COSSA Announces 2025 Solar and Storage Champions
Winners to Be Recognized at COSSA’s Annual Topgolf Networking Event
DENVER, CO — The Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Solar and Storage Champion Awards, which honor exemplary leadership and innovation in advancing renewable energy and energy storage solutions across Colorado. These awards recognize individuals and organizations whose efforts have significantly contributed to the betterment of the solar industry and support the state’s clean energy priorities.
2025 Solar and Storage Champion Award Recipients
SB 165 – LICENSURE OF ELECTRICIANS
Award Recipients:
Marilyn Stansbury, Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain Chapter
Jason Sharpe, Namasté Solar
Jay Hicks, Hicks & Associates
Marilyn Stansbury, Jason Sharpe, and Jay Hicks are recognized for their collaboration on SB 165. COSSA and IEC were pleased to work together to oversee the passage of this bill, which ensures that solar installation professionals have a pathway toward electrical licensing if they choose to pursue it.
“I’m excited about creating consistency for all solar installers to be on a pathway to obtain electrical licensure for solar work in Colorado. Providing credit for work performed will help provide an accelerated pathway and increase career opportunities for this engaged and growing workforce,” said Jason Sharpe, CEO of Namaste Solar and a master electrician.
“This legislation reflects a collaborative vision to support workers in the solar industry by creating pathways to expand their skills and take on new roles across the evolving energy sector,” said Jay Hicks. “By addressing the urgent demand for skilled labor, SB25-165 strengthens Colorado’s ability to meet its clean energy goals while ensuring that workers are equipped to grow and thrive in a rapidly changing industry. I’m proud to have worked alongside key partners to deliver a bill that invests in people and builds a stronger, more resilient energy workforce for the state.”
SB 299 – CONSUMER PROTECTION RESIDENTIAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
Award Recipients:
Senator Katie Wallace
Representative Kyle Brown
Representative Matt Soper
Colorado Rural Electric Association (CREA)
Craig Johnson
Taylor Ward
Senator Katie Wallace, Representatives Kyle Brown and Matt Soper, along with Craig Johnson and Taylor Ward, are recognized for their combined legislative and stakeholder efforts to advance transparency and accountability within the clean energy sector, specifically related to consumer protections. SB 299 establishes rules and procedures for sales practices, disclosures, and more—designed to provide consumers with clarity and control.
“By requiring appropriate disclosures and protecting consumers against misrepresentation, SB25-299 bolsters the integrity of Colorado’s vibrant solar industry and promotes stronger partnerships with local utilities,” said Craig Johnson, the Director of Policy and Strategy/General Counsel for the Colorado Rural Electric Association. “We are proud to have been part of the collaborative effort among COSSA and other stakeholders to secure the adoption of this important piece of legislation.”
COSSA remains committed to prioritizing solar industry goals while also recognizing the importance of protecting those on the other end of the contracts.
“I applaud COSSA and their members for their commitment to protecting consumers from harmful business practices. SB25-299 will make sure consumers have the best information when buying solar,” said Representative Brown. “I was proud to sponsor this important bill that will move Colorado forward, and I am honored to receive this award from COSSA.”
Despite Senator Katie Wallace having been appointed to her seat in the middle of the legislative session, she showed immediate support and strong leadership as a bill sponsor.
“I am so grateful to have carried SB25-299 as one of my first bills in the State Legislature. As we work to address climate change and to reach Colorado’s ambitious renewable energy goals, it is imperative that we protect consumers who are joining us in those efforts. With the help of the solar industry, this bill provided the opportunity to support both consumer protection and the technologies that will reduce emissions and address the existential crisis of climate change.”
SAN LUIS VALLEY TRANSMISSION STUDY GROUP
Award Recipient:
Lori Laske, Alamosa County Commissioner
Commissioner Lori Laske will be recognized for her work convening the San Luis Valley Transmission Study Group. Alamosa County and the San Luis Valley experience some of the highest levels of electrical outages in the state due to constrained transmission access, which also limits solar energy potential. Commissioner Laske and a group of stakeholders were awarded a grant from the Department of Energy to study transmission line alternatives out of the region.
“Reliable electric service is critical to ensuring that the San Luis Valley residents have the same opportunities as the rest of the state. I am proud to champion improving transmission access to improve transmission access and electrical service for my constituents and residents of the other five counties in the SLV.”
While the DOE grant has been placed on hold due to changes in federal administration, Commissioner Laske continues to actively participate in transmission planning discussions through the Colorado Electric Transmission Authority (CETA) and the Colorado Coordinated Planning Group (CCPG).
Awards Ceremony and Event Details
The 2025 Solar and Storage Champion Award winners will be honored during the Annual Topgolf Networking Event, hosted by COSSA on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Topgolf Thornton. Representatives from each honoree will be in attendance to accept their awards and share brief remarks.
