SEI Instructor

SEI Instructor - Spanish Program

David Rangel has a long Engineering trajectory in different industries, committed to Renewable Energy, Environmental Developments and projects since 2007.  Passionate about off grid and electrochemical energy storage solutions, advocating and pioneering on these matters in LATAM as instructor, installer, advisor, manager and supporter. With vast experience in designing, installing and deploying Storage based PV Systems for off grid and grid tied applications.

David is Founder & GM for the Engineering and Consulting Firm “Ecotrends", a prominent company specialized in supporting the LATAM markets on Storage based energy solutions

Lecturer and Speaker in several main events, including, SPI Mexico chapter in 2021 and 2022 in Energy Storage and Lithium, also with CPEF as Founder and lead Storage Master for their ecosystem… Bachelor in industrial Engineering, with an MBA and Proud member of the On-Line Program at Stanford CPD in Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies.

On his free time, he loves to go outdoors with the family, cook and travel while thinking in storage solutions!

SEI Instructor

Gabe’s interest in renewable energy stems from his beliefs in the importance of community resilience, self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability. He has spent much of the last several years operating as a contractor specializing in micro-hydroelectric and other renewable energy and natural resource-related applications. His career began in the late-90’s in heavy construction, where he spent several years working throughout the western US remediating environmentally contaminated sites, and on other civil construction projects including roads, bridges, and large structures. He has since worked in numerous construction and industrial related occupations, including several years as a welding business owner, and as a prototype/commercialization fabricator. Gabe attended his first SEI course at the Carbondale campus in 2005, and came to SEI as a work-trader in the Summer of 2014, later completing training certificates in RE Applications, Developing World Applications, and Battery-based PV Systems.  Aside from his interest in the ‘hands-on’ aspects of RE, Gabe has a strong interest in the analytical and developmental aspects of RE, cleantech, and resource conservation policy and deployment. He holds a BA in Economics and Environmental Studies from Western Colorado University, a Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Applications from CU, and an MSc in Natural Resources and Energy Policy from Colorado School of Mines. In the last few years, he has interned as a natural resource and energy researcher at the Payne Institute for Public Policy, and has been active within numerous initiatives and organizations including the Colorado Hydrogen Network, Colorado Just Transition Initiative, Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, and others.  In Gabe’s free time, he can be found camping, exploring, mountain biking, fishing, skiing, or snowboarding.

PV Lab Manager

Joseph has worked in the PV industry for over ten years as an installer, lead installer, project manager and operations and maintenance technician. He is currently the PV Lab Manager at Solar Energy International’s headquarters in Paonia Colorado. Joseph is excited to study and consciously participate in the systems which support his life on the earth. He has lived off the grid in an earthen home he designed and built in the foothills of the West Elk Mountains for 19 years. He enjoys spending time with his two sons, wild places, and hanging out with plants.

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Costa Rica, and from there I decided to develop my career in renewable energies. I have worked for 7 years as a project engineer in Costa Rica. For 5 years I worked in off-grid systems, where we developed the implementation of hybrid PV, Hydro, and Wind systems with lead-acid energy storage. I am a designer for the HydroTech brand where micro-hydroelectric turbines from 300W-20kW are manufactured. Later I worked for 2 years in the development of grid-tied PV systems on an industrial scale. Here we implemented 2 of the first microgrids in Costa Rica, unifying PV energy, grid, backup generators, and BESS, with lithium-ion energy storage technology. I am currently working on the development of DCS for large-scale power generation plants in North American projects. During my career, I have been technically trained by taking SEI courses (Advance Pv Multimode And Microgrid Design Battery-Based, Advance Pv Stand-Alone System Design Battery-Based, Advanced Pv System Design And The NEC Grid-Direct, Appropriate Technology For The Developing World) which allowed me to become certified as NABCEP PV Installation Professional. Aside from work, I like outdoor activities, running, hiking, swimming, board games, and volunteering.

SEI Instructor

Ever the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, Samira Smith dove into the renewable energy field to follow her passion for protecting habitats, ecosystems, and precious natural resources. After completing her Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering at University of Colorado Boulder in 2014, she began her career in Data Acquisition and performance monitoring with a company based in Boulder. A year long sabbatical led her back to her hometown of West Palm Beach, Florida, where she discovered an opportunity to become a residential PV design engineer in 2017. With this position she spent her days designing residential grid direct PV and multi-mode battery based PV systems in central FL. She especially enjoyed days in the field gaining hands on experience with site surveys, install and commissioning, and O&M and troubleshooting. Her recent career move to corporate has extended her reach outside of the state of Florida to include all of continental US. Looking towards the future, her focus is on grid direct battery based systems, and she is looking forward to delving more into the world of off grid battery based design. She anticipates completing her NABCEP PVIP certification in 2021, and will continue working towards becoming a licensed professional engineer. Outside of work, Samira enjoys a wide variety of outdoor and cultural activities, such as camping, paddleboarding, biking, gardening, dancing, Krav Maga, and playing music.

