Sarasota solar company owner to lead state trade association board

The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association elected a Sarasota businessman president of its board. The election occurred during the association’s Aug. 27 board meeting in Fort Myers.

Established in 1977, the trade association is dedicated to protecting and promoting the solar industry’s interests in Florida.

Bill Johnson, president and founder of Brilliant Harvest in Sarasota, will serve a two-year term as president. He has been on the board since 2017, most recently serving as treasurer, according to a statement. His company focuses on residential and commercial solar installations as well as battery backup systems for clients from Ocala to Naples, according to the statement.

During his tenure as president, Johnson says he hopes to raise awareness about the benefits of solar energy.

"Solar power is good for everyone," Johnson says in a statement. "Producing and using your own energy from the sun, that is freedom. It helps Florida to become more resilient and keeps energy spending within the state. The solar industry also provides high-quality, good-paying jobs to Florida workers that can’t be shipped out of state — much less out of the country.”

Johnson also aims to focus on better energy policymaking, the statement says.

"The Florida Solar Energy Industries Association is working to serve the greater community of rooftop solar users and companies across the state," Johnson says in a statement. "We need strong voices advocating for solar statewide. It's something I've believed in since I started Brilliant Harvest in 2009.”