Westport Solar Consultants, LLC is a consulting firm focused on solar electricity and the design of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. We consult to companies and institutions, municipalities and specializied residential projects in order to incorporate solar photovoltaics as a means of electricity generation and energy cost savings, as well as maximize the business, economic, and environmental opportunities inherent in using renewable energy. We partner closely with architecture firms in order to imbed solar PV within the early stages of the design process and provide project expertise throughout the course of the project build.
Our firm was started in 2005. Our business purpose is to provide analysis, design, and project management services for solar PV installations. With a base in Connecticut, our reach is national, having worked with Kraft Foods in California to evaluate several warehouse distribution centers and ultimately design respective solar PV systems.
Our ability to drive the solar PV system design and represent our clients throughout the solar project lifecycle stems from our range of professional experience in the areas of architecture, building construction, and the consultative process. Our understanding of the solar marketplace and the federal and state incentive programs being offered allow us to direct clients through the commercial program application process, ultimately helping companies reduce the cost of the solar installation. For example, the current incentive for Connecticut solar PV installations is a project grant that funds up to $5/watt, based on the expected performance of the system. This can amount to 50% of the cost of a solar PV installation. The funding program is led by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF).
Westport Solar Consultants LLC is led by John Rountree and Mark Pizzi. The firm took shape around the individual contributions its founders have made to the solar arena in Connecticut. Its principals were founding members of Solar Connecticut, an industry organization, and have helped energize the marketplace for solar in the state.
Partner Bios
John Rountree, AIA
John is a licensed architect, based in Westport, Connecticut. His practice, Rountree Architects, specializes in solar design and consulting. John has been a part of the solar arena in Connecticut for the past 14 years and is considered a leading solar expert in the state. He recently partnered with SmartPower to deliver solar presentations to architecture firms throughout Connecticut. He also co-founded Solar Connecticut, a non-profit trade organization, and was asked to be on the Board of Directors. In 1999, John received the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Circle Award.
Between 1998 and 2001, John became the Director of Architectural Design Services with Solar Works, Inc. of Montpelier, VT. During this time he became Project Coordinator of Solar on Connecticut Schools, a multi-disciplinary effort to promote the installation of solar photovoltaics on public schools.
John is the founder of the AIA/Connecticut Committee on the Environment (COTE) and in 1995 was appointed to serve on the national COTE steering committee. John has published numerous articles and has lectured extensively on the subject of photovoltaics in architecture.
In 1994, John received the People’s Action for Energy’s (PACE) “Business Environmental Energy Award” and was appointed to PACE’s Board of Directors.
John received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University. He lives in Westport, CT. His house derives a portion of its power from a 1.4 kW solar photovoltaic system.
Mark Pizzi
Mark Pizzi became involved with the solar arena as a business consultant. An assignment to research the marketplace for solar and to help develop a market strategy for an upstart firm allowed him to uncover the business drivers that will fuel the expansion of solar PV. He has recently developed and orchestrated projects with Kraft Foods, Sikorsky, and Pfizer, helping each of these companies to understand the business, economic, and environmental opportunities inherent in solar PV.
Mark received his MBA from Rutgers University Graduate School of Management.
Mark lives with his wife, Rachel, in Trumbull, CT.
