US Solar Institute (USSI) has made the 2015 Inc. 5000 List at #30 in the Top Energy Companies category and #1,245 overall. What is more notable is US Solar Ranked #1 Fastest Growing Florida Energy Company that is privately held.
Inc. Magazine’s 5000 is an annual list of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States, and was introduced in 1982. Many companies consider being ranked an honor to make the list at any level. “Being ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the highest level of recognition earned by US Solar Institute and is a testament to the growing popularity of clean renewable solar energy in the state of Florida and USA,” stated Founder and CEO Ray Johnson.
The rapidly growing company was founded in 2009, previously recognized in 2012 as the Broward County Emerald Green winner in three (3) categories: Recycling, Climate Change Leadership, and Energy Conservation.
On May 15, 2011, Mayor, Jack Seiler, made a Proclamation to name the day “US Solar Institute Day” honoring USSI for its contribution to the local economy and “making the Fort Lauderdale air a little cleaner”.
US Solar is dedicated to advanced solar energy training, equipment sales and installation services. US Solar is accredited by Better Business Bureau with an A+ ranking, holds licensure from the Florida Department of Education as the only dedicated solar training college of its kind that was approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept all forms of VA benefits.
The company is continuing on a growth path by adding more training options for the burgeoning industry. Examples include more advanced training for the experienced installer, continuing educational units (CEU’s) for the licensed professional contractors, engineers and architects, and providing the same in multiple languages.
Advancing and constant improvement to USSI’s in person “hands on” as well as online or distant learning options represents some of the ways the company plans to continue growing. “The need for advanced solar training and offering the curriculum in multiple languages is an important next step for the college,” shares Johnson. “Being in South Florida’s melting pot drives the need for advanced solar training to be delivered with multiple language options.” Courses are now offered in English, Spanish, and soon Portuguese and French.
USSI is also growing due to being one of the very few schools approved to accept all forms of Veterans Affairs benefits in advanced solar training plus being approved for active military solar training. “We have served every branch of the armed forces and consider it an honor to do so” beamed Johnson. “Our workforce is 33% veteran based and we plan to grow those number too”.
US Solar Institute is licensed by the Florida Department of Education to offer PV diplomas, the Florida Department of Businesses and Professional Regulation, and the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board as a continuing education provider. USSI is also a partner of Underwriter Laboratories and a NABCEP PV Exam Provider.