Over the last two decades, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy has experienced one of the most remarkable growth curves in the U.S. technology sector. Over this period the cost of solar generation has decreased dramatically, and the amount installed has increased exponentially.
Many have tied this success to public incentives and subsides. In the U.S., Democrats have supported development and growth while Republicans have generally ignored or even opposed the entrée of PV. Some believe that once supporting policies end, the demise of the solar industry will follow. The observed trends do not support this belief.
This whitepaper is focused on paving a road to change this political dynamic, and unite political parties in driving utility-scale solar development.
A quintessential entrepreneur, mentor, and company builder, Michael Gorton has proven to be a strategic visionary, impacting the telecommunications, music, and healthcare industries. As founding CEO of Teladoc, the nation's leading telehealth company, Michael pioneered a health care model in which members had access to telephonic physicians who could review medical records, treat, and prescribe medication that today supports the new paradigm in health care reform. As a founder and leader of Principal Solar, Michael applies his business expertise, scientific education, and training to the renewable energy sector – a strong voice and proponent of solar power.
Prior to this, Michael served as a partner of the Texas Acceleration Group (TAG), an entity formed to assist startup companies. Michael and other TAG partners founded Palo Duro Records to promote unknown country artist Shelley Laine. Within three years, Laine became the number one ranked independent artist in country music, was nominated for Best Female Artist in 2002, and put six songs on the charts.
In 1993, Michael founded Internet Global, a company that delivered the first DSL network and one of the first VOIP networks at a time when few people predicted the profound impact the Internet would have on communication and society. Prior to this, Michael worked as a project engineer at Dallas Power & Light dealing with power plants, distribution, transformer management, and integration of renewable energy into the grid.
Fueled by his passion for education, Michael has taught college courses in math, astronomy, and physics and published two novels and dozens of articles on topics ranging from physics to healthcare.
Michael earned his B.S. in Engineering from Texas Tech, his M.S. in Physics from the University of Texas at Dallas, and his Juris Doctorate from Texas Wesleyan University.
Mark Victor Hansen is a celebrity speaker, author, and co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul series, with a billion dollars in sales. A prolific writer, international speaker, and business strategist, Mr. Hansen has sold five hundred millions books, spoken in seventy- eight countries around the world to over 5 million people live. Having appeared on over 5000 major TV and radio shows like Fox, CNN, and Oprah, Mark Victor serves on multiple boards of innovative alternative energy companies including NPC and Principal Solar.
He is also a principal, founding owner of Natural Power Concepts headquartered in Oahu, Hawaii, Chairman and Co-founder of Hansen Business Partners International (HBPI China). Mr. Hansen has a vast network of business colleagues who represent networking opportunities and sales channel prospects for utilizing and implementing Principal Solar’s technology development and commercialization partnerships. He is a valuable partner in providing project and business development oversight, marketing expertise and national and international strategic connections.
An entrepreneur and strategy consultant to domestic and international businesses, Laura Carabello has powered advocacy initiatives worldwide. She is a recognized thought-leader for the healthcare, technology and renewable energy sectors and, over the years, has been instrumental in the growth and development of companies worldwide as they transition to a Web-centric world. With experience and expertise in marketing communications and financial relations, Carabello executes business-to-business and direct-to-consumer campaigns spanning trade, business and consumer media.
Founder and principal owner of CPR Strategic Marketing and Communications, (www.cpronline.com), Carabello has more than 25 years' experience in business development, marketing, and corporate positioning. As a strategy consultant, she has worked with over 1,000 companies -- public, private and not-for-profit -- and has been invited by the US Federal Trade Commission to testify on advertising and marketing ethics.
As the marketplace increases its focus on social media and digital platforms, Carabello offers an expanded portfolio of services. She publishes international and US-based digital newsletters, is a frequent contributor to business publications and trade journals, and serves on international editorial advisory boards. Throughout her career, she has been invited by the private sector as well as multi-national governments to conduct marketing presentations at high profile meetings and conferences. She is acknowledged as an engaging presenter on marketing issues impacting senior-level business audiences.
Carabello holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University, and she is a candidate for a Master's Degree. Carabello was awarded the annual citation from the NJ Association of Women Business Owners and was elected as a "Pioneer Woman of the Decade." She was named as a “Woman of Influence” by the YWCA of Bergen County and served on its Board of Directors.
