Davis Plunkett: Project Coordinator at Strata Solar and UNC-Chapel Hill Graduate
UNC-Chapel Hill graduate David Plunkett currently works for Strata Solar as a project coordinator. His degree in environmental science, coupled with his experience studying abroad in Thailand, helped pave the way for his career in the solar industry. Here, he discusses his education and experience with Strata. USI: What is your position with Strata Solar […]
Jim Rogers: Duke Energy Chairman of the Board, former president and CEO
Jim Rogers is the former CEO and chairman of the board for Duke Energy. He continues to advocate for sustainable energy access as written in his book Lighting the World. More about Jim’s book can be found at https://jimrogersenergy.com/. Here he discusses the fight against energy poverty. United Solar Initiative: Since leaving Duke you’ve written […]
United Solar Initiative Seeking Sustainability in its Relationship with World Vision
United Solar Initiative could not have found a better fit. When World Vision originally reached out to United Solar Initiative, members of USI knew good things were in store. World Vision, the largest nonprofit provider of clean water in the world, is making strides to expand its efforts in drinking water provision. The organization recently […]
Chuck McGrady: North Carolina House of Representatives
Representative Chuck McGrady is an important environmental figure in North Carolina legislature. Here he discusses his perspective of the solar industry as a Republican member of the North Carolina General Assembly. United Solar Initiative: Can you discuss your advocacy for the environment despite being a Republican in the House? What issues do you regularly face? […]
Greg Gangi: Associate Director for Education with the Institute for the Environment and Professor at UNC Chapel Hill
Greg Gangi is a professor at UNC Chapel Hill and director with the Institute for the Environment. He discussed his motivation behind teaching and how this accompanies his relationship with leaders in the solar industry in North Carolina. United Solar Initiative: How would you describe your relationship to the solar industry? Greg Gangi: Well I […]
Ron Strom: Landlord of the Root Cellar, a coffee shop in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
10th Nov 2015 Ron Strom, landlord of the Root Cellar, a small coffee shop in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, recently took the initiative to install a rooftop solar system on his business as a way to combat climate change. He discussed his reasons for the decision and hope for its impact on the local community. […]
Steven Thomsen: Co-Founder and Vice President of United Solar Initiative and Project Manager at Strata Solar
Steven Thomsen, co-founder and vice president of United Solar Initiative, discussed USI’s vision for using solar energy to provide clean water to various countries throughout Africa. USI’s recent partnership with World Vision, an international non-profit organization, has given USI this unique opportunity. United Solar Initiative: What is your vision for United Solar Initiative, in terms […]
Rob Pinder: Executive Director of NextClimate
Rob Pinder, founder of NextClimate, is determined to take action on climate change through affordable renewable energy. NextClimate is a nonprofit based in North Carolina that helps provide cost-effective renewable energy to homeowners. Pinder has used NextClimate to launch several campaigns called SolarizeNC that have pushed for solar in various communities. USI: Why solar? Rob […]
USI Volunteer, David Ball, Recognized at Public Service Awards Ceremony
USI volunteer and UNC graduate student, David Ball, was recently awarded the Ronald W. Hyatt Rotary Public Service Award for his commitment and participation with United Solar Initiative. The grant money will go directly towards a solar panel installation in Colocondo, Nicaragua, to provide a school electricity in an area with no previous access.