LGCY Power Expands Residential Solar Business Through National Homebuilder Partnerships

Dr. Steven Ashby, director of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, announced his intention to step aside and make way for PNNL’s next visionary leader. This month marks Ashby’s tenth year as director, culminating 41 years of service to the important missions of the Department of Energy, among his many notable contributions.

Ashby, who has served as director of PNNL since 2015, oversees PNNL’s $1.6 billion research budget and approximately 6,400 employees of Battelle, which manages PNNL for DOE. He will remain as director until his successor is in place.

“When I began my career with DOE as a graduate student, I never imagined that I would have the honor of leading one of its great national laboratories. It has been the highlight of my career,” said Ashby. “I am proud of all that we have accomplished, and I look forward to watching PNNL continue to thrive and deliver amazing outcomes for our nation.”

Ashby’s leadership of PNNL over the last decade has delivered unprecedented growth in the Laboratory’s research portfolio, new strategic partnerships, a modern campus with new facilities, and increased recognition as a leading scientific institution.

A top priority of Ashby’s as director was to further strengthen the Laboratory’s world-class capabilities in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology, and data science that underpin many important scientific contributions. He also honed and executed a strategy to advance scientific discovery, improve energy resiliency, and enhance national security. Grounded in a firm belief that the biggest challenges cannot be solved alone, Ashby forged several strategic partnerships, including six joint institutes with five leading universities.

During his tenure, Ashby led a $1 billion decadal campus transformation that modernized aging infrastructure and delivered new, world-class research facilities, including the Energy Sciences Center and Grid Storage Launchpad. His commitment to operational excellence is reflected in PNNL’s consistent rating as a top-performing DOE laboratory. And he has proudly represented Battelle and its commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism and STEM education for the betterment of the communities in which staff at PNNL live and work.

Once his successor is on board, Ashby will assume a new leadership position with Battelle as senior vice president of Strategic Partnerships to help manage the portfolio of Battelle-affiliated laboratories.

“As Battelle’s longest-tenured laboratory director, Steve has built a remarkable legacy of scientific discovery that has contributed to the advancement of our nation’s health, safety and prosperity,” Battelle President and CEO Lou Von Thaer said. “We are grateful to Steve for his decade of leadership at PNNL and look forward to further benefitting from his knowledge and expertise as he takes on an expanded role with our national laboratory operations team.”

Battelle will lead a national search for the next laboratory director at PNNL expected to take four to eight months.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory | https://www.pnnl.gov/

Integrated Power Services (IPS), a leading provider of electrical, mechanical, and power management systems, has named John Burant to the position of Market General Manager for Mining. “This reflects the increased focus IPS has placed on supporting customers in the mineral, mined fuel, and fertilizer markets,” said John Zuleger, IPS President and CEO. “Together with recent acquisitions in key mining areas, including the Western US, Canada, Illinois, Appalachian coal regions, and the Southeastern US, Burant will help IPS deliver exceptional aftermarket power management and electromechanical service solutions to improve efficiency and reliability for mining customers.”

Burant joined IPS in November 2024, as Business Development Director for Mining. Prior to his joining IPS, Burant enjoyed a remarkable 37-year career, largely in mining services and equipment supply. Most recently, Burant worked for Caterpillar as new product development leader for its energy transition business, which was focused on the electrification of traditionally fuel-driven mining equipment and processes. Prior to Caterpillar, Burant worked for 11 years at Flanders Inc. with roles in engineering, product and business development, where he led the launch and business growth from the sale of numerous equipment and service innovations for markets in North America and globally. Burant’s career also included time in engineering with P&H/Komatsu. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and received a master’s in engineering management (MSEM) from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

“I’m committed to providing unparalleled support to mining customers,” said Burant. “IPS has created a powerful operational network, with the largest base of engineers, electricians, and technicians. With virtually immediate access to equipment, service, and solutions, we can deliver exceptional responsiveness. This is an exciting time to be in the mining industry.” 

Global trade policy changes are expected to result in significant capacity expansions in mined minerals and commodities in North America. “IPS is positioned to further support this critical industry, with significant acquisitions over the last three years to build a service network in proximity to all of the key mining regions in North America,” added Zuleger. “Operating from more than 95 locations across the U.S. and Canada, IPS provides end-to-end services for the efficient use of electricity, from substation, transformer and transmission services, standby power generation solutions, and power engineering services, to switchgear and breakers, motor control centers, drives and starters, electric motor and generator services, and pump and rotating equipment solutions.”

Integrated Power Services | www.ips.us

The 2025 NAWEA/WindTech Conference, co-hosted by Sandia National Laboratories and the University of Texas at Dallas, is now accepting abstract submissions. NAWEA/WindTech 2025 will take place in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 15 - 17, 2025, with a Graduate Student Symposium, educational events, and other side meetings taking place Oct. 13 – 14, 2025.

Organizers encourage novel contributions from wind energy students, faculty members, researchers, industry, and governmental representatives from around the world to apply.

