Solar energy
10 community solar development experts
These ten professionals have worked on community solar in their own roles at solar developers and energy companies, from project development and origination to commercial and subscriber work. A reader can learn from them how community solar projects move from an early idea to an operating project.
Professionals to explore
01—10Ben Ransom
LinkedInExperience: Vice President of Development · SunShare
Vice President of Development at SunShare since October 2022, a company the profile describes as a pioneer of the community solar industry since 2011. Former Senior Project Development Manager (2019–2022) and Business Development Manager (2017–2019) at Emeren Group, and Independent Contractor - Community Solar at SoCore Energy (2014–2016).
Chris Clark
LinkedInExperience: Chief Development Officer · Nexamp
Chief Development Officer at Nexamp since June 2021, where the profile describes overseeing the business development team and project development pipeline, utility scale development and the development and deployment of distributed generation and community solar. Former SVP Business Development (2016–2021) and VP Business Development (2011–2016) at Nexamp.
David Brink Watts
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Project Development · US Solar
Vice President, Project Development at US Solar since February 2024. The profile says most of the career has specialized in community solar and describes leading all facets of project development for DG solar projects in the west and central divisions of the United States. Former Director, Project Development (2021–2024), Manager, Project Development (2018–2021) and Project Developer (2016–2018) at US Solar.
Diana Krytsak
LinkedInExperience: Managing Director, Origination · Clean Earth Renewables
Managing Director, Origination at Clean Earth Renewables since January 2025. The profile says Diana is the co-founder of Clean Earth Renewables, an emerging cleantech company dedicated to expanding access to community solar and accelerating the clean energy transition across the United States.
Jeff Palmer
LinkedInExperience: Community Solar Commercial Lead · The AES Corporation
Former Community Solar Commercial Lead (2020–2025) and Commercial Origination Manager (2024–2025) at The AES Corporation. Director of Business Development at Renewable Properties since July 2026, a company the profile describes as developing, owning and operating small-scale utility, community solar and energy storage projects. Former Business Development Manager at Main Street Power Company (2013–2016).
Jonathan Roberts
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Of Development · Soltage LLC
Vice President Of Development at Soltage LLC since March 2019, where the profile describes leading the strategy and execution of community and utility-scale distribution connected solar and battery energy storage portfolios across the United States. Former Director Of Development at Soltage LLC (2018–2019) and Senior Project Manager at SoCore Energy (2014–2017).
Keith Akers
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Of Development · Syncarpha Capital
Former Vice President Of Development at Syncarpha Capital (2015–2020); the profile describes an experienced community solar professional specialized in real estate, development and finance. Founder at Queen City Solar LLC since April 2022. Former SVP of Real Estate and Finance at Geenex (2020–2022) and Site Acquisition and Portfolio Management at Lioncrest Energy (2014–2015).
Kelly Leslie Hadayia
LinkedInExperience: Vice President, Community Solar · Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC
Vice President, Community Solar at Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC since June 2026, a company the profile says offers community solar. Former Vice President of Revenue Operations (2024–2026), Senior Director, Client Solutions Operations (2021–2024) and Director, Subscription Products (2020–2021) at Pivot Energy.
Michael Frenette
LinkedInExperience: Head of Community Solar and DG Origination · Trinasolar
Head of Community Solar and DG Origination at Trinasolar since April 2024. Former Director - US Community Solar (2022–2024) and Senior Developer (2021–2022) at Kruger Inc. The profile also lists Chief Financial Officer roles at Clean Power Inc (2015–2021) and No Fossil Fuel (2013–2021).
Robert Queirolo
LinkedInExperience: Director, Project Development · Ric Energy Group
Director, Project Development at Ric Energy Group since December 2024 and former Senior Manager, Project Development there (2024). The profile describes a focus on community and utility scale solar projects, with exposure to designing and permitting them. Former Project Development Manager at BlueWave (2023–2024) and Staff Engineer, Solar Design at Crawford & Associates Engineering & Land Surveying, PC (2018–2023).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's focus to your question: project developers and development executives suit questions about siting, permitting and interconnection, while origination, commercial and subscription leaders suit questions about deal flow, offtake and subscriber programs. Also consider which state markets the person has worked in, since community solar rules differ by state.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01What makes a site viable for community solar, and how do you secure land and interconnection early?
- 02How do state community solar programs differ, and which markets are easiest to develop in today?
- 03How do you sign up and keep subscribers for a community solar project?
Reaching community solar development experts
How can I contact one of these community solar development experts?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including SunShare, Nexamp and US Solar, based on profile data retrieved on October 3, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach community solar development experts?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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