Uncategorized Archives - California Solar

Akim Aginsky

Marketing Manager

Akim joined the Cal Solar family in 2018 and has been working as a marketing manager since 2007. He handles all media relations, advertising, social media, branding, department budget, and the creation of all marketing materials.

Akim was certified as a solar installer in Oakland by Solar Staffing in 2009, because he loves solar that much.

He is also a professional photographer, specializing in corporate, editorial, and commercial photography. Akim founded Fifthframe Photography in 1998 in San Francisco, and is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP), and of the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA).

In his spare time, he loves taking his two cats for nature walks, and coaching middle school boy’s basketball.

A graduate with a B.A. in Art from UC Santa Cruz, Akim also studied art at the University Michelle de Montagne in Bordeaux, France.

Candice Ondriezek

Administrative Assistant

Candice recently joined California Solar as our Administrative Assistant. Even though Candice is new to the solar industry her exceptional customer service and passion for solar is impressive. She excels in troubleshooting and is a fast learner. Candice grew up in Mi-Wuk Village, CA, and worked in the gaming industry before joining California Solar. She is passionate about raising her 2-year old son. In her spare time she volunteers with DVSAC, a local non-profit for women taking their power back after abusive relationships.

Martin Webb

Commercial Design & Sales Manager

Martin Webb is a longtime solar expert with 20 years in the solar industry. After starting his own solar company in 2001, he grew it to be the largest in the region, then sold it a dozen years later. Having been involved on several hundred solar projects totaling a combined three million watts, he is a fantastic problem solver and excels at determining the best solution for each site, based on the unique circumstances for each client. He is passionate about the amazing ripple effects created from the decision to switch from utility power to solar power, and how that not only makes a difference in the lives of his clients, but in the community and world at large. Since 2005, he has hosted a monthly radio called “The Energy Report,” which explores important issues surrounding our modern energy diet.

Travis Smith

Solar Technician

Solar Technician Travis is what you’d call a real people person. He’s pleasant, professional and loves talking about solar. He came to California Solar looking for something meaningful and forward thinking. He also wanted to learn about the future of energy. We know we are in good hands with Travis because he is a former EMT, Wilderness First Responder and certified Swiftwater Rescuer. When he is not working or saving people, Travis can be found boating on a Sunday afternoon.

Nick Overhauser

Solar Technician

Nick is new to the solar industry but quickly learning the ropes. He came to California Solar eager to find work that had real value and a significant contribution to society. In addition to having a love for science he is a musician, songwriter, audio engineer and producer. We are hoping one day to say that a bona fide rock star worked at Cal Solar!

Chuck Holding

Sales & Design

Chuck studied solar in college and later broke into the industry as technical support and worked his way into sales and design. Chuck loves understanding the science of solar so much he considers himself somewhat of a solar nerd. His words not ours, but he loves taking that passion and turning it into a value proposition for our customers and the Earth. Chuck volunteers with local Rotary groups as well as youth empowerment organizations. On the weekends Chuck can be found hanging out with his wife and two Golden Retrievers or brewing his own beer.

Alex Horgan

Install Supervisor

After working as a journeyman carpenter for several years, Alex attended an off-grid solar workshop that opened his eyes to how the effectiveness of solar. Six months later he started working for Sun Works and then joined the California Solar team three years ago. As the Install Supervisor Alex is exceptional at navigating DC systems, planning wiring schematics and stringing. Alex has complete his OSHA 30 certification and Nevada PV Certificate. He is most passionate about helping create a new, cleaner energy market. Alex is a regular volunteer with SYRCL and Sierra Streams Institute, as well as the Rocker Memorial Foundation. When he is not working, Alex can be found snowboarding, mountain climbing, backpacking and camping in the mountains.

Ellis Garvin

Sales & Design

Ellis joined the California Solar sales and design team after being self-employed in the construction industry for nearly two decades. He is most passionate about helping people save money while simultaneously helping the planet—a perfect win-win! Ellis has completed his OSHA 10 safety certification, the Solar Living Institute’s 40 hour photovoltaic design course, he is also a CSLB registered Home Improvement Salesperson, and currently pursuing his Associate NABCEP certification. When Ellis is not designing solar power systems, he can usually be found with his 3-year old daughter Clara, and 8-year old son, Rowen. They love hiking and swimming in the Yuba, road trips up the hill or to the coast, and exploring all that Gold Country has to offer.

