Kasey Panetta, Editor, ECN: Tell me about ReneSola America. What sets you apart?

Jessica Super, President, ReneSola America: ReneSola America is a leading provider of energy-efficient technology products and project development services. Since launching its LED lighting division in Q1 of 2015, ReneSola America has expanded its distribution into 33 states and has doubled its electrical distributor customer base each month.

ReneSola America stands apart in its ability to deliver a variety of high-quality LED lighting products at unbeatable prices. Our competitive pricing and excellent product quality keep customers coming back time and time again. In 2015, the vast majority of our LED customers made repeat orders.

Even though the LED industry is crowded with new entrants, we’re better equipped because of our extensive background in clean technologies. Our work in the solar industry has taught us valuable lessons that we can apply to the LED market.

 

ECN:Tell me about the Stevie Award and being a woman in the clean technology industry

JS:The Stevie Awards was a wonderful experience. I was recognized with a Bronze Stevie for Women in Business, and had a fantastic time connecting and exchanging stories with businesswomen from around the world.

Unfortunately, women represent only about 14 percent of the top five leadership positions at the companies in the S&P 500. In the technology sector, it’s even fewer. Women hold a critical role in every business, and I think it’s essential that there are accolades like the Stevie Awards recognizing the accomplishments of women across the country.

 

ECN: Why is this technology so important?

JS: Technological innovation is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and contribute to a healthy environment. In the LED industry especially, technology is continually evolving at an impressive gait, allowing for more efficient and powerful lighting products. These technological innovations are a boon for the environment and customer’s pocketbooks, and can help customers and investors keep up with changing renewable portfolio standards.

 

ECN: What is your response to people who say solar isn’t an option? What’s the efficiency rate for the panels?

JS: The myth of solar not being accessible or worth the investment is being shattered day after day, quarter after quarter, in a market consistently facing record levels of demand in the residential, commercial and utility sectors. Every day more homeowners make the decision to go solar to reduce their electricity bill. In the private sector, the most profitable and reputable Fortune 500 companies are driving the solar commercial market

 

ECN: What’s the future of solar?

JS: Solar is adapting quickly. The price of solar has dropped a whopping 70 percent since 2009 and advances in energy storage are making solar an even more compelling solution across residential and commercial markets. I think we’ll also see a continuation of increasing financial options making solar more accessible for a broader range of customers.  The advances we’re experiencing, compounded with growing demand for sustainability, will lead to a healthy and robust solar market in coming years. 

It is clear to us that both solar PV and LEDs are front-runners in the emerging low-carbon economy. 

 

ECN: What’s the biggest myth about clean technology/solar power?

JS: That it’s more expensive than traditional energy. LEDs for instance, can save up to 80 percent more energy and frequently make more economic sense. In addition to saving money on your energy bill, retrofitting with LEDs requires less maintenance and fewer bulbs to light the same sized space.

 

ECN: Tell me about the tech behind your solar panels. (Keep in mind this is an engineering publication so you can get SUPER technical here)

JS: ReneSola uses photovoltaic polysilicon modules in the U.S. Our efficiency ranges between 16-16.5%, and is consistently chosen to power installations around the world. Our module efficiency and commitment to research and development qualifies us as a BNEF Tier-1 manufacturer every quarter.

 

ECN: What’s the deal with LED lighting? Isn’t that pretty popular already?

JS: LEDs are certainly increasing in popularity at an impressive pace, but there is still a long way to go. New government mandates and a push for more energy-efficient buildings have made LED lighting essential for the future of our buildings. LED lighting currently only accounts for 2.8 percent of indoor and 10 percent of outdoor applications, according to a recent DOE report. While homeowners may choose to retrofit their homes with LED lighting, the commercial sector still has plenty of opportunity for growth.

 

ECN:What would your advice for women looking to work in the engineering/tech field?

JS: Ask yourself what you want to do in the technology/engineering field and build a path that gets you there. Reach out to people that inspire you and ask questions. Always continue to learn and ask for additional responsibilities you want to take on. I believe women are born leaders and should embrace their unique voices and perspectives.