Our Team
Southoward Solar Designs, Inc. is built upon decades of leadership who believe there is a better way to serve our clients and our industry through conservation and renewable energy. Not only are you getting combined construction experience of more than 125 years, but you are also getting a team of second-generation building professionals who have made staying on the cutting edge of the best practices and efficiencies in construction a way of doing business. We know how to the raise the bar when it comes to quality construction while lowering your cost for long-term return on investment that makes any project we build an even better investment for you.
Thomas (Tom) H Howard II
President
Tom Howard is President of Southoward Solar Designs, Inc. and Howard Construction Co, of Lincolnton, Inc. Tom began his career as a second generation construction professional in 1965 with his dad at Howard Construction Company, and then establishing Southoward Solar in 1985, long before sustainability and energy renewal was a focus in North Carolina. With B.S. Degrees in Zoology, Botany, and Soil Science, Tom’s interest in environmental conservation and sustainability spans more than 40 years. Tom’s first solar project was in 1984. He build a home using the latest Passive Solar principles combined with Solar Thermal Hot Air collectors on the roof, which stored the thermal energy in it’s concrete floor slab.
His genuine interest in community preservation is evidenced in his past participation and leadership roles with the Lincoln Cultural Center, Lincoln Theatre Guild, Lincoln County Historical Association, Lincoln County Historic Properties Commission, Lincolnton Housing Authority and Catawba Lands Conservancy. Tom has been a member of the Rotary Club of Lincolnton since 1985. With more than 40 years of commercial and industrial construction expertise and a Renewable Energy diploma from NC State University and NC Solar Center, Tom brings a level of knowledge, stewardship and business leadership to your PV solar panel project unlike any other professional.
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Rock climbing, hiking, camping, organic gardening, yoga, and community theater.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES: Tom’s credentials include: NC General Contractors License Qualifier (1946); OSHA 10 Certification; NCSU/Solar Center Certificate; Solar Thermal Certificate; and Advanced PV Certificate. He is a trained Home Inspector and is currently studying for LEED certification.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Construction management; costing & estimating; commercial/industrial design/build; metal building construction; and project financial analysis.
Kee Byrd
Chief Electrician, NABCEP Certified Installer
Kee Byrd is Chief Electrician and the NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer for Southoward Solar Designs, Inc. and President of KC Byrd Electrical Contractor, Inc. He brings 40 years of experience to oversee all aspects of the electrical design, installation and maintenance of the PV solar system. As an NABCEP certified installer combined with a focus on maintaining hgh standards in installation and business practices, Kee is supported by a skilled team of professionals assuring that every electrical aspect of your project will be in highly qualified hands. Kee’s interest in energy efficiency has also resulted in staying on the cutting edge of energy-saving solutions. He and his team’s capabilities include a variety of options to build added efficiencies under your roof as well as through it. These services include retro lighting, high performance LED or CPFL’s, net metering, off grid energy solutions, electric car charging stations, and solar hot water systems. He practices what he preaches and it shows in the level of integrity, service and experience he brings to your project.
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Traditional farming and cooking, rock climbing, family, church and community.
CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES: Kee’s credentials include: NC Unlimited Electrical Contractor (03302U); NC Burglar Alarm Business (1931-CSA); North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP – 032611-55); Electric Vehicle Charging System Installation (UL University) Extra Class Amateur Radio License.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Electrical design; commercial , industrial and residential electrical systems; Solar PV; power & lighting, industrial automation; security system design and installation; data wiring systems design and installation; and Smart Home system design & installation.
Dana Chapman
Senior Project Manager & Supervisor
Dana Chapman will oversee Project Management and Supervision for Southoward in his dual role as Vice President of Operations at Howard Construction Company, overseeing operations, R&D, project and IT management for both firms. He joined Howard Construction in 1980, advancing to his current position as a result of his strong commitment to project and service excellence combined with more than 40 years in the construction industry as a second-generation construction professional. His lifelong interest in self-sufficiency and green living makes him an ideal project manager for our Solar PV installations. His adeptness in working with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, employees, collaborating partners, government officials and all parties that play are role in the successful completion of a project brings a sustainable advantage to every client that is realized during and long after the work is complete. Dana’s specialized training includes construction estimating, solar thermal, photovoltaic installation, OnGrid Solar training, and solar financial analysis resulting in receiving a diploma in Renewable Energy Technologies from the NC Solar Center and NC State University.
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Canoeing, hiking, organic gardening, travel, cooking, health and fitness, literature, music and food studies.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Project management; carpentry; site supervision; estimating; industrial furniture construction; masonry; sheet metal fabrication; industrial shipping; HVAC installation; Millwork; renewable energy technologies; and Solar PV installation.