Petra Solar President & CEO Named Green Tech Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year in New Jersey
TEANECK, N.J.--Dr. Shihab Kuran, Petra Solar CEO and President, has been selected as the 2010 Green Tech Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® in New Jersey. Nominated by Maxine Ballen, CEO & President of the New Jersey Technology Council, Dr. Kuran was selected by a panel of independent judges convened by Ernst & Young. He received the award at the Ernst & Young ceremony in Glenpointe, NJ, last night. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award and want to recognize that it is a result of the teamwork and entrepreneurial efforts of all of us at Petra Solar”
"For Dr. Shihab Kuran, clean energy is a passion,�?? said the Ernst & Young program booklet, Entrepreneurs. “Shihab has devoted much of the past 16 years to the research and development of commercial applications for clean technology in water purification and solar energy. In 2006, Shihab combined his technical expertise with his passion and launched Petra Solar. The company created the SunWaveTM system, a new class of renewable technology that generates distributed solar power and enhances smart-grid and grid-efficiency functions.�??
“In July 2009, Petra Solar signed a landmark commercial contract with New Jersey's largest utility, PSE&G. The largest PV solar deployment under construction in the country, this clean energy project will create 40MW of collective power and has fueled the company's rapid work force expansion,�?? the program booklet continued.
“Above all, Shihab is committed to giving back to communities where Petra Solar does business. The company implements a ‘public/private partnership,’ successfully turning innovation into green jobs in the service areas of utility customers. Through an unwavering commitment to drive innovation in renewable technology, Shihab is helping to create a sustainable future,�?? the program booklet continued.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award and want to recognize that it is a result of the teamwork and entrepreneurial efforts of all of us at Petra Solar,�?? said Dr. Kuran. “When I founded the company in 2006, I tapped into a network of family and friends who shared in the vision and the dream. Together, we are changing the world for the better. This award belongs to all who made our success possible.�??
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards program celebrates its 24th anniversary this year. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in over 135 cities in 50 countries throughout the world. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
About Petra Solar:
Petra Solar is the pioneer of SunWave systems, a grid-tied, pole-mounted, distributed solar generation system. The SunWave system combines solar energy with smart-grid communications and electric grid enhancement functions to create a comprehensive utility grade solution for utilities. For more information about Petra Solar visit www.petrasolar.com.
About Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® Awards Program:
Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur Of The Year® is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.
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