About Us
About CIR
Stemming from a 42 year history of electrical services, CIR Electrical Construction Corp. has made the quantum leap into renewable energies with the creation of a division within itself dedicated to solar energy, now branded Solar by CIR.
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.
Our Staff
CRAIG BONGIOVANNI
Sustainable Projects Manager
Mr. Bongiovanni has been with CIR since 1985. He started as an electrical apprentice and later became a Journeyman Wireman. He then progressed to Sub-Foreman, Foreman, General Foreman and then Project Manager.
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TRACY ALMETER
Renewable Systems Designer
Ms. Almeter has been with CIR since 2001, and was promoted from Sustainability Coordinator to Renewable Systems Designer in the spring of 2012. She completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Design with a minor in Architecture from the University at Buffalo, …
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School of Architecture and Planning in June of 2006, and has completed all of the coursework for a Dual Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Planning Degree also from the UB’s School of Architecture and Planning. Her area of specialization was focused on the sustainable design of the built environment, and she has completed extensive research on a myriad of related planning and design issues. It is this depth and breadth of knowledge that made her the perfect choice as CIR’s Sustainability Coordinator, and the design skills that she has acquired provided for a natural transition to Solar Design.In December of 2013, Ms. Almeter earned the solar industry’s leading recognition of installation expertise from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP®), and is currently a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™. Designation as a NABCEP PV Installation Professional™ is widely recognized to be the most important and meaningful certification of its kind in the solar industry. Ms. Almeter is also a NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales Professional™, a designation that she earned in June of 2014.
Ms. Almeter is responsible for the design of PV systems, including detailed layout and 3-line electrical drawings, shading and performance analysis, verification of system components, coordinating utility interconnection, assembling rebate packages, and coordinating with the customer, architect, installing electrician and other interested parties to ensure a seamless and timely installation of a high-quality PV system designed to meet the customer’s needs.
KENNY HOAGE
Solar Construction Manager / Journeyman Electrician
Mr. Hoage 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.
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Mr. Hoage 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, Mr. Hoage earned his certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP®), and is currently a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional™. Mr. Hoage’s other notable accomplishments include winning the Renzi Award as an apprentice electrician for maintaining top average over the five years of apprenticeship school.
DARRIN HARZEWSKI
Director of Sales
Mr. Harzewski 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, Mr. Harzewski spent three years in the home performance industry as a BPI certified building analyst.
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ASHLEY REGAN
Director of Business Development
Ms. Regan joined the company in the winter of 2012 as CIR’s first Solar Intern. Working her way up, Ms. Regan was promoted through the ranks to Director of Business Development where she acts as a powerful business driver whose entrepreneurial instincts are contributing to CIR’s continuous growth within the renewable sector.
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JESSICA RALABATE
Solar Projects Coordinator
Ms. Ralabate joined the CIR team in July of 2014. She graduated for the University at Buffalo Spring of 2013 with a Bachelors in Physics. Her background in Physical Science has sparked her interest in renewable resources and has led her to the position of Solar Projects Coordinator. Ms. Ralabate is responsible for design verification, application submittal, permitting and interconnection.
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.
KEVIN WAGNER
Solar Specialist
Kevin started at CIR in June 2016. His responsibilities as Solar Specialist include educating homeowners on the many benefits of solar energy as well as guiding them through the process. Kevin is a BPI certified energy auditor and has vast experience in several trades. Educated in Environmental Policy and Management and Solar Design and Sales, Kevin is a vital asset to CIR.
JEFF PEDRO
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Pedro 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. Mr. Pedro 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 Mr. Pedro’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.