Vote: Project of the Year 2025 | 101 kW to 1 MW

Summary

<p>Here are the 101 kW to 1 MW nominees for the 2025 Solar Builder Project of the Year awards. The form is at the bottom of the page. You are allowed to... <a class="view-article" href="https://solarbuildermag.com/projects/vote-project-of-the-year-2025-101-kw-to-1-mw/">View Article</a></p> <p>-- Solar Builder magazine</p>

<p>Here are the 101 kW to 1 MW nominees for the 2025 <em>Solar Builder</em> Project of the Year awards.</p>

<p>The form is at the bottom of the page. You are allowed to vote once per day from now until Friday, Oct. 10 at midnight (ET). (FYI: Our voting widget <em>will</em> let you vote more than once a day, but we filter these out in the back-end. Sorry, ballot stuffers.) Winners will be announced and prominently featured in the Q4 issue<em> </em>of <em>Solar Builder</em> magazine and online in December.</p>

<p><strong>Thanks to <a href="https://aurorasolar.com/make-the-switch/?utm_campaign=make+the+switch&utm_medium=paid+display&utm_source=SolarBuilder&utm_content=wrong+software+display">Aurora Solar</a></strong> for sponsoring the 2025 Project of the Year Awards.</p>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-be-sure-to-vote-in-every-category">Be sure to vote in every category!</h4>

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://solarbuildermag.com/projects/vote-project-of-the-year-2025-under-100-kw/">Under 100 kW</a></li>

<li><a href="https://solarbuildermag.com/projects/vote-project-of-the-year-2025-microgrid/">Microgrid</a></li>
</ul>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-active-church">Active Church</h3>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Yucaipa, California | 112 kW</strong></p>

</div></figure>

<p>The Active Church solar project began when a local residential solar company approached them with a mission: Help the church lower its rising energy costs and reinvest those savings back into its community. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Sunrock, the church was able to transition to solar with no money out of pocket. One of the most innovative aspects of this project was the design itself. Sunrock proposed arranging the panels to form a cross, complementing the church’s-stained glass and central cross window. To further enhance its presence, they incorporated remote-controlled LED lighting, allowing the crosses to glow at night — turning a functional solar system into an inspiring visual statement of faith and sustainability. The greatest challenge came with navigating the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 deadline with Southern California Edison. Today, the solar system not only offsets the church’s energy use but also generates meaningful savings that are redirected into ministry, youth programs, music, staffing, and community support.</p>

<p><strong>Developer/EPC:</strong> <a href="https://watthub.com/">Watthub Renewables</a> |<strong> Installer: </strong><a href="https://jdcenergyservices.com/">JDC Energy</a> | <strong>Modules:</strong> <a href="https://bovietsolar.com/">Boviet Solar</a> | <strong>Inverters:</strong> <a href="https://www.solaredge.com/us/">SolarEdge</a> | <strong>Mounting/Racking:</strong> <a href="https://www.ironridge.com/">Ironridge</a></p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-elmhurst-park-district">Elmhurst Park District</h3>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Elmhurst, Illinois | 675  kW</strong></p>

<p>The Elmhurst Park District solar project is a great example of how public agencies can lead the way in embracing sustainable energy solutions in a cost efficient way. Completed in July 2025 by DSD Renewables and General Energy, the 674.96 kW rooftop solar system at the district’s Courts Plus facility is designed to generate approximately 754 MWh of clean electricity annually, offsetting around 50% of the facility’s total electricity consumption. This project aligns with the district’s dedication to sustainability while benefitting the local community and serves as a physical reminder to residents of the positive impacts clean energy solutions provide, especially as technology continues to drive rapid demand for energy. </p>

<p>Upfront capital costs and budgetary constraints are often a hurdle for many public agencies when looking to deploy impactful solutions. With DSD’s ownership and operation of the project, the district was able to lock-in energy pricing through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA), avoiding upfront costs of installation and securing a long term, stable clean energy source. Under this contract, the district is projected to achieve net savings of over $300,000 over the 20-year period, allowing it to use its energy savings to reinvest into community programs, facility improvements, or additional sustainability initiatives. Installing a system of this scale on an existing rooftop required careful coordination to ensure the system was designed and deployed to meet the structural requirements of the building and to minimize disruption at a popular and highly trafficked community facility.</p>