SEI Instructor - Spanish Program

Saַúl González Mendoza was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where he obtained his B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree (University of Puerto Rico), followed by a M.S. Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree at Stanford University (Palo Alto, CA). After 19 years in the manufacturing industry of medical devices and biopharmaceuticals, and shortly after Hurricane María devastated the island, Saúl switched careers to solar, and turned to Solar Energy International for his preparation. Saul completed four (4) of SEI’s professional certifications, obtained his NABCEP PV Associate credential, and became a licensed electrician journeyman. Seeing the need for energy security is his island, Saúl founded GenEra, L3C (low-profit limited liability company) in 2020, a for-profit company with a social purpose. In addition to serving residential and commercial customers, Saul collaborates with community projects where he provides technical assistance, installation support, seeks donations, or provides solar equipment at cost, to achieve energy security and sustained operation. Saul has also served on a voluntary basis in the board of directors of a local trade association that gathers solar companies, where he engages in aspects of professional and community education, and public policy.

SEI Instructor

Taylor hails from NC,USA where he has split his time on earth thus far between Boone and RDU. Began in the solar industry in 2014 as a rooftop installer after graduating from Appalachian State University with a degree in “Appropriate Technology” and Sustainable Development. From there, Taylor got into testing and commissioning of utility scale generation plants all over the U.S. Taylor holds a NABCEP installer certification as well as Thermography, various Medium Voltage Testing and Substation Technician certificates. He’s also taken just about every class SEI has to offer! Taylor currently directs the Commissioning Department at Strata Clean Energy working on large scale PV and BESS projects ranging in size from 5MW to 250MW.

SEI Instructor

Tom started his post-grad career in 1996 as a back-country Park Ranger with the National Park Service.  He was first introduced to solar & energy storage by a small off-grid system that powered the lights of a back-country cabin in Olympic National Park.  Tom joined the solar industry in 2011 starting with inside sales in Providence, Rhode Island.  Within in a few months he became an in-home solar power consultant andrelocated to Montpelier, VT.  His sales career continued to a Regional Sales Manager, a National Sales Trainer, and a Director of Commercial Sales.  Tom continued his post graduate education and recently obtained a M.B.A. in Finance from Norwich University in Vermont. He now works as a Renewable Energy Project Manager after joining RISE Engineering’s rapidly growing commercial solar department in Cranston, RI, in 2020.  RISE Engineering, a division of Thielsch Engineering Inc, has been a leader in efficiency services  for over 40 years and is an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).

SEI Instructor

Rick began working in the renewable energy industry in 2015 in his current position leading the installation team at Paradise Energy Solutions, LLC.  Paradise Energy Solutions designs, installs and services residential, agricultural and commercial solar PV systems ranging from 4kW to over 2MW in size, for customers throughout the Mid Atlantic region.  He enjoys helping his team grow and develop with a focus on safely installing solar PV systems for their customers while exceeding their expectations.  He also plays a key role in the implementation of a thriving O&M branch of the company that serves the same customer base as well as providing service for utility scale systems.  He particularly enjoys helping his team solve unusual and complex problems that the team encounters.    His 40 year career has encompassed a wide range of industries, from mining, manufacturing,  and aerospace.  He was fortunate to gain experience in PLC programming and automation, reliability engineering, Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing, 3D CAD design and more.  He is a graduate of SEI's Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Certificate and Battery-Based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate programs.  When not at work, Rick enjoys spending his time with his wife of over 40 years, Nancee, their adult children and 9 grandchildren.  Rick also serves on the advisory board of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Pennsylvania.  He's grateful for his church family, and enjoys serving at church with Nancee, and volunteers as a youth basketball referee for the children's basketball program.

U.S. Business Development Manager + Instructor

When he was a child, Marshall had a toy solar kit with a PV cell attached to a fan motor. It was as good as magic, and that sense of magic has never dimmed. Seeking adventure after a short run as an IT professional, Marshall dove into the solar industry in 2012 installing residential and commercial PV systems in Florida and Tennessee. After studying at SEI in 2016, he earned his NABCEP PVIP certification, then went to work in the large-scale PV sector supporting central inverters at Power Electronics. Since 2018 Marshall has been dedicated to training and education in the solar field and is thrilled to be a part of SEI team. He lives with his family in Gainesville, FL where the live oaks bring relaxing shade, and the beach is just a short trip away.

SEI Instructor

Amit Shukla has an MBA and BS degrees in both Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry. Amit has a NABCEP PV Associates certification. He has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Being a chemical engineer, although he was trained in fossil energy, he has spent his whole career working in the renewable energy industry. He is passionate about renewable energy and he believes that is the only way to solve today's energy and environmental problems. Besides solar, he has broad experience in waste to energy, biomass, biofuels, combined heat and power, biogas, and wind. He has worked for utilities, start-ups, engineering consulting firms, solar companies, and colleges and universities. He has raised multi-million dollars for waste to energy projects, which when implemented saved over $4.5 million in operating costs with a payback of 4.5 years for a biofuels client. He has been an Assistant Professor of Renewable Energy for New Mexico State University and Triton College. Currently, he owns and operates a renewable energy development company called Renewable Energy Strategies & Solutions, which originates, designs, develops, and invests in renewable energy projects throughout the Midwest. In his free time, Amit spends time with his family. He also likes to do yoga, meditate, and learn about ancient civilizations and cultures.

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, Rafael moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2012 to pursue a career in renewable energy. With a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, he went on to obtain a master’s degree in Engineering Management with focus in renewable energy from the University of Arizona. Rafael has been working in the solar industry for over 6 years, with experience in both Arizona and California. He is NABCEP certified and currently works as an electrical engineer for Technicians for Sustainability, an employee-owned cooperative in Tucson where he shares ownership with his colleagues.

