About Us
Sustainable Efforts Towards
a Greener Future
Our Mission
Over the past decade, Blue Sky Solar Co has been instrumental in the advancement of the solar industry within the Midwest. We pride ourselves on being innovators in the industry and dedicate ourselves to education and training on the newest technology and incentives. We are grateful for the opportunity to support our communities with their solar initiatives. Our commitment to the larger solar community is displayed through our relationships and reputation in the industry.
Barney Grobstick, President
With his extensive background spanning over three decades in the electrical industry and nine years dedicated to the dynamic world of solar energy, he has been a pivotal figure in our local solar industry. He has notably provided electrical expertise to numerous reputable solar installers in the area. Barney's journey began at the University of Iowa and evolved from the role of a parts delivery person to local electrical contractor ownership. He orchestrated the remarkable growth of the business, taking it from a team of nine journeymen to its current standing as one of the largest electrical contractors in the Midwest. As a distinguished local authority in all things electrical and solar, Barney's knowledge and experience are invaluable in steering
Blue Sky Solar Co towards a prosperous future as our President.
Dave Ackley, Sales Manager
Distinguished by a remarkable career spanning more than three decades in the realm of sales, Dave's journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the solar industry and renewable energy. With an abiding passion for these fields, he stands as a true luminary in our team. What sets Dave apart is not just his extensive experience but his commitment to excellence. He has consistently garnered top-tier customer service ratings throughout his career. In his role at Blue Sky Solar Co, he's known for going above and beyond to ensure the satisfaction of every client, exemplifying our dedication to delivering exceptional service.
Tyler Kennedy, Director of Engineering & Design
Tyler is a licensed Master Electrician with an extensive background in commercial and industrial solar applications. He also holds the prestigious NABCEP certification. With over 15 years working as a union electrician Tyler gained experience in a wide range of electrical construction including electronic controls, commercial services, and medium voltage applications. Tyler has over 11 years of experience interconnecting and performing maintenance on solar systems across the Midwest. He specializes in design and integrated SCADA solutions.
Crystal Miller, Service Department Manager
Crystal has been installing and troubleshooting arrays since 2016 and has experience with many different systems and accompanying components. Dedicated to continuing education, Crystal is currently attending Solar Energy International to acquire certificates in solar installation, commissioning, NEC code, and operating and maintenance inspections. She has completed her OSHA 30 training and is working toward her PV Commissioning and Maintenance Specialist certification, a prestigious qualification, from the highly respected North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). She has also been taking courses in Enphase IQ8 installation and SolarEdge backup interface installation.
Jake Connolly, Construction Project Manager
Jake is the cornerstone of our construction team, boasting 15 years of invaluable experience in the industry. Throughout his journey, Jake has honed and mastered a diverse array of skills, making him an indispensable asset in his role as Construction Project Manager.
With an unwavering dedication to excellence and a stellar work ethic, Jake is committed to delivering nothing short of the best for our customers. Whether it's designing innovative solutions or ensuring flawless installations, Jake's attention to detail and commitment to quality shine through in every project he undertakes.
Jake's expertise and passion for his craft drive him to continually exceed expectations, making him a trusted leader and a vital component of our success.
Zach Grobstick, Design Engineer
Zach is a Solar Designer and Estimator with over 13 years of experience in the electrical industry. He is quite a tech enthusiast, immersed in all things tech-related, like computer mechanics and AI. He uses those skills to build his designs and bring new tech to Blue Sky Solar Co. When he's not working spending time with his feathered crew of chickens, geese, ducks, and turkeys. Zach enjoys learning as much as he can about the world around him. "I dabble in almost everything from science to computer mechanics, politics, law, philosophy, you name it."
Wes Peterson, Interconnections Specialist
With over 15 years of professional experience, Wes specializes in business development, policy, and strategic planning. As an executive leader at a $3 billion financial institution and, more recently, as an AVP at a Fintech startup, Wes has cultivated valuable relationships with community leaders, decision-makers, and executives, contributing significantly to the growth and transformation of these organizations. Leveraging his skills in messaging strategy and lobbying, Wes, as a consultant, played a pivotal role in successfully opposing the "SOLAR Act" (also known as the "Sunshine Tax") energy bill. Wes is renowned for his collaborative approach and innovative mindset, consistently establishing trust-based relationships while challenging the status quo to drive positive change.
Nikki Muchow, Incentives Specialist
Nikki brings experience from her career in the banking industry, where she held key roles in lending and account management. Over the past 15 years, she demonstrated her dedication to delivering exceptional service and financial expertise to clients while working for reputable financial institutions. Her background in banking has honed her skills in strategic planning, risk management, and financial analysis, all of which she now applies to her new career in the renewable energy sector.
Nikki is the proud mom to three fantastic children. As a family, they share a love for dogs, the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and exploring the natural beauty of the Tri-State Area. Nikki is deeply committed to her local community and serves as a devoted member of the East Dubuque School Board.