<p><strong>Developer</strong>: <a href="https://dsdrenewables.com/">DSD Renewables</a> | <strong>EPC</strong>/<strong>Installer</strong>: <a href="https://generalenergycorp.com/">General Energy</a> | <strong>Modules</strong>: <a href="https://us.qcells.com/">Hanwha Qcells</a> | <strong>Inverters</strong>: <a href="https://www.chintpowersystems.com/">Chint Power Systems</a> | <strong>Storage</strong>: N/A | <strong>Mounting</strong>/<strong>Racking</strong>: <a href="https://unirac.com/">Unirac</a></p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-gilman-bros-co">Gilman Bros Co.</h3>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Gilman, Connecticut | 750 kW </strong></p>

</div></figure>

<p>For many mid-sized manufacturers, the rising cost and complexity of energy has become a strategic challenge. Beyond cost, sustainability itself is difficult to tackle in energy-intensive industries like extrusion, where the scale of consumption magnifies every challenge. The Gilman Brothers Co., a 128-year-old, family-owned manufacturer in Connecticut, confronted this challenge through a partnership with Budderfly. Their $1.5 million solar project illustrates how using energy-as-a-service (EaaS) can help to eliminate these financial and operational barriers. </p>

<p>Budderfly deployed a 750 kW rooftop solar system for Gilman Brothers, alongside LED lighting, high-efficiency HVAC, and advanced controls. The project is expected to cut electricity use in half, lower energy costs by up to 30% annually. Through Budderfly’s EaaS approach, the company takes on the project’s design, financing, installation, and long-term management, all at no cost to Gilman Brothers. Gilman Brothers was able to access the energy, business, and other benefits of solar while keeping its focus on core manufacturing. While the project doesn’t currently include storage, the company is developing 240 kW / 1.2 MWh as a potential additional phase.</p>

<p><strong>Developer/EPC/Installer</strong>: <a href="https://www.budderfly.com/">Budderfly</a> | <strong>Modules: </strong><a href="https://silfabsolar.com/">Silfab</a> | <strong>Inverters:</strong> <a href="https://www.solaredge.com/us/">SolarEdge</a> | <strong>Mounting/Racking:</strong> <a href="https://unirac.com/">Unirac</a></p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-nicolet-union-high-school">Nicolet Union High School</h3>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Glendale, Wisconsin | 389.13 kW</strong></p>

<p>The 715-module rooftop solar system at Nicolet Union High School in Glendale, Wisconsin, was designed to overcome complex rooftop challenges, including seven distinct sections, varying heights, shading, and structural limitations. In its first year, the system produced over 477 MWh of clean electricity, offsetting 19% of the school’s energy use, saving the district over $52,000 annually. Over the system’s lifetime, the projected savings exceed $2.2 million, offering a payback period of just 6.4 years thanks to support from federal and state incentives, including the Inflation Reduction Act and Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program. </p>

<p>More than a technical triumph, this is a community-powered legacy project. Designed with future scalability and battery storage integration in mind, it not only elevates the school’s energy efficiency but also transforms the rooftop into a live STEM classroom. With SolarEdge’s monitoring platform, over 1,000 students now have real-time access to irradiance, temperature, and performance data, deepening their understanding of renewable energy technologies. This project is a model for how smart solar technologies can drive environmental impact, financial performance, and educational enrichment, all in one.</p>

<p><strong>Developer:</strong> <a href="https://www.nicolet.k12.wi.us/">Nicolet Union High School</a> | <strong>EPC/Installer:</strong> <a href="https://archelec.com/">Arch Solar</a> |<strong> Modules:</strong> <a href="https://www.znshinesolar.com/">ZnShine Solar</a> and <a href="https://philadelphia-solar.com/">Philadelphia Solar</a> | <strong>Inverters:</strong> <a href="https://www.solaredge.com/us/">SolarEdge</a> | <strong>Mounting/Racking:</strong> <a href="https://terra-gen.com/">TerraGen</a></p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-women-s-bean-project">Women’s Bean Project </h3>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Denver, Colorado | 102 kW </strong></p>

