Independence Solar is a privately-owned developer, integrator and financier of commercial solar projects throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic since 2007.
We bring deep technical knowledge in development, financing, construction, operations and maintenance of solar projects to provide complete turnkey solutions for our customers: companies, institutions and even government entities. Each member of our senior staff has at least 10+ years of experience in solar energy and related fields.
Meet Our Team
Keith Peltzman, President, Founder, Business Development 
In 2007, Keith founded Independence Solar in New Jersey and has strategically led the company’s full-service, high-quality commercial solar focus while expanding its presence throughout the Northeast.
Keith’s guidance and market-driven decision-making skills have ensured the Independence Solar team is experienced and adept in the growing solar landscape. Based in the Mid-Atlantic region, Keith manages business development initiatives in this area, including partnerships with third-party influencers.
Keith has over 15 years of experience in solar development, including completing one of the largest roof-top solar installations in the country, the 10.1 MW Holt Marine Terminal in Gloucester City, New Jersey.
Prior to Independence Solar, Keith worked for Allco Renewables, US Solar Finance, and Verterra Renewables, managing the financial analysis and development of over $300 million of solar, wind, and biomass projects. Keith holds a B.S. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from MIT, where he focused on the economics of solar.
James Schwartz, Vice President, Business Development
James has 20 years of experience in the
development, financing, construction, and operation of renewable energy projects.
His ability to lead Independence through the complex needs of each large-scale commercial solar project while safeguarding the bottom line is further realized by his focus on utilizing efficient, new technologies as they emerge.
James leads the New England region team, where he developed and spearheaded the construction of one of the largest community solar projects in Massachusetts.
Prior to co-owning Independence Solar, James was responsible for the development of commercial PV projects for Spire Solar. James also led the installation of performance monitoring systems for more than 3,000 MW of wind energy projects as a sales manager for Second Wind, Inc. James holds a B.A. from Colorado College and an M.B.A. from MIT.
Thor Thomforde, Construction Manager - New England
Thor came to the Independence Solar team seven years ago with an over 15-year solar energy background, having worked with Real Goods, Alteris, Solar Works, and Advanced Energy during his extensive career in the industry.
Prior to working in solar, Thor worked as an Electrical Engineer for more than ten years, so we rely on his keen eye to oversee every detail of our solar energy installation projects. His thorough review of blueprints and electrical drawings ensures accuracy and compliance with each project’s unique guidelines and standards.
Thor’s comprehensive inspections of all sub-contractor work make him a key component in affirming our company’s commitment to high quality.
John Wallace, Construction Manager - Mid-Atlantic
John is responsible for ensuring that each Independence Solar project is constructed to the highest possible standards and to our exacting specifications. John brings over seven years of experience constructing commercial solar PV systems and over 25 years of experience in construction and power electronic quality assurance.
Prior to joining Independence Solar, John worked for PV Pros, where he led a team responsible for commercial PV system testing, QA, and commissioning.
John is a U.S. Army veteran whose background as both a Project Manager and Lead Electrician seamlessly translate into a thorough, multi-pronged approach to managing solar construction projects.
Drew Biddle, Senior Project Manager - Mid-Atlantic
Drew has multiple years of experience in the solar industry throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Before joining the Independence Solar team, he honed his skills at TerraSol Energies, where he managed multiple commercial projects, including a 470 kW carport installation on a brownfield site in Atlantic City that was awarded Sunpower’s 2019 “Regional Intelegant” Award.
In his time with Independence Solar, he had responsibility for the successful implementation of over 3 MW of projects from the initial rollout, procurement of materials, electrical set plan review, and utility interconnection all the way through to permission to operate (PTO).
Drew’s ability to create and maintain construction schedules while adhering to tight deadlines has made him an asset to every project he has participated in.
Colleen Marr, Project Coordinator
Colleen’s background as an Operational Compliance 
Auditor for Bank of America translates well to the high level of organization and attention to detail needed for the extensive, often-changing utility interconnection process and state incentive program filing requirements.
Colleen’s skills were honed as an executive assistant in multiple industries including: a family-owned construction company, a marketing technology corporation, and a business management consulting firm. She utilizes her extensive administrative abilities to support all aspects of complex solar projects.
Cynthia DelChiaro, Office Manager
Cynthia joined the company in 2016 with an administrative background in the legal and construction industries, which she utilizes to ensure Independence Solar’s books remain accurate and invoicing is presented timely while responding promptly to time-sensitive requests from the team.
Mari Prentice, Director of Business Operations
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