Our Team
Jason Benfit
Principal, Solar Energy
With a passion for green building, Jason once lived in a solar powered “tiny home” he built in Hawaii — way before tiny homes were considered cool. Now in his second stint at Neil Kelly, Jason leads our solar energy practice and consults on sustainable building projects, energy efficiency, solar energy systems and more. Focused on communication and customer service, committed to outstanding build quality, and supported by a top-notch team of Neil Kelly craftspeople and technicians, Jason can deliver home improvement jobs on time and on budget.
Darryl Johnson
Operations Manager
Darryl is the Solar Operations Manager and Signing Electrician for Neil Kelly’s Portland-based solar team. With 25 years in construction and 13 years as an electrician in Oregon and Washington. Darryl currently holds Oregon’s Signing Supervisor License, and Washington’s Master Electrician License. He first partnered with Neil Kelly as a trade ally before joining full-time to pursue his passion for renewable energy. Today, he oversees solar operations, field leadership, and electrical design, while also supporting hiring, training, and departmental growth. Darryl’s work is grounded in a personal mission to build a cleaner, more sustainable future. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, camping, and drawing on his past experience as a wildlife biologist in the Pacific Northwest.
Stephane Selbe
Project Manager
Stephane is a Solar Project Manager with Neil Kelly’s Home Performance/Solar Energy team, overseeing energy retrofits that include HVAC, plumbing, roofing, insulation and solar from pre-construction planning to system activations. He works closely with clients, sales consultants, and field crews to manage timelines, budgets, and permitting processes, ensuring smooth installations that meet both code requirements and client expectations. Known for his collaborative approach and technical acumen, Stephane brings precision, problem-solving, and a strong commitment to sustainable design to every project. Whether coordinating a complex install or completing a final walkthrough, he’s focused on delivering clean energy solutions with quality, efficiency, and care.
Joseph Sullivan
Project Associate
Joseph Sullivan is a Solar Project Associate who brings equal parts heart, science, and real-world experience to his work. A graduate of East Carolina University with a B.S. in Environmental & Behavioral Sciences, Joseph has spent the last several years working at the intersection of sustainability, field operations, and customer care. With a background spanning environmental science, residential management, and four years in the solar industry, he’s known for bringing clarity and efficiency to complex projects. At Neil Kelly, Joseph is passionate about helping homeowners feel confident in renewable solutions—treating every home with the same respect he’d give his own. When he’s not working, you’ll find him hiking, exploring, or chasing adventure across the PNW.
NK Solar History
Before there were photovoltaic solar panels, increasing energy prices in the 70s inspired the development of solar hot water systems. Neil was involved in the innovation and breakthroughs of these systems, which circulated water warmed by the sun through rooftop modules that provided homes and businesses with usable water and radiant heat.
Neil also promoted solariums, or sunrooms, which supply homes with passive solar heat and were built for many homes and businesses by the company throughout the 80s.
In 2013, Neil Kelly Company officially entered the solar market by acquiring Mr. Sun Solar, a company that installed more residential thermal and PV solar systems in Portland than any other.
Since 2013, Neil Kelly Solar has installed nearly 1,000 solar energy systems for home and business owners throughout Oregon and Washington.
Client Reviews
“Neil Kelly did a great job installing my solar panels and back-up battery. They completed the project on a timely basis and were communicative and helpful in working through any remaining items after substantial completion of the project. Each of the staff members was professional, courteous, responsive and had the requisite expertise.”
GuildQuality Review, C.Reedy, May 2023
“We just completed a solar installation with Neil Kelly. We have worked with them previously and continue to be pleased in every way with their products and work. What a great company!”
Google Review, C Ritter, August 2023
“Great quality service, product, execution and follow-up. For Solar Panel installation go no further than Neil Kelly.”
Google Review, M. Gibbons, January 2024