<p>Colorado-based Namaste Solar partnered with Women’s Bean Project to install a 102 kW rooftop solar system and one EV charging station at the nonprofit’s headquarters in Denver. This installation is designed to offset 120% of Women’s Bean Project’s electrical usage, significantly reducing operating expenses and enabling the organization to further invest in its mission of supporting women’s empowerment through employment. The solar project is fully funded by Denver’s Renewables and Resiliency Grant, demonstrating the city’s commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives among nonprofits. </p>

<p>Over the 25+ year lifespan of the system, Women’s Bean Project is projected to save $300,775 in operating expenses. Additionally, participation in Xcel Energy’s Solar*Rewards program is expected to generate $99,228 in income over the next 20 years. These combined savings will directly support Women’s Bean Project’s programs, which provide job training and employment to women facing significant barriers to work. The organization offers comprehensive programs that equip women with job and life skills, helping break the cycle of poverty to build brighter futures. It is estimated that these savings will fund over 15,000 hours of program services.</p>

<p><strong>Developer: </strong><a href="https://www.womensbeanproject.com/">Women’s Bean Project</a> | <strong>EPC/Installer: </strong><a href="https://www.namastesolar.com/">Namaste Solar</a> | <strong>Modules: </strong><a href="https://www.longi.com/us/">Longi</a> | <strong>Inverters: </strong><a href="https://www.chintpowersystems.com/">CPS</a> | <strong>Mounting/Racking:</strong> <a href="https://www.panelclaw.com/">PanelClaw</a></p>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center" id="h-yanfeng-seating-mexico-solar-project">Yanfeng Seating Mexico Solar Project</h3>

<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Mexico | 630 kW </strong></p>

<p>Yanfeng Seating Mexico’s solar energy project in San Luis Potosí is an example of how the automotive supply chain is embracing renewable energy to meet ambitious global sustainability goals. Partnering with ForeFront Power, Yanfeng installed a 630 kWdc solar energy system featuring a combination of rooftop and carport arrays to maximize available space and deliver long-term value. The system is designed to generate 1,169,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year. Importantly, 100% of this energy offsets the facility’s peak daytime electricity use, directly reducing grid dependence when demand is highest. The installation is expected to supply 43% of the San Luis Potosí seating plant’s annual consumption. Technically, the project required innovative integration of rooftop and parking canopy solar arrays within an active manufacturing campus. This dual design not only maximizes energy output but also delivers functional benefits such as shaded parking for staff and visitors. Developed under a PPA with ForeFront Power, the project required no upfront capital investment. Instead, Yanfeng benefits from a fixed, below-utility electricity rate over the 10-year contract period (an estimated $26 million pesos or $1.4 million USD in savings).</p>

<p><strong>Developer</strong>: <a href="https://www.forefrontpower.com/yanfeng-mexico-solar/">ForeFront Power</a> | <strong>EPC</strong>/<strong>Installer</strong>: <a href="https://amaranzero.es/en/catalogue/solar">Amara</a> | <strong>Modules</strong>: <a href="https://www.longi.com/us/">Longi</a> | <strong>Inverters</strong>: <a href="https://www.huawei.com/">Huawei</a> | <strong>Storage</strong>: N/A | <strong>Mounting</strong>/<strong>Racking</strong>: <a href="https://raluxsolar.com/">Ralux</a> (carports) and <a href="https://www.suports.es/en/">Suports</a> (rooftop)</p>

