Our Background

AED is a development company specializing in the design and development of renewable energy systems.  If it has to do with sustainability we’ve probably designed it already.  Solar powered data centers?  Check.  Wind-powered Desalination plants?  Been there.  Storage from batteries, gravity, or biomass?  Done that.

The roots of sustainability and renewable energy run deep within our company. We can uniquely claim that our Principals have over 40 years of experience within this industry, dating back to 1976. From creative system design to permitting, and from financing to on-going opertions, AED can help.

Our ‘Associated’ member list represents specialized expertise that can be brought to bear at a moments notice depending on the project type. Waste-to-energy.  BESS storage.  Data Centers.  Desalination.  You name it, and our people have probably done it.  AED provides unique capabilities and an unparalleled understanding of the renewable energy marketplace that you will not find in other design, engineering and development firm.

We work with property owners and even other project developers to bring their project into reality.  We pride ourselves on ‘reading the tea leaves’ of constantly changing incentives and regulatory environments.  We truly understand the issues in the renewable energy marketplace, and can help you take advantage of hidden opportunities – and avoid pitfalls.

Principal Members

 Visit our ‘Associated’ page here to view other Associates and learn about the depth of our organization.

Brian D. Kuhn

(CEO, Product and Project Development)

Mr. Kuhn was first involved in the Renewable Energy Industry in 1976. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Renewable Energy Systems and Business (a mixture of Mechanical Engineering and Business), from the University of Massachusetts, at Amherst, MA (1977). During his time at UMass he studied under Professor William Heronemus, a noted naval architect and world-renowned primary investigator for off-shore wind systems. He was a member of a small team of engineers that designed and built the first UMass Solar Habitat and Wind Furnacefor the Department of Energy. This wind turbine introduced many innovations, including the use of a 3 bladed, variable pitch rotor and the use of a monopole tower, features that are now standard in today’s modern wind turbine designs. The Wind Furnaceturbine is currently heading to a new home at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. The wind turbine and solar habitat later went on to become the highly respected Renewable Energy Research Laboratory at UMass.

During the early 1980’s Brian served as National Solar Specialist for Rheem/Ruud Water Heater Company – the largest manufacturer of water heaters in the world. He was responsible for the training of a national network of dealers and distributors in commercial and residential solar products.

Kuhn offers the perspective of over 40 years of product and service development in the fields of Energy, Real Estate and general marketing. He has an easy approach to helping other understand complex energy issues, having taught Wind Power and Solar Energy courses at Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable, MA and Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA. He has had several articles published about solar and wind power. He is a past member of the National Association of Home Builders and the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association. He works with various Wind Working Groups around the country to promote Community Wind and Solar projects and is instrumental in providing technical expertise to dealers, customers and affiliates.

In his hometown of Plymouth, MA, Mr. Kuhn has served as Chairman for the Plymouth Energy Committee (PEC), a volunteer advisory group which reports to the Board of Selectmen.  He is the principal author of Plymouth 2020, a plan which calls for virtually all of Plymouth’s Municipal electricity to be produced by renewable sources in time for the town’s 400th anniversary.

brian.kuhn@assocenergy.com

Joseph Loud

(President)

As President of AED, Joe Loud is responsible for the overall business development strategy as well as the growth of the Sales and Marketing of AED.  His knowledge of the industry and grasp of technically challenging issues is unsurpassed.

Joe brings 15 years of real estate development and funding background to the company.  This is especially valuable in the renewable energy marketplace, where energy projects are often considered just another example of ‘income properties’. In addition, Joe is responsible for helping to build a national chain of technology stores.

In addition to running AED, Joe is also CEO of AED’s sister company ‘Quantum Youtility’.  QY arranges long-term financing and on-going operations for projects in which we take an ownership position.

Joe lives on Cape Cod with his family where he is involved with his church and other civic organizations.  Ever the networker, Joe is responsible for building much of AED’s strategic network.  Anyone who has dealt with AED probably knows Joe already!

Joseph.Loud@assocenergy.com

Rick Bennett

(COO)

Rick Bennett is AED’s COO and Operations Specialist. With 15 years of Business Management experience, Rick facilitates or manages the necessary personnel to ensure a smooth Sales to Operations transition.  He personally assists with Project Evaluation and Funding, and is hands-on in many AED projects. Rick exhibits a cool and calm demeanor when speaking with all types of contractors, funding groups and others. He specializes in Project Management, Vendor Relations, and continually assists with the overall growth and vision of the company.

Rick also heads up our Bio-Char and carbon division, personally managing projects in several states.

Rick.Bennett@assocenergy.com