Mel Bergsneider

Mel Bergsneider is an Executive Account Manager at Allume Energy and a leading voice in sustainable innovation. A passionate advocate for climate action and energy equity, Mel is known for driving the expansion of solar access across the United States. As the first U.S.-based employee at Allume Energy, Mel led the company’s growth from an Australian start-up to a market presence in California, New York, and Florida. One of her biggest achievements has been building a scalable $20 million sales pipeline while helping communities benefit from affordable, shared solar energy through Allume’s world-first technology, SolShare.

Mel’s path into sustainability began through a blend of education and hands-on experience. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Corporate Innovation and Sustainable Business from Indiana University Bloomington and a Certification in Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies from Stanford University. While studying, Mel worked as a Sustainability Peer Educator, presenting to hundreds of students on energy conservation and waste reduction. Early in her career, she gained global experience through an internship in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest with Fundación Runa, collaborating with indigenous communities to promote sustainable tourism and agricultural initiatives. These formative experiences helped shape Mel’s commitment to climate solutions that are inclusive and practical.

Throughout her career, Mel has held a number of impactful roles. At GRID Alternatives, she served as SolarCorps Workforce Development Fellow, where she helped accredit the Installation Basics Training 200 programme and launched the first Spanish-speaking solar installation in partnership with Tesla’s Latinx group. At Carbon Lighthouse, Mel worked to expand energy efficiency initiatives across commercial real estate, and later joined Allume Energy, where she rose to the position of Executive Account Manager. Mel also contributes to the broader sustainability movement as Co-Chair of the Decarbonisation Working Group for USGBC Los Angeles, bringing together industry leaders to advance electrification and renewable energy in urban settings. Her achievements have been recognised in publications such as Fast Company, PV Magazine and Energy Transition by S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Mel’s keynotes inspire audiences to rethink access to clean energy. She speaks on topics such as solar equity, decarbonisation strategies for real estate, and the role of innovation in achieving climate justice. These subjects are vital as millions of Americans still lack access to rooftop solar despite living in buildings perfectly suited for it. Mel combines business insight with environmental purpose, offering real-world examples of how policy, partnerships and technology can work together to drive impact.