<div class="gf_browser_unknown gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework" id="gform_wrapper_88" style="display: none;">
<div class="gform_heading">
<h2 class="gform_title">2025 POY Vote | 101 kW to 1 MW</h2>
</div><form action="/feed/" enctype="multipart/form-data" id="gform_88" method="post">
<div class="gform-body gform_body"><div class="gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below" id="gform_fields_88"><fieldset class="gfield gfield--type-radio gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-radio field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible" id="field_88_1"><legend class="gfield_label gform-field-label">Vote | 101 kW to 1 MW</legend><div class="ginput_container ginput_container_radio"><div class="gfield_radio" id="input_88_1">
<div class="gchoice gchoice_88_1_0">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_1_0" name="input_1" type="radio" value="Active Church" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_1_0" id="label_88_1_0">Active Church</label>
</div>
<div class="gchoice gchoice_88_1_1">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_1_1" name="input_1" type="radio" value="Gilman Bros Co." />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_1_1" id="label_88_1_1">Gilman Bros Co.</label>
</div>
<div class="gchoice gchoice_88_1_2">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_1_2" name="input_1" type="radio" value="Elmhurst Park District" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_1_2" id="label_88_1_2">Elmhurst Park District</label>
</div>
<div class="gchoice gchoice_88_1_3">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_1_3" name="input_1" type="radio" value="Nicolet Union High School" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_1_3" id="label_88_1_3">Nicolet Union High School</label>
</div>
<div class="gchoice gchoice_88_1_4">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_1_4" name="input_1" type="radio" value="Women’s Bean Project" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_1_4" id="label_88_1_4">Women’s Bean Project</label>
</div>
<div class="gchoice gchoice_88_1_5">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_1_5" name="input_1" type="radio" value="Yanfeng Seating Mexico Solar Project" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_1_5" id="label_88_1_5">Yanfeng Seating Mexico Solar Project</label>
</div></div></div></fieldset><fieldset class="gfield gfield--type-name gfield--input-type-name gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible" id="field_88_3"><legend class="gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex">Name<span class="gfield_required"><span class="gfield_required gfield_required_text">(Required)</span></span></legend><div class="ginput_complex ginput_container ginput_container--name no_prefix has_first_name no_middle_name has_last_name no_suffix gf_name_has_2 ginput_container_name gform-grid-row" id="input_88_3">

<span class="name_first gform-grid-col gform-grid-col--size-auto" id="input_88_3_3_container">
<input id="input_88_3_3" name="input_3.3" type="text" value="" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub " for="input_88_3_3">First</label>
</span>

<span class="name_last gform-grid-col gform-grid-col--size-auto" id="input_88_3_6_container">
<input id="input_88_3_6" name="input_3.6" type="text" value="" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-sub " for="input_88_3_6">Last</label>
</span>