Curriculum Developer + Instructor

Alejandro is an SEI instructor with nearly a decade of experience in installing and commissioning power distribution equipment at telecommunications sites. A graduate in Electronic Engineering from the Costa Rica Institute of Technology, Alejandro decided to shift his career toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious industry. In 2014, he completed a master’s degree in Renewable Energy, where he discovered his passion for solar energy. He later finished SEI’s "Battery-Based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate" program. After earning his certification, Alejandro joined SEI’s curriculum development team, contributing his expertise and enthusiasm to the creation of innovative educational materials. His interest in sustainable communities in rural areas drives him to promote solar energy as a key component in developing homes and agroecological settlements. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys outdoor activities with his family, as well as cooking and sports.

SEI Instructor

Channa Silva is an international consultant with over 8 years of progressive experience in Solar and renewable energy technologies, with a Master of Engineering Science in Solar & Renewable Energy from the University of New South Wales, Australia and Master of Engineering Management from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. He also a Certified Expert in Climate and Renewable Energy Finance by the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management in Germany. He overlooked over many MW scale projects in Sri Lanka, Australia, Fiji and Middle East. In February 2019, He co-founded nSolar Consultants, a Sri Lankan based international consultancy firm where He leads as the Chief Technical Officer. He establishes and leads the company’s technological developments while providing all necessary services as a consultant and conducts research on technologies such as storage, floating solar PV, hybrid systems. In addition to the consultancy services, He also provides training and conducts workshops in solar PV internationally. When he is not involved in solar PV, you can find him enjoying and experiencing different cultures, cuisines and travelling the world with family.

Curriculum Developer + Instructor

Alex Jahp joined the solar industry in 2015 out of a passion for the environment and sustainable development. He has since worn many hats – and hard hats – with roles in construction, design, and project management on projects from watts to megawatts throughout the US, Peru, and Guatemala.  His work has taught him the important role that codes, standards, and training play in building a safe, reliable, and scalable industry. Since 2017 he has taught classes and developed curriculum on construction, design, codes, standards, and O&M. He is currently a Senior Consultant at Solar Tech Collective and an instructor at Solar Energy International, as well as a member of the NABCEP JTA for the PV Associate Credential and a participant in several SEIA Standard Technical Committees. He is fluent in Spanish, a NABCEP PV Installation Professional, a PMI Project Management Professional, a 2022 Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) fellow, and a board member at Twende Solar.

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Tamara made a radical career shift in 2008 from promoting democratic development in the former Soviet Union to working in the solar industry in Mexico.  Landing on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, she quickly understood the need to live sustainably to not damage the fragile environment.  She designed and built two off-grid homes (PV, rain water collection and storage, dry composting toilets, experimental natural building materials).  This was her first contact with solar and she was hooked immediately.  After taking every SEI class available at the time, she established an off-grid solar company in Tulum, Mexico in 2009.  Tamara is actively involved in all aspects of the business including sales, system design, installation, operations and maintenance.  She relocated the business to Xcalak in 2014, where Ecolocos serves nearly 100 off-grid residences and small businesses.  When not on a roof or in a battery room, she can be found visiting neighbors in her solar-powered golf cart, swimming, making soap or working on some small sustainability project or another.

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Ernesto’s background is in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Universidad Tec de Monterrey of Mexico. After some years working for private companies like GE, he decided to work in the PV industry. He started out in the comercial side as a technical representative for the first PV companies in Mexico by introducing the grid connected systems in 2008. Since then he has evolved in other fields as a project manager, in engineering and as an outsourced PV installer. He has now 5 years with his own company selling, installing and servicing residential and commercial PV costumers. Ernesto also works as a technical trainer for Solar Energy International. He has a NABCEP associate certification,  university teaching experience and holds an MBA.

SEI Instructor

Diane is a Professional Engineer (Mech) who spent most of her career in Alberta, Canada cheering on the solar industry as it continued to make progress in a hydrocarbon dominant area.  Understanding the need for diversity while living in a location with an abundance of both resources (sunshine and old dinosaurs) helped Diane operate under the umbrella of “energy industry” since Y2K.  With a successful background in instrumentation and controls the transition to finally dedicate 100% of her time to sustainability was easy.  Since 2015 she has been operating a renewable energy business in Alberta designing and installing solar projects in western Canada and the United States.  Her focus is primarily on battery-based designs, both off-grid and multimode.  Diane also runs an urban farm business offering local, sustainable food options and working on greenhouse technologies using solar energy.  Instructing for Solar Energy International was a natural decision when they offered classes in Calgary for the first time and she hasn’t looked back since!

Curriculum Developer + Instructor

Amy found her way to PV in sunny Arizona, as part of an interest in off-grid sustainable living and natural building. She began drafting residential PV systems in 2005, and made an appearance in residential-scale wind power manufacturing as a drafter and document control specialist until 2008, when she moved to California where the PV industry was blossoming. She jumped right in and started designing residential systems, and eventually found herself designing and coordinating multi-megawatt commercial-scale PV projects. She took every opportunity to get out of the office and onto the roof, and in 2011 she became a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional. With special interests in large-scale utility interconnections and multi-use land projects (utilizing landfills, parking lots, etc. for PV), she has worked for several industry-leading companies on projects in multiple states. Amy has a deep love of sharing her knowledge and experience through education and is thrilled to be a part of the SEI Curriculum Development team, in addition to her independent PV system design and consulting work. She can also be found playing and teaching fiddle and singing traditional bluegrass and country music in the San Francisco Bay Area.