Those interested in presenting their research at the conference will need to submit an up to three-page abstract for podium or poster presentation using the Word or LaTeX template by May 17, 2025. The Scientific Committee will review submitted abstracts and notify authors of acceptance by mid-July 2025. Abstracts can be submitted in any of the following track topics:

Airborne Wind

Atmospheric Science

Blade Design, Materials & Manufacturing

Controls

Cybersecurity Resilience

Digitalization, AI, Machine Learning

Distributed Wind

Education and Workforce Development

Environment

Experiments and Instrumentation

Extreme Weather

Grid Integration

Hybrids and Power to X

Infrastructure, Supply Chain and Policy

Ocean Sciences

Offshore Wind Technologies

Reliability, Operations & Maintenance

Rotor Aerodynamics & Aeroelasticity

Social Science

Systems Engineering

Wake Modeling

Wind Plant Modeling

The 2025 conference theme is focused on enabling affordability, security, reliability and energy resilience through research and technology development in wind energy.

Authors accepted for an oral presentation are invited to submit a full paper for review and possible publication in Wind Energy Science (WES). NAWEA/WindTech 2025 papers will have their publication charges reduced by 20%. Submissions are due by Oct. 30, 2025.

The Conference Hosting Committee is looking forward to seeing you in Texas in the fall!

Sandia National Laboratories | www.sandia.gov

NAWEA/WindTech 2025  | naweawindtech2025.org

Commercial operations have commenced at GS Power Partners’ (GSPP) Dorsey Run Solar, a rooftop solar array hosted on an industrial building in Maryland, owned by an account managed by Principal Asset Management. Black Bear Energy facilitated the project in partnership with GSPP from concept to commissioning.  

“Dorsey Run Solar represents a number of important milestones for GSPP. It was our first project in Maryland, and marks over 8 megawatts (MW) of installed solar in collaboration with Black Bear Energy. Additionally, it underscores the strength of our long-term partnership with Neighborhood Sun,” remarked Amanda Zurla, Chief Development Officer of GS Power Partners. “Finding partners who can grow with us while providing value to our community solar subscribers is critical to our mission. We found those attributes in Black Bear and Neighborhood Sun. While expanding our presence in the state of Maryland and the Northeast region, we will continue to deliver the economic and environmental benefits of solar energy for decades to come.”

“We are thrilled to add this project to our portfolio of solar installations across the country,” commented Jennifer McConkey, Managing Director of ESG and Operations for real estate at Principal Asset Management.  “It demonstrates both the commitment of Principal Real Estate to net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and our focus to support the local community.”  

In addition to supplying low-cost renewable power to households in the region, Dorsey Run contributes to Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Program, established in 2004 to capture the economic, environmental, fuel diversity, and security benefits of renewable energy. Maryland’s RPS Program mandates that by 2030, 50% of the state’s power must come from renewable generation sources.

“We are pleased to announce this news with GSPP, an industry leader in community solar,” said Drew Torbin, Founder and President of Black Bear Energy. “This partnership demonstrates how our collaborative business model successfully brings clean and affordable renewable energy to underserved populations in Maryland. We are looking forward to announcing additional projects in the future.”

Solar Landscape, a leading commercial and community solar developer in the U.S., was the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) provider. Neighborhood Sun provides the community solar subscriber management services to local households, many of which are low- and moderate-income residents who will receive a discount on their electricity.

GS Power Partners | www.gspowerpartners.com

Principal Asset Management | www.principalam.com  

Black Bear Energy | https://www.blackbearenergy.com/

Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure (“KSI”), a nationally recognized leader of the energy transition, has commenced operation of five new solar projects totaling 21 megawatts (MW) across New York and New Hampshire materially contributing to the surging demand for new energy sources in an “All-of-the-Above” energy strategy. The portfolio includes sites ranging from 1.4 MW to 6.5 MW-DC increasing KSI’s impressive track record of completing over 100 MW across seven states. 

“This portfolio builds on KSI’s core mission, which is to produce clean power in the immediate vicinity where it is used by municipalities, businesses and households, while investing in local companies and communities,” said KSI Co-Founder and Managing Director John Chaimanis. “Our site selection includes a capped landfill and other parcels that contribute meaningfully to local landowners. Along with our development partners, the KSI team worked closely with towns, local electric utilities, engineers, electricians, contractors, attorneys, and other professionals to get these projects built and operating. Literally hundreds of people end up touching each of these projects in one way or another.”

The power from KSI’s projects provide bill savings to a variety of off-takers. “The impact of this portfolio is meaningful and direct,” commented KSI Co-Founder and Managing Director Ken Lehman. “Our off-takers include a Fortune 500 company with over 45,000 employees, low-income housing facilities, a city library, small and medium sized businesses and over 800 households, including middle, moderate and low-income. All are lowering their energy costs, which is always a welcome impact for the communities we serve.”

Eight additional KSI projects are under active construction, with several more to begin construction this year. KSI has now built and operated 75 projects across seven states (NY, NJ, CA, VT, NH, RI and OR) totaling 112 MWs.

Kendall Sustainable Infrastructure | https://www.kendallsustainableinfrastructure.com

In a landmark opportunity for renewable energy professionals, Silicon Valley Disposition (SVD) has announced a major global online auction event featuring more than $17 million in brand-new surplus solar and energy storage equipment from industry leader Sunnova Energy.

