Birdseye Renewable Energy develops utility scale and distributed solar energy projects in the Southeast US. The company, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, specializes in developing commercial and utility scale renewable energy generation projects. Since it’s founding in 2009, Birdseye has developed 16 projects in excess of 105 MW of operational solar PV (photovoltaic) spanning 550 acres in NC and TN. Birdseye currently has 20MW under construction in NC. The company’s pipeline is in excess of 200MW and it was recently awarded three projects, (2) 20MW and (1) 65MW in response to Duke Energy’s 2014 solar RFP. All three are slated for completion in 2015.
Birdseye credits its success to creativity, innovation and a commitment to forming strong relationships with the mix of development stakeholders. Fundamental to this approach is earning the trust of the local communities where they operate. The company has built a notable track record working with utility, financing and EPC partners to combine technical expertise and firsthand project oversight to create successful projects.
MISSION & VALUES
Our mission is to utilize creativity, scale and innovation to develop valuable renewable energy projects in a manner that enhances Birdseye’s reputation for quality and integrity.
TEAM
Brian C. Bednar, President & Founder, Birdseye Renewable Energy
Raised and based in Charlotte, NC, Brian graduated from the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill with a BS in Business Administration and earned an MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Brian’s professional background is in agribusiness, real estate brokerage, development and property management. In 2009, Brian stepped back from the daytoday operations of his real estate business and shifted his focus to solar development.
Peden Harris, COO
Peden Harris joined Birdseye Renewable Energy in 2012. He has worked in the energy industry for over nine years. Prior to joining Birdseye, he worked for Vestas Wind Systems in Oregon, Denmark, and Germany. He was born and raised in Winchester, Virginia. Peden earned a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes College and a Masters of Business Administration from The Darden School at the University of Virginia.
Luke Rogers, Project Manager
Luke Rogers was raised on a cotton farm near Bennettsville, South Carolina, attended SC Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Chemistry from Furman University. After graduation, he pursued his interest in solar energy and gained hands-on experience installing PV on rooftops across South Carolina. Until joining Birdseye, he worked for private equity and consulting firm, Fundación Chile, in Santiago, Chile. His research focused on the challenges of integrating utility scale solar PV into Chile’s existing electric infrastructure.
Landon Abernethy, Project Manager
Landon Abernethy came to Birdseye Renewable Energy from Appalachian State University where he taught courses in renewable energy technology and managed various PV, solar thermal, and wind energy research and outreach programs. Prior to his entrance into the energy field, Landon worked in the environmental permitting and compliance field. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from UNC-Asheville and a Master of Science in Technology and Environmental Design from Appalachian State University.