SEI Instructor

Andre Simao was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal. With a mechanical engineering background, he has joined the solar industry in 2004. His first job in the solar industry with R&D bridge and product development team. From there, he's being linked into the execution of wide range projects. Solar PV on-grid up to multi MWp, microgrid solar PV systems, hybrid PV systems and diesel replacement. On the other hand, he also works with solar thermal systems up to mid-range temperatures (up to 300C), on this field he has executed solar thermal jobs from thermosiphon in villas, to forced circulation systems in sports stadiums and hotels.

He has worked as a designer and installer of residential and commercial/industrial/utility systems up to mainly in Europe and Gulf region. 

Nowadays, he currently runs his own consulting / construction, advisory and project management business, Solar Hands LLC, focused on helping people to optimize, develop and bring solar PV and Solar 

He lives in Dubai with his family and enjoying spending his time between music, books and family activities.

Instructor

Eissa graduated with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Omdurman Islamic University in 2003; he also holds an MBA from Sudan Academy of Science; and rounds out his education as an SEI Alumni with his NABCEP Associate's certification. Eissa has been in the solar industry since 2008 when he supervised the swapping of more than 522 mobile network stations from conventional power supply to Off-Grid and Hybrid solar systems in Sudan, Mali, Ethiopia and Egypt. He now serves on the leading Technical Sales Team at ALSA SOLAR SYSTEMS which is based in Dubai  and does megawatt scale projects in the MENA region.

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Ernesto Grossman was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. He's always looked for practical and innovative solutions that could help the environment and the entire collective. Ernesto got his BS in Mechanical Engineering back home in Venezuela and then pursued his MS in Mechanical Engineering at CU Boulder. Within that time, the track he devoted himself to was energy and environment. Graduated in 2013 and since then he has been kicking the streets installing and implementing solar at the residential, commercial and off-grid levels. He believes in the fractal micro-grid model, where different resources like solar+storage+EV play a key role towards decentralizing the energy markets around the US and the World. He knows that following this recipe will successfully shift the way we share energy and interact. At the end is about boosting local economies within bigger regional and national economies. Currently managing Golden Solar Electric to make the latter something tangible and enjoyable. Ernesto resides in Longmont, Colorado with his beautiful wife Andrea, Daughter Alana and dog Mambo.

SEI Instructor

Reny is a Caribbean native, from the Dominican Republic, that grew up in New York City. He is now residing in the Windy City of Chicago, IL.. He has been involved in architecture and renewable energy since 2009. Reny holds a BS in Architectural Engineering Technology and AAS in Environmental Technologies with an emphasis in Solar Energy.  He is a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional.  He enjoys spending time with his family, motorcycles, cycling, hiking, camping, and of course baseball. He is currently working as a Senior Project Engineer for AES Clean Energy, and is also an active member of NABCEP’s PVIP Exam Committee.

SEI Instructor

Sarah's interest in renewable energy systems began during her years at Montana State University, when her family moved to Southeast Alaska. During a visit to the remote, coastal communities in the area, the off-grid power systems there, many of which combined solar, wind and micro-hydro, captured her imagination. After graduating from MSU in 2006 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Sarah worked for Independent Power Systems as an installer. Since then, she has held sales and management positions, and spent a year designing large commercial PV systems for Meridian Solar in Austin, Texas. She earned her Master Electrician license in 2016 and joined OnSite Energy as Project Manager in 2017. She lives in Livingston, Montana.

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Carlos is an Electromechanical Engineer with 25 years of experience specializing in renewable energy projects, particularly off-grid systems. His current role involves the design, installation, inspection, commissioning, and maintenance of photovoltaic energy solutions, both ion-grid and off-grid. He has contributed to consultations and designs of projects over 1 MW, both nationally and internationally, utilizing various energy generation solutions. Additionally, Carlos has been instrumental in project teams for specialized consulting, including Due Diligence assessments, pre- and feasibility studies for large solar plants, CSP (Concentrated Solar Power), wind energy, Curve de Abatimiento CR, and more. Actively engaged in the Renewable Energy Commission of the College of Electrical, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineers of Costa Rica, Carlos has also served as a speaker and university professor on topics related to Renewable Energies. He holds NABCEP certification and a Master's Degree in Renewable Energies.

SEI Instructor

Jeff Nicholson has been involved in solar since 2012, when he helped build Sigora Solar, Virginia's largest solar integrator. Jeff is a NABCEP-Certified PV Installation Professional and Technical Sales professional. He's been involved in every aspect of the solar industry, from sales and marketing, to installation and system design, to management of a fast-growing installation company. He now helps Sigora develop special projects and works on state-level solar policy issues. Before embarking on the solarcoaster, Jeff worked as an engineering project manager, a home inspector, and a math teacher.

