For Mainers, by Mainers.
Dirigo Solar was founded in 2015 and within six months was awarded the largest solar contract in the history of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
The rapid growth of our venture required an expanded team with a track record in large scale solar. In 2017, we selected BNRG Renewables based in Dublin, Ireland – a proven leader in utility scale solar both in the EU and the US. Together, Dirigo and BNRG formed a joint venture, BNRG Maine, LLC, which develops and finances the PUC portfolio as well as other projects in the development pipeline.
Bob Cleaves,
Co-Founder and Principal Investor
A fourth generation Mainer, Bob has achieved national recognition for his achievements in the renewable power and fuel sectors. A lawyer turned entrepreneur, Bob began his professional career at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he prosecuted white collar crime as part of DOJ’s Honor Program. Following a career in private practice, he joined Wheelabrator Technologies and was instrumental in helping to shape environmental attribute tracking systems in ISO-NE and PJM. He ran the Washington, D.C.-based Biomass Power Association from 2008 to 2019, and played a lead role in expanding Section 45 production tax credits, accessing alternative fuel programs (LCFS and RFS) for the biofuels industry, and engaging with EPA, states and NGO’s on carbon policies both in the US and abroad. He is passionate about deploying sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions to help grow Maine’s rural economy.
Nick Mazuroski
Co-Founder
Nick is a founding member of Dirigo Solar and Director of BNRG Maine. With over a decade of experience in the renewable energy sector, his focus has been on business origination, development, operations, and fundraising. Prior to Dirigo Solar, Nick was VP of Operations for the Biomass Power Association, the nation’s leading trade organization for biomass power producers, representing more than 2,000 MW of installed capacity. Nick studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at Oxford University, and earned his BA in Political Science from Bates College.
Audrey Puleio
Senior Program Manager
Audrey Puleio is the Senior Program Manager for the Maine portfolio. In the six years at BNRG Dirigo, Audrey has brought over 50MW of projects to NTP. She actively collaborates across teams, working with local contractors in securing environmental permitting and grid feasibility, and helps build strong communities for a more sustainable state. She specializes in transactional due diligence, creatively approaching complex development obstacles, and transitioning projects from development into construction. Audrey holds a dual degree in Environmental Studies and Religious Studies from Bates College.
Construction
Todd Sikora
Construction Manager
Todd joined BNRG as US Construction Manager in the fall of 2022, after working as a Commercial Solar installation Superintendent for various renewable companies. His work has spanned the East Coast and he has been responsible for overseeing the installation of 200 plus MW of solar. Todd has 15 years of experience as an electrician and 4 years of experience in PV site development and construction. He is responsible for contract management, including the management of the site based supervisory teams, monitoring of projects progress, construction and erection activities, including quality assurance and site health/safety.