GroundWork Renewables' CEO Ann Will Joins Sandia Labs Solar Advisory Board

GroundWork Renewables' CEO Ann Will Joins Sandia Labs Solar Industry Advisory Board

In an exciting development for the solar industry, Ann Will, the CEO of GroundWork Renewables, has been appointed to the esteemed Solar Industry Advisory Board at Sandia National Laboratories. This board, composed of eleven prominent leaders in the solar sector, plays a critical role in shaping the future of solar energy research supported by federal priorities. Ann Will's extensive experience and innovative approach are expected to bring valuable insights to this influential group.

Alongside notable figures such as Michael Alvarez, COO of Longroad Energy and Jason Kaminsky, CEO of kWh Analytics, Ann will contribute her expertise in optimizing solar performance and bridging the gap between expected and actual energy production. The Advisory Board focuses on crucial aspects such as measurement standards, performance validation, and identifying significant challenges as the solar and energy storage sectors continue to expand.

Reflecting on her appointment, Ann Will stated, "As solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) become the primary sources of energy generation on the grid, it’s imperative to align theoretical models with actual performance outcomes. The research conducted at Sandia is integral for achieving this consistency." Her vision underscores the collaborative nature of the board's mission to enhance the reliability of solar power generation.

Having founded GroundWork Renewables in 2009, Will has rooted her career in addressing the vital importance of data quality within the renewable energy landscape. With a background in investment banking, she is deeply aware of how the accuracy of data influences project financing and development. This foundational principle drives GroundWork's operations and directly informs the contributions she intends to make on the Sandia Board.

"My work spans across various owners and contractors from the pre-development stage through operational phases. I've witnessed the discrepancies between theoretical predictions and actual specifications, highlighting where adjustments are necessary," she explained. This unique perspective positions her as a key player in influencing industry standards and methodologies.

The decisions made by the solar industry in the present regarding performance measurement and equipment verification will profoundly affect the electric grid's reliability as more institutions pivot towards solar and storage solutions. Ann Will's role on the advisory board will amplify her commitment to enhancing the integrity of solar installations and ensuring their performance aligns closely with anticipated outcomes.

Additionally, GroundWork Renewables co-hosts the annual Photovoltaic Performance Modeling Collaborative (PVPMC) Workshop with Sandia, bringing together performance engineers to focus on the industry's best practices in measuring and modeling energy plant output. This collaborative effort strengthens their ongoing relationship centered on scientific accuracy and excellence in solar energy practices.

Headquartered in Sand City, California, GroundWork Renewables specializes in providing comprehensive solar intelligence services. Since its establishment, the firm has significantly impacted over 75 gigawatts of solar development efforts while maintaining its status as a certified B Corporation, emphasizing social and environmental responsibility. With Ann Will's leadership, GroundWork continues to close the “Expectation Gap,” the discrepancy between modeled and actual performance in solar energy projects, through innovative field measurement strategies, accredited lab testing, and expert advisory services.

For more information regarding GroundWork Renewables and their contributions to the solar industry, visit their website at grndwork.com.

For media inquiries, contact Cameron Hunter, EVP of Corporate Development at GroundWork Renewables.