
