José J. Rivera, PE, LEED AP

As we continue to grow in our second-century of business, we’re thrilled to soon join the MasTec family. As part of MasTec, Superior will be able to leverage the financial resources, technical know-how, and geographic reach of a leading North American infrastructure firm with deep experience across power delivery and generation, energy, communications, and heavy civil sectors. At the close of the transaction, our brand will continue as Superior, our leadership team will remain in place, our personnel will remain in place, and our headquarters will stay in Columbus, Ohio. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g6Nxjubg

The argument against solar used to be that the panels took farmland out of production. Then, people started grazing sheep and other livestock under them. Now, the concern isn’t the loss of agriculture, but that the animals themselves are being harmed. Assume the critics are right. Solar grazing is harmful. If that's true, we should be able to measure it. We should see poorer forage quality, higher stress, worse health outcomes, reduced productivity, or some other indicator that the animals are being negatively affected. Right? Not according to the research. Or what we're seeing in the field. The opposite, in fact. Take stray voltage. A fair concern, because it’s a real phenomenon that farmers (especially dairy) have dealt with for decades. But stray voltage isn’t unique to solar. It’s generally associated with grounding problems, faulty wiring, damaged equipment, or other electrical infrastructure issues. If stray voltage from nearby electrical infrastructure is a concern, the same is true of barns, electric fencing, and transmission lines. This isn’t a concern in functional systems (see linked studies for a further exploration). Next, heat stress. Shade is one of the most valuable resources available during hot weather, and solar panels create shaded microclimates that animals seek during the heat. Forage growing beneath panels stays green longer, retains more moisture, and contains higher crude protein concentrations than comparable forage growing in full sun. The final concern is chemical exposure. Solar panels are sealed. Studies examining photovoltaic installations have found little evidence of soil or water contamination during normal operation. The risk of hazardous substances being released from intact, properly functioning panels is low. Most concerns arise in manufacturing or end-of-life disposal, not routine operation. Solar panels are made of glass, aluminum, silicon, copper wiring, plastic encapsulants, and small amounts of silver, tin, and lead. These materials are hazardous if released into the environment. The same is true of vehicle batteries, electrical wiring, treated lumber, motor oil, diesel fuel, and countless other materials found on farms. The presence of the material itself isn’t inherently dangerous; it’s whether animals are exposed, and if the levels are hazardous. Solar panels are engineered to withstand decades of exposure, including hail impacts, and are protected by tempered glass designed to crack rather than shatter. Again, why most contaminant risks from solar panels come during end of life, not operation. Is every solar site perfect? No. And not every grazing operation is successful. Good animal welfare still comes down to good management. Sheep need adequate nutrition, clean water, veterinary care, etc. That doesn’t change because of solar. If you’re arguing that solar grazing is harmful, show me the evidence. We’ve spent the last five years looking for it. We still haven’t found it.

📸 Photoshoot 2 — in Color. Some moments in life deserve to be celebrated in full color. This is one of them. After years of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance, I had the extraordinary honor of earning my Doctorate from Southern Methodist University SMU Simmons School of Education & Human Development, surrounded by the people who made this journey possible. This celebration was more than a graduation. It was a moment of gratitude, joy, and deep fulfillment. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒 For my parents, who sacrificed so much so I could pursue opportunities they could only dream of and who were finally here, present, to witness this milestone alongside me. 👫For Jon, my constant source of love, encouragement, and strength through every challenge, every late night, and every moment of doubt. 🫂 For the family, friends, mentors, and colleagues who walked alongside me and reminded me, time and again, why this work matters. 👩🏻‍🎓And for the students and communities I serve, especially first-generation and historically underrepresented students of color in architecture & design who continue to inspire my purpose and fuel my commitment as an educational leader. This doctoral journey stretched me intellectually, challenged me personally, and transformed me profoundly. It reminded me that growth is rarely easy, but it is always worth it. Today, I celebrate not just a degree, but the people, dreams, and purpose that brought me here. Here’s to honoring the journey, embracing what comes next, and continuing the work of expanding possibility for others. In full color. ❤️💙💛 #GameChanger 🐎 #WeAreMustangs #ExpandingTheCanon SMU Education Policy and Leadership Photography: Leopoldo Téllez Miranda

After 53 years, I will be retiring for good on June 30, 2026. I want to thank all those I've met and worked with along the way. Many great projects, clients, associates, and friends along the way made the journey very special. Much appreciation to my mentor Al Raufeisen (may he rest in peace).

... And now adding a comparison of the pricing volatility of gasoline vs electricity and its impact on cost per mile driving! You can't make this stuff up! Feel free to use and share... EPRI #EVs2Scale 👉 Read the Quick Take: https://lnkd.in/d7JET-DV

Maine just made plug-in solar legal. And it’s a bigger deal than it looks. On April 6, 2026, Governor Mills signed LD 1730 into law, making Maine the third U.S. state (after Utah and Virginia) to explicitly authorize small, portable balcony solar. LD 1730 allows residents to install small plug-in solar and battery systems, designed to connect directly to a standard outlet and offset part of a home’s electricity use. No permits, no complex permitting. These systems can be up to 1,200 watts. Under the law: • Systems must meet UL 3700 or an equivalent national safety standard. • UL 3700 is a certification that ensures plug-in solar systems are safe to plug directly into a home outlet and includes a power control system that prevents electricity from flowing back into the grid when safety issues occur, such as a grid outage. • Inverters must shut off within 0.2 seconds if power is disrupted. • Systems above 420 watts must be installed by a licensed electrician, and the utility must be notified within 30 days. • Utilities cannot require approvals, charge fees, or demand extra equipment beyond what’s built into the system. • These systems are not eligible for net energy billing. This is designed for people who usually can’t access solar. Renters. Apartment dwellers. Lower-income households. And it removes the biggest barrier. The process. Other states are moving in the same direction. • Virginia passed HB395, allowing residents to plug in small portable solar devices up to 1,200 watts and preventing landlords from banning them. • Colorado advanced HB26-1007, which limits landlord and utility restrictions and makes plug-in systems easier to install • California is advancing SB 868, which would allow similar plug-in systems if enacted. Even globally, this is already proven. Germany has over 1 million balcony solar systems installed. So what’s actually happening here? Plug‑in solar is finally giving renters, apartment dwellers, and lower‑income households a real path to generate their own power. By cutting permits, interconnection studies, and utility red tape, Maine is making solar accessible to anyone with a wall outlet. Virginia and Colorado are already following. California is next. States with high rates and large rental markets, like New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey, could be next on the list. For utilities, this is a fork in the road: • Plug‑in solar can reduce peak demand and delay grid upgrades. • But it also challenges their control over distributed resources and revenue models. The question is whether utilities will treat this as a threat or embrace it as a grid asset they can integrate.

Battery storage is becoming a mainstay on American electric grids, and cutting costs as a result 💪 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/exGPrq89