SEI Instructor

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Max studied electrical engineering at the University of Costa Rica and has been working on energy efficiency and renewable energy since 2005. He has been involved in the solar energy sector of Central America since 2010 where he has worked as an advisor in the design and implementation of large scale and self-consumption photovoltaic projects. He was part of the technical group that developed the "International Program of Specialization in Photovoltaic Systems" given by the Technological Institute of Costa Rica. He also was part of the group for the development of the mobile application "BAC SOLAR", a tool for calculating the profitability of solar photovoltaic systems in Costa Rica. In 2015, he obtained SEI's "Residential and Commercial Photovoltaic Systems Certificate" and "Battery-Based Photovoltaic Systems Certificate". Since then, Max has collaborated with SEI's Hispanic team to promote the development of courses in Costa Rica. He currently works as a technical advisor on energy for the Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency Program and Promotion of Geothermal Energy in Central America Program, which are implemented by German Cooperation (GIZ) in Central America.

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Pablo is a professional technician in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, living in La Serena, Chile. He'sdesigned and installed off-grid, hybrid, and grid-tied PV systems since 2012. In addition, Pablo has completed residential hot water systems, energy efficiency assessments and related activities in the field. He is an SEI Alumni and is excited to join the team as an instructor. He is looking forward to sharing his experience, accepting new challenges, and more than anything, to keep learning. When he's not "on the roof", Pablo enjoys playing the guitar, swimming at the beach and taking on dirt jumps on his mountain bike.  

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

SEI Instructor

Kienan Maxfield has been working in solar design, troubleshooting, and installation since he was 18. He began to focus on the off-grid sector in 2011 and ever since, he has lived in an off-grid lodge in the middle of nowhere, powered by solar and wind. All of his water comes from a solar direct well which is gravity fed to his home. He has held the NABCEP PV Installation Professional Certificate since 2014. Kienan has a love for math, troubleshooting/diagnostics, tools, design, and anything that’s technical. Based out of Utah, he runs his own business “Maxfield Solar” which offers design, installation, and all other services for solar, wind, and hydro; but he finds himself diagnosing and servicing remote off-grid systems more than anything else.

SEI Instructor

Carol Weis works as a solar electric instructor and consultant in the US and internationally - working on projects in countries such as Haiti, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Sudan, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, India, Fiji, Nepal, and Pakistan.  She also works part-time developing solar training curriculum for organizations such as We Share Solar, OutBack Power, We Care Solar, Solar Electric Light Fund, and USAID. She is an IREC Certified Master PV Trainer TM, and is certified as a PV Installation Professional with the North American  Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and she has worked as a licensed electrician and solar installer in Colorado.  For sixteen years, Carol was a lead member of Solar Energy International’s Photovoltaic technical team creating a world class PV curriculum for a mainly U.S. market, and now brings that same rigor to help create solar training programs in other countries through the world. Carol advocates for women inclusion in the energy sector, and has led technical solar electric courses to all women classrooms since 1999.

SEI Instructor

Thomas Honey is a U.S. Navy veteran with over 30 years’ experience in the fields of electrical & electronic technology. He founded Honey Electric Solar, Inc. (HES) in 1994, where under his guidance HES professionally installed and maintained hundreds of Solar Hot Water, Solar Pool Heating, and Photovoltaics systems in PA, NC, and VA. Currently, his focus is to maintain and service existing PV systems, while providing technical guidance to other PV installation companies. At SEI, Tom teaches SEI’s comprehensive curriculum to those who are seeking additional skills as-well-as newly aspiring PV professional. He holds Electrical Contracting Licenses in NC and VA, and is a NABCEP certified PV Installation Professional. As an Adjunct Professor within the North Carolina Community College System he’s taught Introductory and Advanced PV design & installation courses, Commercial Electrical Wiring courses (conduit bending), and ConEd classes about the National Electrical Code.

SEI Instructor

Roger is a member of SEI's PV Curriculum Development Team and a workshop Instructor. He has had a long-time passion for solar energy - beginning with Mom's clothesline back in the 70's. Since 2002, after a summer of workshops and some hands-on work with SEI, Roger has worked full-time in the PV industry, predominantly in California, and has been a NABCEP Certified PV Installer since 2007. He began as an installer, later working as a foreman, site superintendent and project manager, primarily on grid-direct systems - from small residential to 1 MW commercial systems. He has also performed solar-specific site analysis, troubleshooting, quality assurance and operations and maintenance tasks on thousands of PV sites. Roger is passionate about spreading the understanding and usage of solar power, in addition to teaching best practices for safe, high-quality, NEC compliant PV installations. Currently enjoying the fine food, culture, small waves and bike-friendly routes of the San Francisco Bay Area, Roger can be found late at night playing hockey at Oakland Ice, under 300 kilowatts of PV.

SEI Instructor

Will began working in the renewable energy industry in 2005 for a small East Coast integrator. After starting as an installer, he worked in sales, design, and project management, and he eventually became the Director of Operations for the East Coast.  In 2016, he joined the curriculum team at Solar Energy International (SEI), where he focused on updating and developing course content and teaching classes in-person and online. After five years of curriculum development, he transitioned into the Director of Business Development role, where he helped clients identify training opportunities for their teams. In 2022, Will moved into a solar application specialist role at Fluke, where he supports their renewable energy testing equipment like IV-curve tracers, electrical meters, and thermal imaging cameras.

Will has experience in wind power, solar thermal, energy storage, and all scales of PV, although he has primarily focused on residential and small commercial systems.  He is passionate about implementing high-quality, code-compliant installation techniques.  Will has been a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional since 2006 and was previously a NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer. In his free time, he can be found working with his wife and daughter on their homestead in central Vermont, which features an off-grid straw-bale house.