Jay Wondergem

Lead Solar Electrician

Jay is a Nevada County native. He grew up in a solar-powered off-grid home and is a carpenter by trade. Jay brought his 12 plus years of carpentry experience to the California Solar installation team in 2015, adding a unique level of expertise that is a huge asset to a company that takes on wide-ranging projects. Jay is hard-working and kind, which he believes may be the result of drinking lots of coffee. An avid mountain bike racer, he has several medals to his name. On the weekend, you can find him out riding his bike, fishing, or spending time with his family.

Rob Totoonchie

Residential Sales Manager

Rob is one of California Solar Electric Company’s system designers. He got his start in the solar industry in 2012 through Sierra College’s Photovoltaic Skills Program. Before moving into residential design, Rob spent a year and a half as a systems installer. He holds certifications in NABCEP PV Technical Sales and SunPower ARS. Rob has a passion for educating the public about the benefits of going solar and helping people to understand that it is an easy process and hugely beneficial in both the short-term and the long-term. In addition to being a skilled solar system designer, Rob is an accomplished photographer. He loves bacon, yard sales, and hiking around the Yuba River.

Kris Phillips

Office Manager

Kris has been working in the solar industry since 2007 and was brought on as California Solar’s Operations Manager in 2013. Kris came to Nevada County from Southern California after a long career in the semiconductor industry. Throughout her professional career, Kris held many job titles including IT Trainer, ISO 9000 Lead Assessor, Project Facilitator, and Warehouse Supervisor. She excels at logistics management, problem solving, and customer service. Kris brings to California Solar her thorough attention to detail and her ability to establish metrics for process improvement. She is a positive force in the office, always maintaining open lines of communication and finding a way to finish any task she takes on. Outside of work, Kris is a wonderful cook, a licensed falconer and a diehard Green Bay Packers fan.

Joseph Phelps

Solar Technician

Joseph first found his way to the solar industry in 1998 through his extensive involvement in off-grid alternative building and holistic land management. Originally from San Mateo, CA, he lived and worked all over the world before landing in Nevada County. Joseph’s drive to always be learning and growing has led to a unique scope of experience that includes everything from massage therapy and tattooing, to working as an art professor and permaculture planner. He brought this diverse skillset and his unrelenting passion for art, architecture and sustainability to the California Solar team in 2016. When not helping to make the world a little greener one install at a time, Joseph likes to paint, draw, kayak, and spend time with his family.

Lorenzo Ortiz

Commercial Project Manager

Originally from Penryn, CA, Lorenzo spent eight years working as a wildland firefighter before deciding to go back to school to study mechatronics, eventually segueing into the solar industry in 2012. He joined the California Solar team in 2016, bringing with him certifications in NABCEP, Photovoltaic Skills, SunPower Advanced PV design, and OSHA 10 hr Safety. A friendly and focused problem-solver, Lorenzo enjoys getting to work with the rapidly evolving technologies of the solar industry. When not designing systems, Lorenzo spends his time playing bass guitar, making art, and hiking at the river.

Lars Ortegren

Director of Operations & Off-Grid Design

Lars is the Director of Operations & Off-Grid Design of California Solar Electric Company. He has hired and managed California Solar’s twenty employees, including the company’s own NABCEP certified installation crew and NABCEP certified technical sales team. Lars completed his first solar installation over twenty years ago, when he built a system for his RV. Today, Lars is a top professional in the industry, holding several state and national certifications. Lars is NABCEP certified in the area of Professional Technical Sales and Installation and he is also a DIR CA Certified Journeyman Electrician. Lars also holds certifications as a CSLB C-10 contractor and OSHA 30. Lars studied Rural Development in college, in addition to training as an electrician. Working in the solar industry was a perfect fit for both his environmental ideology and his trade. Lars has a sincere passion for renewable energy and for solar electric. He loves his company, its employees, the customers, and his community. In addition to running California Solar Electric Company, he volunteers at Utah’s Place, Western Nevada County’s homeless shelter, and serves on the school board for the Nevada City School of the Arts. He believes that his company should maintain an education focus and provides instructional programs for local schools and youth organizations. When Lars isn’t at the office or volunteering in his community, he is swimming in the South Yuba River, on a bike ride with his two daughters, or traveling to the coast with his family.

Angelica Niblock

Project Manager

Angelica has been with California Solar Electric Company since 2008, when she was hired as the company’s first female installer, one of the first female PV installers in the United States. Today, Angelica is California Solar’s Project Manager. She has a strong work ethic and a willingness to take ownership for a wide-range of responsibilities. Despite occasionally listening to lounge music at her desk, she is great to have around the office. Her impeccable organizational skills allow her to pay attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture. Angelica is always striving for knowledge and creativity in her life. She holds a Vocal Performance Degree from Berklee School of Music and a BA in Sustainable Management from the University of Wisconsin. When not at work, Angelica can be found buried in a book, growing her vinyl collection, or volunteering with local environmental protection groups.

