By Greentech Lead America: The Consortium for Solar
Lighting (CSL), a group of manufacturers working to accelerate the global adoption
of reliable solar lighting technology, has appointed Michael Trahan as
executive director.
The clean energy veteran will lead the group’s effort to
develop universal specifications to support consumers’ fair and comprehensive
evaluation of commercial-scale lighting systems.
Trahan has served as executive director of statewide
industry group Solar Connecticut since 2008 during which time industry
membership has quadrupled. He has worked hard to galvanize manufacturers,
installers and state policy makers to adopt a set of America’s most progressive
government policies toward residential and commercial solar power usage.
The CSL was created by some of the most active solar
lighting producers in North America to foster awareness and provide
education in solar lighting and the applications where it is a viable
alternative to conventional grid-connected lighting technology.
Lack of clear and accurate equipment standards adversely
affected the rate of solar adoption in the lighting industry. To address this
challenge CSL will take leadership to develop a fair and comprehensive
evaluation of commercial-scale lighting systems.
“Consumer frustration over the lack of independent
solar powered lighting standards including effective sizing of today’s high
technology products is on the rise and left unaddressed, will adversely affect
the rate of solar lighting adoption,” Trahan said.
“Working with a broad spectrum of product and
component makers, we will aggressively reach out to local, state and federal
government and commercial customers, specifiers and everyone else in a decision
making position and educate them on best practices when it comes to procuring
solar lighting,” Trahan added.
The CSL founding members, and Executive Director Trahan,
will attend the LIGHTFAIR International tradeshow (LFI) on May 9-11 in Las
Vegas, Nevada.
Last July, CSL released the first in a series of CSL
Recommended Practices reports called “Solar Lighting Recommended
Practices.