 

SEI Instructor

Laura Conchelos is a Canadian transplant who found her way to SEI through New Hampshire, Antarctica and New Mexico. Needing a break from doing construction for the United States Antarctic Program and being interested in renewable energy, a coworker introduced her to SEI. Since taking their classes, she has worked as an installer for a large solar company in Santa Fe, New Mexico and recently moved to the San Luis Valley of Colorado where she enjoys the fishing, hiking and skiing. She also loves installing grid-tied and off grid systems with SGS Renewables in Monte Vista, Colorado! Laura is a NABCEP certified PV installer.

SEI Instructor

Garrison Riegel began installing solar systems in 2005 while completing an internship requirement for a degree in Environmental Studies.  This first experience with harvesting the sun’s energy sparked an interest that has resulted in a career in renewable and distributed generation.  Garrison has worked primarily in the Chicago area where he has designed and installed a range of systems from small residential to some of the largest projects in Illinois, lectured on code compliance for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, taught solar design and installation as an adjunct instructor for Green Mountain College in Vermont, and held an executive position at the start-up solar distribution company, Sun-Way Solar. Currently Garrison works at Solar Service, Inc. in Niles, IL where he oversees operations of the PV department, including site assessment, system design, equipment procurement, and system integration. During his career Garrison has worked on hundreds of solar PV and thermal systems, and has earned NABCEP certifications as both a solar thermal and a photovoltaic installer.  When not installing solar, Garrison enjoys building and riding bicycles and trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee.

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Brad Burkhartzmeyer is an experienced solar system designer, installer, and Solar Energy International alumnus. He founded Sun's Eye Power Company--a solar energy and electrical contracting company--in 1993. Brad is a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)Certified Solar PV Installer who has spearheaded efforts to bring solar lighting to a women's college in India together with Rotary International. Brad has worked in Rwanda and solar systems for the Make it Right foundation in the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Brad has helped install renewable energy systems in the developing nations of Guatemala, Nicaragua, Rwanda, and India. He trains installers and teaches classes for community groups wishing to know more about solar possibilities for their own homes. Brad is vice president of the non-profit energy education group Northwest Solar Group in the Puget Sound region. he is co-chair of the Always On solar project that is seeking to establish vocational training for solar installers in developing nations.  

SEI Instructor + Spanish Program

Karo found her passion for renewables and solar energy early in life, living with empathy and compassion for life, nature, and preservation. She's from Costa Rica and began working in random pioneering solar projects there in 2009, in parallel to attaining a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Since, Karo has worn many hats in the PV industry doing tech consulting for PV system design, inspection, commissioning, troubleshooting, and all those fun things. She has been a devoted instructor for SEI since 2013, and was a curriculum developer for SEI from 2013 to 2021. In 2020 she was awarded the Walt Ratterman Award for her volunteering efforts with Water Mission and Engineers Without Borders. In 2014 Karo attained certification as a NABCEP PV Installation Professional (PVIP) 041115-010931, and in 2021 she was accepted as a National Electrical Code® CMP-13 Principal Voting Member. She's humbled by the opportunity to represent installers, SEI alumni, and tradespeople in the NEC writing process. Hit her up on LinkedIn to connect, or follow her efforts to elevate Latin American women in solar through her blog at NomadaSolar.com

SEI Instructor

SEI Instructor

Eric graduated from Rochester Institute as an electrical engineer in 1986. He attended Solar Energy International in 1992. He has taught mathematics and physics at the college level and is a professional electrical engineer registered in the state of Colorado. Eric is also the owner of Innovative Energy, a PV installation company, which has been in business since 1993.

SEI Instructor

Ken Gardner is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer, Professional Land Surveyor, Licensed Electrician, Licensed Solar Contractor, ISPQ Certified Instructor, and NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer. His company, Gardner Engineering Alternative Energy Services, based in Utah, designs and installs solar electric, hydroelectric and wind electric systems.

SEI Instructor

"SolarKelly" Larson is a contract engineer, performing 3rd party verification, design reviews, inspection, commissioning, O&M, and troubleshooting for PV systems from residential to utility-scale. She also teaches beginning and advanced photovoltaic system classes, and writes curriculum for various solar job training programs. She is a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional, a NABCEP Certified PV Installer Specialist, NABCEP Certified PV Commissioning & Maintenance Specialist, a Solar Energy International (SEI) instructor, a IREC Certified Master Trainer, and a California Electrical Contractor (# 868189). Kelly received an electrical engineering degree from UNR in 1991, and started her career in solar working as a staff engineer with Alternative Energy Engineering (now AEE Solar) for 7 years. She also operated a renewable energy design, installation and repair service in Northern Mendocino County, California for 20 years, and has taught renewable energy, photovoltaic systems, and electricity classes since 1999.  

SEI Instructor

Lena was inspired to take leave from her high school teaching career to explore the world of renewable energy. She has built her experience from SEI, taking classes, helping construct their PV Lab Yard, and then working as an electrician and several different solar installers. Now Lena and her husband Jay Pozner run their own renewable energy business, Nunatak Alternative Energy Solutions, where they design and install PV systems and all other sorts of remote power projects.

