Westport Solar Consultants, LLC was started in 2005 by John Rountree, AIA, and Mark Pizzi. The firm took shape around the contributions both John and Mark made to the growth of solar PV in Connecticut. Each was a recipient of the 2005 "Million Solar Roofs" grant from the Department of Energy, through which they provided educational seminars to Connecticut communities about the opportunities with solar PV.
Our expertise with the design and management of PV system installations stems from our professional backgrounds in the areas of architecture, building construction, and project management. As a 3rd-party, un-bias resource, we consult to residential homeowners, and their respective architects and builders, as well as commercial building owners, and municipalities. Our consulting process begins with project feasibility and design, and progresses through the complete PV project lifecycle, to the completion and commissioning of a PV installation.
We specialize in integrating solar PV on custom-built homes, where the focus on architectural fit is paramount. We have developed a strong foundation in the use of building-integrated solar photovoltaic (BIPV) products.
In some cases, we are engaged to help a client evaluate and clarify their solar project proposals, ultimately verifying that the project approach, costs and overall economic profile are optimal.
Partner Bios
John Rountree, AIA (right)
John Rountree graduated from Syracuse University School of Architecture in 1982. He is a Westport-based architect and Principal of Rountree Architects, which specializes in the design of energy-efficient, environmentally-sound buildings that utilize non-polluting, renewable energy technologies.
In 1992, Mr. Rountree founded the American Institute of Architects (AIA)/Connecticut Committee on the Environment (COTE), and in 1995, he was appointed to serve on the national COTE Steering Committee. He is a founding member, and currently serves on the Board of Solar Connecticut, a non-profit solar advocacy group.
He currently leads all PV system design and engineering efforts for Westport Solar Consultants.
John lives with his family in Westport, CT, in a solar home that he designed, which gets 70% of its energy from the sun.
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 would fuel the expansion of solar PV. Today, his focus on the economic analysis behind each PV project allows homeowners and building owners to understand and evaluate the full-scale merits of their PV project.
Mark leads sales and business development for Westport Solar Consultants. He was a recipient of the 40-under-40 Award from the Fairfield County Business Journal (2006) for his business vision and leadership. He received his BA from Villanova University, and MBA from Rutgers Graduate School of Management. Mark lives with his wife, Rachel, and their son, Redford, in Trumbull, CT.
