WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 25, 2025 – Sol Systems, a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) committed to building, owning, and managing clean energy infrastructure that benefits local communities, is pleased to announce the appointment of energy industry veteran Derek Porter as Chief Operating Officer. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in operations, asset management, and project development, Porter brings extensive energy industry experience to help drive Sol Systems’ ambitious growth strategy.
“We are excited to welcome Derek to Sol Systems,” said Yuri Horwitz, CEO of Sol Systems. “His deep operational expertise and strategic vision will be invaluable to our executive leadership team and enable us to optimize our operations, advance our mission, and build a more sustainable energy future.”
Porter will oversee Sol Systems’ operations and execution strategy as the company continues its rapid growth in developing, financing, and managing renewable energy projects nationwide.
“I am excited to join Sol Systems at this pivotal time in the energy transition,” said Mr. Porter. “The company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community impact aligns perfectly with my values. I look forward to collaborating with the team to strengthen Sol System’s leadership position in the industry by accelerating the deployment of clean energy solutions and driving meaningful change in the industry.”
Drawing on his experience at several leading utilities and independent power producers, Porter brings to his role significant expertise in operations of a wide range of renewable technologies including wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, biogas, and battery storage.
Before joining Sol Systems, Porter was instrumental in the founding of Earthrise Energy and served as COO of the independent power producer. Previously, he was the Senior Director of Business Management at NextEra Energy, overseeing 4 GW of thermal and renewable assets before leading business operations and portfolio services for its 18 GW Renewable Resources fleet. Earlier in his career, he was COO at Panda Power Funds, managing its solar and natural gas facilities.
Porter also held several senior executive roles at AES Corporation, including President and CEO of The Dayton Power and Light Company, leading a $1.6 billion, 3.8 GW generation business serving over 500,000 customers. He also led AES Panama and directed its North American business development, managing energy projects across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
He began his career at Covanta Energy, serving in leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including Vice President for Environmental Quality Management, where he oversaw more than 30 plants in the U.S., China, and the Philippines.
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About Sol Systems
Sol Systems is an Independent Power Producer (IPP) committed to building, owning, and managing clean energy infrastructure that benefits local communities. With over 7 GW of projects across 38 states, Sol integrates energy storage and grid resiliency solutions to deliver reliable, sustainable power to Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, utilities, and schools. Through strategic partnerships and community reinvestment, Sol ensures clean energy development drives long-term economic and environmental benefits. Founded in 2008 and led by its founder, Sol Systems is dedicated to shaping an energy future we can all believe in. For more information, visit www.solsystems.com.
Media Contact:
Jacqueline Mayan
Sol Systems
pr@solsystems.com