In each Solar Report newsletter, we feature one of our highly regarded Platinum Business Members with an exclusive interview. This month, TXSES Communications Director Tamara Kowalski reached out to Big Sun Solar‘s Co-founder and President Jason Pittman to learn about the company’s mission, accomplishments, and impacts on customers.
Origins and Leadership
Big Sun Solar was founded in San Antonio with the belief that solar energy should be accessible, impactful, and tailored to the communities it serves. My own path into the solar industry started with a background in sustainable development and a passion for practical climate solutions. I was drawn to solar because of its unique power to democratize energy and create resilience at the local level. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to work on projects ranging from residential rooftops to utility-scale installations, and today I help lead Big Sun’s efforts to deliver reliable solar and storage systems across Texas.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to deliver clean, reliable solar energy that strengthens communities and supports a more resilient grid. We’re especially focused on commercial, public-serving, and multifamily clients—bringing solar to people who have traditionally been left out of the clean energy transition. Our vision is a Texas where solar is not just a technology, but a cornerstone of economic opportunity and environmental responsibility.
Approach to Projects
We take a full-service, community-first approach. Whether it’s a municipal client, a private equity firm investing in solar for affordable housing, or a utility launching a community solar program, we tailor our engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to meet real-world needs. We self-perform construction with local crews, design systems for long-term performance, and ensure every project contributes to grid resiliency and customer savings.
Career Impact
Helping launch the City of San Antonio’s onsite solar program has had a profound impact on me. Working closely with city departments to deploy solar across libraries, community centers, and public facilities showed me how clean energy can directly serve residents while advancing broader Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP) goals. It was a clear example of policy translating into real, visible progress—and it reinforced the importance of aligning solar deployment with local climate leadership.
Key Accomplishments
I’m especially proud of our role in delivering solar for public entities and mission-driven clients—whether it’s local governments, housing authorities, or nonprofit partners. These projects often require complex coordination and long timelines, but they have the most tangible community impact. Seeing kids walk under a solar carport at a neighborhood library or knowing that a housing complex has access to more stable electricity pricing—that’s what drives us.
Industry Surprises and Dynamics
How local everything is. From permitting to utility interconnection, to how trenching works on a given site—every project has its own personality. Also, how much of success depends on relationships: with clients, city officials, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Challenges Faced
Navigating the policy and regulatory shifts at both the state and federal level has been a challenge. From net metering uncertainty to Buy America provisions and tax credit requirements under the Inflation Reduction Act, staying nimble and informed has been key to keeping projects moving.
Unique Contributions or Initiatives
We’re proud to be a local EPC that doesn’t just subcontract the work—we train and employ local labor, many from underserved communities. We’re also investing in workforce development programs and partnerships with local schools and nonprofits to create long-term career pathways in clean energy.
Future Outlook
We’re expanding our reach across Texas, especially into multifamily housing, public infrastructure, and energy storage. The next frontier is integrating solar with smart load management and AI-driven dispatch, so our systems aren’t just clean—they’re intelligent, adaptive assets for the grid.
Final Thoughts
Texas is often seen as an oil and gas state, but we see it as a solar state in the making. We’re honored to be part of that transformation, building a future where clean energy is local, resilient, and shared by all.