2024 Top Solar Advocate: Stephen Welsh, Standard Energy Solutions
The Solar Power World editorial team is proud to present three Top Solar Champions awards, open to all those employed by Top Solar Contractor companies, highlighting talent in the industry in different skill areas.
The 2024 Top Solar Advocate award-winner is Stephen Welsh, CEO of Maryland-based Standard Energy Solutions.
“His leadership inspires a diverse team of engineers, environmentalists and dreamers who work together to harness the sun’s energy, reduce carbon footprints and create a brighter tomorrow.”– Robert Young, CFO, Standard Energy Solutions
Welsh testified in front of the Maryland Senate in favor of the Brighter Tomorrow Act, a bill that, among other things, provides resources and other support for Maryland local governments to adopt SolarAPP+ automated digital solar permitting software. SolarAPP+ reviews solar project applications for building code compliance and instantly approves permits that meet the right specifications — making it easier and faster for local governments to process and issue permits, and saving time and soft costs for contractors. Gov. Wes Moore signed the bill into law in May.
Welsh is also involved with the Residential Solar Association, an industry trade group formed in 2022 to establish ethics and standards as well as advocate for policies that help to grow the residential segment.