About Us
About CIR
Stemming from over a 40 year history of electrical services, CIR Electrical Construction Corp. made the quantum leap into renewable energy when it created the Solar by CIR division, dedicated to solar energy.
Solar by CIR has the infrastructure to complete project types ranging from residential, commercial, industrial, and community solar projects. Solar by CIR currently has an installed capacity of over 20 MW. Regardless of electrical usage, site, or budget, Solar by CIR has strategic financing partners that can offer help offer a vast variety of renewable energy solutions.
Whether you require upgraded energy efficient lighting or an entire power system with backup generators, CIR’s staff of NABCEP certified professionals can provide you with the services needed.
Panasonic Authorized Installer
We’re proud to employ the best solar installers the area has to offer. We’re also proud to install the best equipment the world has to offer: Panasonic Solar Panels, made here in Buffalo, NY.
Panasonic has been pioneering solar power since the green revolution began. Starting with production of high efficiency amorphous cell technology in 1975, no one has spent more time on solar research and development. In 1997, their innovative HIT® solar panel introduced high-efficiency panels to the world.
When you install Panasonic high-efficiency HIT® solar panels, you’ll enjoy one of the most efficient solar modules available today. And as an authorized Panasonic installer, we confidently stand by our work with an industry leading 25-year product and performance warranty.
Our Staff
JEFF PEDRO
Chief Financial Officer
Jeff joined the company in 1999, and became a principal of CIR in 2003. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the John Wiley Jones School of Business at Geneseo State University in 1983, and has 20 years of experience as a controller/CFO in the construction industry. He also spent some time in Boston, MA, where he worked as a management professional in the construction industry for 7 years, and was employed as a Fund Accountant for Fidelity Investments. Jeff is also active in the professional community, having served on the Board of Directors for the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) for 10 years. He currently serves as a Trustee for the IBEW Local 41 Pension, Health & Welfare and Annuity Funds, and as Treasurer of the NECA Buffalo Chapter. It was Jeff’s enthusiasm for energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies that inspired him to spearhead the development of CIR’s Solar PV Department. His financial background makes him uniquely suited to explain the long-term financial benefits of PV systems to customers, making him an integral member of CIR’s Solar Team.
CRAIG BONGIOVANNI
Sustainable Projects Manager
Craig has been with CIR since 1985, starting as an electrical apprentice before becoming a Journeyman Wireman. He then progressed to Sub-Foreman, Foreman, General Foreman and finally Project Manager. He has been at his current position as Sustainable Projects Administrator since 2008. The years he has spent with CIR have exposed him to a wide range of work within the electrical industry including new construction, industrial systems, data communications, energy management, high voltage work, lighting retrofits and PV systems. His training consists of High Voltage Terminations and Testing, Fall Protection, SHECN, Lockout/ Tagout, Aerial Lift Training, Confined Space, Short Circuit and Fuse Protection, 30-Hour OSHA Training, Foremanship Training, Business Training, Journeyman Education, Electrical Code and Photovoltaic Systems Certification. As a NYSERDA Eligible PV Installer, Craig’s was involved with the installation of two state of the art PV tracking systems – the first DEGERenergie solar tracking systems to be installed in New York State. Utilizing Maximum Light Detection (MLD) technology, these systems will prove to be on the cutting edge of an ever increasing market in solar PV systems.
DARRIN HARZEWSKI
Director of Sales
Darrin is responsible for business development of the solar division of CIR Electric. He joined CIR in 2012 to expand the company’s activity in the solar industry. Prior to joining CIR, Darrin spent three years in the home performance industry as a BPI certified building analyst. With over 100 energy audits completed, his expertise in energy reduction techniques developed into a passion for renewable energies. Using his “building-as-a-system” approach he evaluates energy needs based on historical consumption data and planned future consumption to add renewable energy to an existing site via Solar PV technology. He received his undergraduate degree from Keuka College and MBA from Medaille College.
COLIN O’KEEFE
Solar Sales Coordinator
Colin O’Keefe, who joined our team in early 2018, is mainly responsible for customer outreach & education, as well as preliminary quotations, and planning site evaluations. With background as a science teacher and brewery founder in Saigon, Vietnam, Colin’s ability to explain fairly complex ideas in a clear and easy to understand way, is key in ensuring that our customers are comfortable & well informed when considering solar.
Schedule a call with Colin
JORDAN YAX
Project Coordinator
Jordan Yax joined our team in 2018. His main responsibilities include working with townships for permitting, applying for all relevant NYSERDA incentives and coordinating project design. Jordan strives to maintain a streamlined front end process to ensure projects are completed in a timely manner. He graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. His interest in solar grew from studying policy and the political battles surrounding the renewable energy industry.
KENNY HOAGE
Solar Construction Manager / Journeyman Electrician
Kenny is an experienced journeyman electrician who has been with CIR since 2005. He began installing solar electric systems with CIR on their first solar project, PUSH Buffalo’s Net Zero House, and has been involved with every installation since. Kenny currently supervises CIR’s two crews of solar installers, is present at all inspections, and assists with every aspect of the solar installation process, from sales to design, throughout the installation and commissioning process, to post-commissioning customer service. He has proven to be a truly integral solar team member. In November of 2014, he earned his certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP®), and is currently a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™. His other notable accomplishments include winning the Renzi Award as an apprentice electrician for maintaining top average over the five years of apprenticeship school.