What is Solarize Delco
Solarize Delco is a 501c3 dedicated to advancing solar power adoption. Solarize is run and staffed by unpaid volunteers and Solarize derives its budget from a small fee from the Solarize Delco contractors based on the kW solar capacity installed under the program. 100% of this fee is put back into the program for things like: display and outreach materials, events, grants and our web site and communication fees. Solarize Delco can also receive tax deductible contributions, may apply for grants to expand its program in the future and is actively seeking non-profit partners with experience in obtaining grants and administering programs for low-income homeowners.
Governance
Solarize Delco was founded to help non-profits go solar. The Board members are as follows:
President
Noel Smyth, is The Head of Product Management for the World Resources Institute. He works to develop web-based data products supporting stakeholders worldwide.
Prior to joining WRI, Noel worked as a technology initiatives leader. He held technology leadership positions at JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, leading technology transformation initiatives across the enterprise. His work also included sustainability initiatives as part of the corporate green teams. Prior to his technology career, he spent time as a civil engineer designing bridges. He continues to volunteer with organizations that are working towards a livable planet.
Noel holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University, an M.S. in Information Technology from Drexel University and a Master of Liberal Arts. in Sustainability from Harvard University.
Secretary
Melisa Romano joined the board in 2021. She is a working mother of a 6 and 8 year old. She has been a dental hygienist for the past 17 years and is currently working for Dr Steven Cross, DMD. She graduated with a degree in science from Harcum College.
Melisa’s extracurricular activities include volunteering with Sierra club’s Ready for 100 chapter, Penn Environment and HCAN’s climate group. She is currently an elected member of the Haverford Township Environmental Committee. Melisa is committed to protecting Earth from the possible catastrophic effects of climate change, to ensure her young children have a viable future.
Treasurer
Peter Puglionesi joined the Board in 2021. He is currently President of Applied EHS Management Inc. which provides solution-focused safety, environmental, risk and emergency management services. He has a B.E. from Cooper Union and an M.S. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Chemical Engineering and is a Professional Engineer and Board Certified Environmental Engineer. He is Co-Chair of the Haverford Township Environmental Advisory Committee, a Darby Creek Valley Association Board Member, Haverford Township Civic Association Board Member, Co-Founder of Friends of Haverford Trails and Hav-a-Rain Garden, and was on the Haverford Township Consulting Task Force for Haverford State Hospital which initiated the initial assessment of natural resources at the site which, after formal studies and planning facilitated by DCVA efforts, led to the preservation of over 120 acres of the 212 acre site for passive recreational use. Peter can be reached at: 2ndvp@dcva.org.
Board Member
Michael Schneller has worked with PECO’s energy reduction programs for the last seven years. He is a BPI certified senior energy auditor and market outreach specialist. Mike is also a real estate broker and has bought and sold energy efficient properties with his clients both here and New York for over 20 years. He understands the many benefits of energy efficiency and home performance for the homeowner, present comfort and cost savings coupled with a true increase in resale value. As an auditor, Mike has helped countless customers improve the health, safety, and comfort of their homes while saving money and our environment. By presenting at functions like this and many other events throughout the PECO territory, he has helped spread the word of energy efficiency and the importance of his work. As a parttime solar sales consultant, Mike has helped many PA residents achieve energy independence. Efficiency, equipment, renewables are the Building Performance Institute standards for order of operations. As a BPI certified analyst, Mike adheres to these concepts. Mike works closely with PECO program directors and marketing managers as an effort to reduce usage in our region. By changing the way we use energy, he hopes to save our planet… one house at a time.