The two-part auction will take place:

Auction #1: April 28th—30th
Auction #2: May 6th—8th

Locations:

El Paso and Houston, TX; Sparks, NV; Newark, CA; Watsontown, PA

Sunnova Energy #1 Online Catalog (register to bid here):
https://svdisposition.hibid.com/catalog/627199/surplus-inventory-to-ongoing-operations-of-sunnova-energy

Sunnova Energy #1 Sale Details page:
https://svdisposition.com/auction-detail?id=729

This unprecedented sale offers access to new-in-box, high-demand inventory ideal for installers, integrators, developers, and resellers in the clean energy space.

Featured Equipment Includes:

Enphase and Generac Batteries
High-Efficiency Solar Panels
Inverters, Optimizers, Transfer Switches
Battery Cabinets, Cabling, and Installation Hardware
And much more!

All assets are being sold as surplus to Sunnova’s ongoing operations as the company sharpens its focus on core services and long-term energy innovation.

Silicon Valley Disposition | https://svdisposition.com/auctions

Merlin Solar, a leader in revolutionizing solar renewable energy for mobile environments and rooftops, announced the appointment of Kendall Combs as Chief Executive Officer and Ian VanReepinghen as Chief Financial Officer. This leadership comes at a time of significant momentum for the company, having nearly doubled its revenue the past two years and achieving 75% YoY growth in the transportation segment. In 2024, Merlin Solar launched its Microgrid Solutions Offering, expanding beyond solar panels to deliver full power systems. With a robust pipeline poised to double Merlin Solar's size in coming years — demand is stronger than ever.

"I've had the rare privilege of experiencing Merlin Solar's success from multiple vantage points, first as a customer, then as an investor, later as a board member, and now as CEO," said Combs. "What first drew me to the company was its product: innovative, elegant, and unmatched in performance. Then, it was the people: a dynamic, passionate team whose energy and commitment are infectious. Finally, it was the opportunity. With the right product and team in place, the path to unlocking our full potential is all about the execution. I am honored to lead Merlin into this next phase of transformative growth."

Combs steps into the role of CEO at Merlin Solar after a distinguished 13 years at Saint-Gobain, the global leader in light and sustainable construction, and both an investor in and a customer of Merlin Solar. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Strategic Business Development, driving growth as well as innovation initiatives. Prior to Saint-Gobain, Combs spent six years spearheading business development at White Peak Real Estate Investment, a Swedish-backed private equity firm focused on third-tier real estate and manufacturing investments within China. He brings extensive experience in P&L management, overseeing businesses with annual revenues that ranged from $10M to $600M. Combs has led strategic initiatives and M&As that exceeded $5Bin value. He holds his MBA from Wharton, a Master's from University of Pennsylvania as well as a Bachelor's from University of Texas.

As CEO of Merlin Solar, Combs is focused on accelerating growth, ensuring operational excellence, and enabling seamless execution. He leads the company's overall strategy for employees, customers, and stakeholders, ensuring the right systems and controls are in place to deliver a consistent brand experience. By optimizing execution, Combs empowers the team to expand revenue and profitability, while allowing the founders to concentrate on technology, manufacturing strategy and its customers.

As CFO of Merlin Solar, VanReepinghen brings nearly 25 years of finance, investment, and strategic planning experience across Fortune 500, middle market growth companies, as well as startups. Most recently, he had served as Director of Finance for Lundberg Family Farms,  the $150M regenerative organic agriculture and food manufacturing powerhouse. Prior to that, he was the Head of Finance for Thrilling, the Series A vintage and secondhand apparel marketplace. He brings a unique set of experiences in capital intensive industries including Real Estate, Consumer and Retail, Agriculture & Manufacturing at companies including Rodan + Fields, Tory Burch, Estoril Consulting Group, LLC, MasterCard, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Gap Inc., and others. VanReepinghen brings an extensive US and global network and capabilities within managing heavy financial detail, analysis, and micro-level work.

"From the moment that I spoke with Merlin Solar's Founder, Murali—who gave me a deep dive into the product and shared his genuine enthusiasm and authenticity—I was an instant believer in the company's mission," shared VanReepinghen. "I was equally impressed by our premier backers—including Fifth Wall and Saint-Gobain—who bring immense credibility to the company. It has quickly become clear to me that Merlin's product is not just innovative — it delivers real value, driving significant reductions in energy and resource usage, while easily integrating into existing customer operations. I'm thrilled to support Kendall in scaling the company's products across various channels and expanding its impact."

VanReepinghen will focus on driving Merlin Solar's sustained, profitable and scalable growth. He will guide the team in allocating resources for the highest ROI and act as a strategic advisor to Combs and the rest of the company's management team, ensuring informed financial decisions that minimize risk and maximize reward. He will streamline their reporting, improve processes, and remove barriers to growth, while reinforcing the culture of innovation and collaboration across teams. His expertise will ensure that the company meets its financial goals and positions itself for near- and long-term success.

Merlin Solar | https://www.merlinsolar.com/