SEI Instructor

Gary has a BSEE and MBA, is a registered Professional Electrical Engineer licensed in the state of NV and HI, Emeritus NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional, SEI Alumni, HERS I and II Certified Rater, BPI Building Analyst and IREC  Master Trainer Emeritus. He provides consulting services for energy efficiency and alternative energy systems through his company, Solar Independence, located in Carson City, NV. Services include whole house energy audits, PV site analysis, design and preparation of submittal plans, design reviews, project management, site commissioning and training. He has more than 30 years experience with solar thermal systems and occasionally gets involved with wind and micro-hydro applications, but the majority of his time is spent focusing on both off grid and grid-tied solar PV systems in Nevada, the surrounding states and the South Pacific. Gary also teaches renewable energy at Western Nevada College and Truckee Meadows Community College and has been instructing for SEI since 2009.

SEI Instructor

The pursuit of independence ultimately led Jay to the field of Renewables. Coming from a career as a mountain guide and educator, it only felt right to understand the world away from the grid. A workshop with SEI laid the foundation, and from there things just fell into place. Eventually, partnered with his wife Lena, they founded Nunatak Alternative Energy Solutions based in the Elk Mountains of Crested Butte, Colorado. Specializing in remote off-grid system installation and design, the mountain environment taught them many lessons in dealing with harsh environments. The challenge and creative problem solving involved in design and implementation of these systems has made a passion out of a career. Being a contract workshop instructor for SEI since 2006 has allowed Jay to dovetail his time as an educator with practical real-world experience.  Time off is spent outside: hunting, skiing, running rivers, or just letting his daughter teach him a thing or two about the world.

SEI Instructor

Zeke Yewdall grew up with off-grid PV in eastern Washington, and two engineering degrees later, decided to make a career of solar starting in 2002 in the mountains of Colorado. He has designed and built grid-tied PV systems between 200 watts and 200kW, and off grid systems between 10 watts and 62kW. He has recently moved back to eastern Washington where he lives off grid and designs and builds off grid systems. He also experiments with projects such as electric cars and other solar powered contraptions, lithium batteries, biodiesel vehicles, and does lots of hiking and mountain climbing with his dogs. He holds NABCEP certification for PV installation and teaches courses on battery based PV systems.

SEI Instructor

Chris has a Masters of Science degree in Renewable Energy from Murdoch University.  His interest in renewable energy was sparked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador and he continues to pursue solar energy as an enabling technology for sustainable, rural development.  Chris has worked on the design, installation and training programs for solar  projects in Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islands and throughout the Americas.  He is a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer who lives and installs solar in the ‘sunny’ Puget Sound region of Washington State.

SEI Instructor

"For over 28 years I have watched the evolution of PV system types and equipment components along with market forces driving innovation and change in our industry. During this time we have gone from small off-grid battery-based PV systems scattered across remote locations, to batteryless grid-tied systems on rooftops across the country, and now returning back again to solar-plus-storage dominating our current market progression. I have watched the residential, commercial, and utility-scale markets all adapt to decades of change, such as new incentive programs, extreme reductions in solar module pricing, changing electrical and building code cycles, along with climate change increasing resiliency goals in all these markets." Most recently Justine worked with Mayfield Renewables, developing and teaching workshops on energy storage systems, reviewing electrical plan sets for PV and solar-plus-storage projects, and acting as a project consultant and facilitator for commercial-scale solar-plus-storage systems. She also is now a principal voting member of Code Making Panel 13 (CMP-13) for the NEC (which covers articles such as 480 Storage Batteries, 706 Energy Storage Systems, and 750 Energy Management Systems). Through the years Justine has played many technical roles in the industry, such as an NREL research assistant to a NABCEP-certified system installer, to a PV system designer and project manager. However, during the majority of those years, Justine has been an educator for the solar industry both as a curriculum developer and IREC Certified Master Trainer for Solar Energy International and as a senior technical editor and author for Home Power Magazine. These roles, in particular, necessitated that she stayed continually current with the developing PV and solar-plus-storage markets. As such she has cultivated a deep understanding of the industry and has honed her skills to relay knowledge about industry best practices, along with electrical, building, and fire code requirements. Alongside her role as PV+Storage Curriculum Developer & Trainer, Justine also leads SEI's Women is Solar Power program.

SEI Instructor SEI + Spanish Program

SEI Instructor

Kyra brings extensive experience in PV project planning and design including full project plan-sets, project site analysis, production analysis utilizing PV SYST, layout design, system design, interconnection feasibility, and drafting support. B.A., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

SEI Instructor

Growing up in Alaska, Kyle developed a unique appreciation for our sun that fuels his ambition to harness the perpetual energy source.  After installing hundreds of solar energy systems under the scrutiny of Oregon regulations he began traveling far and wide to spread his lessons learned. As an instructor with SEI since 2005 Kyle has worked in more than half of the states in the USA and has experience in several international locations including North America, Central America, Europe and Africa. Kyle’s passion for the sun has spread to a variety of individuals who now comprise the integrity and passion he holds for a truly sustainable future.  Kyle has worked with over a dozen companies internally as an employee and as a consultant as well as virtually hundreds of jurisdictions with unique requirements. His career experience spans from mobile solar systems, remote industrial applications, copious grid tie solar applications and small to medium scale micro-grids. This diversity has allowed him to become well versed in the variety of demands and constraints the industry has with technological and regulatory changes.  With a mixture of student inquisitions from across the world, government regulatory consulting and hundreds of quality control inspections, Kyle brings a vast amount of real time industry expertise to his work while maintaining an open mind for the journey ahead.