</div></fieldset><div class="gfield gfield--type-email gfield--input-type-email gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible" id="field_88_4"><label class="gfield_label gform-field-label" for="input_88_4">Email<span class="gfield_required"><span class="gfield_required gfield_required_text">(Required)</span></span></label><div class="ginput_container ginput_container_email">
<input class="large" id="input_88_4" name="input_4" type="email" value="" />
</div></div><fieldset class="gfield gfield--type-consent gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-consent gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible" id="field_88_8"><legend class="gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex">Before you go …</legend><div class="ginput_container ginput_container_consent"><input id="input_88_8_1" name="input_8.1" type="checkbox" value="1" /> <label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline gfield_consent_label" for="input_88_8_1">Make sure I’m subscribed to Solar Builder magazine (Sent quarterly, packed with our best articles and contributed insight from industry experts — and it’s free.)</label><input class="gform_hidden" name="input_8.2" type="hidden" value="Make sure I'm subscribed to Solar Builder magazine (Sent quarterly, packed with our best articles and contributed insight from industry experts -- and it's free.)" /><input class="gform_hidden" name="input_8.3" type="hidden" value="16" /></div></fieldset><fieldset class="gfield gfield--type-checkbox gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-checkbox gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible" id="field_88_12"><legend class="gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex">I am / work for a … [check all that apply]<span class="gfield_required"><span class="gfield_required gfield_required_text">(Required)</span></span></legend><div class="ginput_container ginput_container_checkbox"><div class="gfield_checkbox " id="input_88_12"><div class="gchoice gchoice_88_12_1">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_12_1" name="input_12.1" type="checkbox" value="Solar installer / contractor" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_12_1" id="label_88_12_1">Solar installer / contractor</label>
</div><div class="gchoice gchoice_88_12_2">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_12_2" name="input_12.2" type="checkbox" value="EPC (or general engineering firm)" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_12_2" id="label_88_12_2">EPC (or general engineering firm)</label>
</div><div class="gchoice gchoice_88_12_3">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_12_3" name="input_12.3" type="checkbox" value="Developer / Financial firm" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_12_3" id="label_88_12_3">Developer / Financial firm</label>
</div><div class="gchoice gchoice_88_12_4">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_12_4" name="input_12.4" type="checkbox" value="Asset owner / operator / IPP" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_12_4" id="label_88_12_4">Asset owner / operator / IPP</label>
</div><div class="gchoice gchoice_88_12_5">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_12_5" name="input_12.5" type="checkbox" value="Manufacturer / supplier" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_12_5" id="label_88_12_5">Manufacturer / supplier</label>
</div><div class="gchoice gchoice_88_12_6">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_12_6" name="input_12.6" type="checkbox" value="Government entity or utility" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_12_6" id="label_88_12_6">Government entity or utility</label>
</div><div class="gchoice gchoice_88_12_7">
<input class="gfield-choice-input" id="choice_88_12_7" name="input_12.7" type="checkbox" value="Other" />
<label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline" for="choice_88_12_7" id="label_88_12_7">Other</label>
</div></div></div></fieldset><fieldset class="gfield gfield--type-consent gfield--type-choice gfield--input-type-consent gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible" id="field_88_9"><legend class="gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex">More info</legend><div class="ginput_container ginput_container_consent"><input id="input_88_9_1" name="input_9.1" type="checkbox" value="1" /> <label class="gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline gfield_consent_label" for="input_88_9_1">Yes, I’d like more information on Aurora Solar’s sales and design software</label><input class="gform_hidden" name="input_9.2" type="hidden" value="Yes, I'd like more information on Aurora Solar's sales and design software" /><input class="gform_hidden" name="input_9.3" type="hidden" value="16" /></div></fieldset></div></div>
<div class="gform-footer gform_footer top_label"> <input class="gform_button button" id="gform_submit_button_88" type="submit" value="Submit" />
<input class="gform_hidden" name="gform_submission_method" type="hidden" value="postback" />
<input class="gform_hidden" id="gform_theme_88" name="gform_theme" type="hidden" value="gravity-theme" />
<input class="gform_hidden" id="gform_style_settings_88" name="gform_style_settings" type="hidden" value="{"inputPrimaryColor":"#204ce5"}" />
<input class="gform_hidden" name="is_submit_88" type="hidden" value="1" />
<input class="gform_hidden" name="gform_submit" type="hidden" value="88" />

<input class="gform_hidden" name="gform_unique_id" type="hidden" value="" />
<input class="gform_hidden" name="state_88" type="hidden" value="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" />
<input autocomplete="off" class="gform_hidden" id="gform_target_page_number_88" name="gform_target_page_number_88" type="hidden" value="0" />
<input autocomplete="off" class="gform_hidden" id="gform_source_page_number_88" name="gform_source_page_number_88" type="hidden" value="1" />
<input name="gform_field_values" type="hidden" value="" />

</div>
<p class="akismet-fields-container" style="display: none !important;"><label>Δ<textarea cols="45" maxlength="100" name="ak_hp_textarea" rows="8"></textarea></label><input id="ak_js_5" name="ak_js" type="hidden" value="210" /></p></form>
</div><>
<p>-- Solar Builder magazine</p>

📝 RSS Summary Only

Vote: Project of the Year 2025 | 101 kW to 1 MW

Summary

More from Solar Builder

Governors to Congress: energy permitting must move from “no and slow” to “yes a…

Janta Power raises $5.5M to commercialize its solar tower concept

Why solar O&M is no longer optional

EIA: Solar smashes records in 2025 — now topping wind, hydro and coal in key mo…

DoD tests Swift Solar perovskite tandem PV panels in cyber-defense microgrid dr…