September 13, 2015

Bright Solar Systems

3030 N Rocky Point Drive W,

Suite 150 Tampa, FL 33607 U.S.A

To whom it may concern:

I am a 4th year PhD student in the Department of Electrical Engineering at University of South Florida, and I am writing to express my full recommendation of Bright Solar Systems as a place of employment and organization to partner with. In Spring of 2014, I attended a student organization meeting (International Solar Energy Society at University of South Florida). At this meeting, the CEO of Bright Solar Systems, Ms. Alicia Valdes was the invited speaker. She discussed the environmental impacts of traditional energy sources and the need for solar implementation both nationwide and internationally. Along with this, she discussed her company’s business platform and its unique model. Immediately, her passionate for solar energy and educating the general public resonated with me. Considering, one of my life goals has always been to ‘popularize solar electricity’.

The mission statement and vision of Bright Solar Systems, along with the attributes of Ms. Valdes, make the company an excellent one to work with. As an intern, I was able to experience many things like- project management, client relations and networking. The projects and team members were diverse, helping to strengthen my communication and general engineering skills. Some of the projects included solar sculptures, fashion and boating. In each of these projects, I was able to be apart of the full conception process- from working with designers, to determining engineering specifications, to working with contracts and clients.

I was able to fully contribute and have some of my ideas incorporated into the final designs. These sort of responsibilities were important at my level in education, because they challenged me, creating for a more meaningful internship experience. Alicia was an excellent boss. She led by example, always demonstrating good business practices and going the extra mile to make sure her team of employees were successful and rewarded. In my time working closely with Alicia, I have helped her with incorporating solar energy in to children’s education in the state of Florida. She considers mentoring very important and participates in community outreach.

Uniquely, Alicia is supportive in helping her team members reach their personal goals both within the company and life. My time as Aesthetic Solar Cell Specialist with Bright Solar Systems was well spent. I was able to use my background in thin-film photovoltaics and renewable energy systems, and apply it to the business aspect. The solar energy industry is new and emerging; it was an invaluable experience having been able to be a part of the beginning of something so great. I strongly recommend working with Ms. Valdes and this organization, as their business ethics are sound and such passion for solar energy is rare, but needed.

Sincerely,

Shamara Collins