SEI Instructor

J.R. Whitley is a licensed electrician, in North Carolina, and a NABCEP certified PV installation professional.  A graduate of Appalachian State University with a BS in Appropriate Technology, he has been working in the PV industry since 2006.  J.R. has been teaching with Solar Energy International since 2011, and has taught courses for Appalachian State and Central Carolina Community College to name a few.  His solar career began at Southern Energy Management (SEM) where he installed, designed, and managed PV projects of all scales.  As the industry and the company grew his role transitioned to focus on Operations and Maintenance, Commissioning, and Quality Assurance, developing and managing these departments at SEM.  In 2012 J.R. founded 690 Electric, which he currently owns a operates.  690 Electric works closely with project developers, owners, engineering firms, NRTL's, and insurance companies; providing a wide scope of services based on each clients specific needs.

Instructor

David Del Vecchio is a graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. He entered the PV industry in 1998 in North Carolina designing, installing and managing off-grid installations. Since 2005, David has been the President of Solar Seed, Inc. performing design, 3rd party QA and inspections, commissioning, troubleshooting as well as in house training for residential, commercial and utility PV system operations and maintenance personnel. While Senior Engineer at Strata Solar, David was responsible for quality control from equipment specification, engineering drawings, construction through commissioning and O&M on over 250MW. David is a NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional since 2005 and IREC Certified Master Trainer in PV since 2010. David is also the primary instructor since 2006 for PV courses at the North Carolina Solar Center at NC State University. David started teaching for Solar Energy International in 2008.   David Del Vecchio, IREC Certified Master TrainerTM for PV Installation Professional.   David Del Vecchio, IREC Certified Master Trainer^TM for PV Installation Professional

Curriculum Developer + SEI Instructor

Curriculum Developer + Instructor

Brian Mehalic is a NABCEP-certified PV Installation Professional with over 22 years of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and servicing all types and sizes of PV and energy storage systems. He began his career as Lead Technician and Project Manager at EV Solar Products in Arizona then worked as Project Engineer for O2 Energies in North Carolina. He was a co-founder of SEI Professional Services, bought by Bowman Consulting Group in 2022, and has instructed and developed curriculum for Solar Energy International since 2009. Currently he is a Senior Consultant at Solar Tech Collective; a Lead Instructor for Solar Energy International; a member of NEC® Code Making Panel 4 since the 2020 cycle; and participates on several NABCEP committees and SEIA Standards Technical Committees.

SEI Instructor

Jeff Tobe is the PV project coordinator and an IREC Certified PV Instructor at SEI. Also a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer, Jeff has designed and led system installations in a variety of renewable energy technologies including grid-tie, grid-tie with battery backup, stand-alone, water pumping and micro-hydro. Jeff has also participated in projects bringing renewable energy to Native American communities. In addition to his PV project and instructor responsibilities, Jeff refurbishes abandoned and used bikes to make available for students and community members as alternative transportation around town in both Carbondale and Paonia. Jeff works in the Paonia office and most recently received his NABCEP Certified PV Technical Sales certificate. IREC Certified InstructorTM for PV Installation Professional

SEI Instructor

Joe specializes in electrical design and project management of solar PV and energy storage systems. He works as a Principal with SEI Professional Services (SEIPS), a Bowman Company, to provide multi-discipline engineering services. Joe provides technical training and curriculum development support with Solar Energy International. His continued involvement with utility scale PV projects and curriculum development allow him to stay closely involved with the latest code requirements and industry best practices.  Joe spends most of his free time enjoying the outdoors with his family and is an avid rock climber. He is an IREC Certified Master Trainer/PV and NABCEP certified PV installation professional. Joe Villacci, IREC Certified Master Trainer^TM for PV Installation Professional

SEI Instructor

Laura Walters has been a member of SEI's PV Technical Team since 2006, updating SEI's internationally recognized PV training program curriculum.  From creating the technical diagrams, to working on SEI's PV textbook series, and helping develop the exercises, quizzes and powerpoint presentations, she is busy ensuring SEI's materials are held to a high standard. She has a degree in Environmental Science with a focus on renewable energy and climate change from Dickinson College. She started the college's sustainability program, which is now being emulated across the country, by writing sustainability into Dickinson's strategic plan. In addition to curriculum work, she has taught Native American trainings, Solar In the Schools installations, and PV Lab Week an online PV courses.  Her passion lies in international off-grid solar work, and she has recently completed trainings in Uganda and Mexico.  In her free time she loves exploring new areas- locally and abroad!

Laura Walters, IREC Certified Instructor^TM for PV Installation Professional

Director of Int. Business Development + Instructor

Kris Sutton has worked full-time in the PV industry since 1999. Kris was a NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer. He regularly teaches technical trainings on the design, installation of photovoltaic systems--both commercial and residential, with a heavy emphasis on safety. He has been employed as an installer, project manager, and owned his own solar consulting business working with utilities, architects, engineers, general contractors, building departments, and homeowners through all phases of the PV design and installation process. Kris serves as Solar Energy International’s Instructor-Trainer and helps develop curriculum.  NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer