Accelerating solar innovation through strategic execution and digital transformation

Varun Harnathka is a name quickly gaining traction in the solar energy space, not just for his technical depth, but for his ability to deliver transformative results across preconstruction, procurement, and business development. Based in Jersey City, New Jersey, and serving as Director of EPC Business Development & Preconstruction at Pfister Energy, Harnathka has already helped secure over $200 million in new bid opportunities while driving multimillion-dollar savings across the board.

“What excites me most about solar is the convergence of technical innovation, environmental urgency, and market potential,” he shares. “It’s where science and sustainability meet execution—and I’ve always wanted to be at that intersection.”

His journey began at Cornell University, where he earned a Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Energy Economics. There, he not only won the Cornell Case Competition in 2019 but was also named Best Teaching Assistant, reflecting a rare combination of intellect and mentorship. He had earlier graduated as a gold medalist from Manipal University, a sign of the academic rigor that has fueled his career trajectory.

At Pfister, Varun’s approach to operational excellence is built on the foundation of data and discipline. “We integrated financial models directly into CapEx estimating tools,” he explains. “That alone boosted project margins by 3%. Small changes in methodology, when applied at scale, deliver huge impacts.” His automation initiatives have reduced estimate turnaround times by over 65%, while his proprietary Product-Cost Calculator for rooftop inverters is projected to save $1 million annually.

During a leadership transition, Harnathka temporarily stepped up to lead engineering and project management functions. “It was about more than filling a gap,” he says. “It was about proving that cross-functional leadership can drive cohesive, resilient operations.” Under his guidance, a $50 million EPC project portfolio was not only stabilised but improved.

His cross-disciplinary strength extends to legal and vendor management as well. From tightening subcontractor agreements to scaling a qualified partner network of over 150 vendors, Varun emphasises executional integrity. “Risk-based contracting and proactive vendor alignment have accelerated schedules by up to 18 weeks and unlocked $6 million in savings,” he notes.

With certifications in Six Sigma and Advanced Data Analytics, Harnathka brings a structured, metrics-driven lens to every challenge. He developed tools like the “Scope of Work Leveling” system and geotechnical report guides that are now standard in Pfister’s workflows.

Looking to the future, Harnathka remains focused on driving the clean energy transition. “The next phase is digitalisation, modular systems, and AI-powered decision-making,” he affirms. “By 2030, I aim to influence over $1 billion in renewable infrastructure deployment.”

Outside the boardroom, Varun is equally committed—to scuba diving, Himalayan trekking, and youth empowerment in rural Guatemala. “Leadership, to me, is about impact—in energy, in community, and beyond.”