Treat Meier

Lead Solar Electrician

Treat is a Lead Solar Electrician and a self-proclaimed “tree ninja” – a good title for someone who is regularly harnessed up on steep rooftops. He has worked at California Solar since 2014 and has established his reputation as a friendly, positive person who works hard to get the job done right. Treat is NABCEP certified for entry level installation and is known for keeping the job site tidy. He occasionally breaks into song and dance which makes him a staff and customer favorite. In addition to his work in the solar electric industry, Treat is a certified massage therapist. On the weekend, you can find him paddleboarding, working in his garden, or living the hobbit life by the river.

Josh Jozefowski

Facilities Manager

Josh joined California Solar as the Facilities Coordinator in November of 2015. Born in Wisconsin and raised in Minnesota, he moved to California to go to school. After receiving a Bachelors degree in Business Management, he ran his own business building custom skateboard ramps in San Diego before relocating to Grass Valley for work. A carpenter by trade, Josh was building frames and stretcher bars for local artists when he got introduced to California Solar. As the Facilities Coordinator, he is a vital link between the warehouse and job sites, providing support to the crew throughout the installation process. When not dedicating himself to solar, Josh enjoys woodworking, snowboarding, and camping.

Laura Parkes

Design & Sales

Laura Parkes is one of California Solar Electric Company’s system designers. Before moving into residential design, she worked at California Solar as a solar systems installer. Laura has a passion for educating the public about the benefits of going solar and helping people to understand that it is a simple process, a wise choice both financially and environmentally, and hugely beneficial in both the short term and the long term. Laura’s deep love for the natural world fuels her work in sustainable energy, which she approaches with unfaltering enthusiasm and cheer. Detail-oriented with an eye for beauty, she brings an incredible amount of care to everything she does.

Reid England

Lead Solar Electrician

Reid is part of California Solar’s installation team and a Lead Solar Electrician. Prior to joining California Solar Electric Company in 2011, Reid served for four years in the United States Marine Corps. Reid is a certified Journeyman Electrician and certified at the NABCEP entry level. He is known for his clean wiring practices, his attention to detail, and his amazing conduit work. Reid’s dedication to the solar industry and to sustainable energy has permeated his entire life. As friends and family can attest, he has a difficult time not talking about solar constantly. When not on a roof, Reid spends his weekends visiting the river and camping, always with his guitar in tow.

Melanie Duggan

Project Manager

Melanie is one of California Solar’s Project Managers. She has been a customer service professional and warehouse operations specialist for seven years. Melanie was brought into the organization to help with the day to day and to assist with long term projects. Her patience and attention to detail comes from her background in child development and from her experience as a toddler teacher. Melanie is a native to California’s Gold Country, growing up in Pioneer, California, and now resides in Nevada County with her family. She loves gardening and spending time with her daughters.

Alejandro deNecochea Campion

Solar Electrician

Alex grew up in the small town of Lompoc, CA in the northwest part of Santa Barbara County. He first became interested in solar when he moved to an off-grid location in Grass Valley that was in dire need of electrical improvements and decided to take classes in solar energy. Before long, Alex found his way to the California Solar installation team. He takes pride in being part of the green energy movement and is known for his clean, finished work. When not building solar arrays, Alex can be found on his skateboard, rock climbing, or hanging out at the river with his two black labs.

Michael Burnstein

Sales & Design

Michael joined the California Solar Sales Team in 2016. Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Michael has traveled extensively across the globe and lived in Maui for 16 years before finding himself in Nevada County. Friendly and solution-oriented, Michael enjoys a good challenge and will help his customers find the best system for their home and finances. In addition to his work in solar, Michael is a certified life-coach and deeply involved with the ManKind Project, a nonprofit that focuses on building and supporting emotionally mature, accountable, and compassionate male role models. When not working, he can be found sailing, playing ping pong, and spending time with his two children.

Brandon Davis

Commercial Sales Manager

Brandon got his start in the solar industry in 2010 when he relocated to California from Nebraska. After studying political science in college, he was eager to find a more hands-on way to affect positive change on a macro level. Brandon decided to go back to school at Sierra College, and after completing the Photovoltaic Skills Program, he knew he had found his new calling. Since joining California Solar in 2011, he has designed over 1mW of solar systems and achieved the highest certifications in solar design, including both NABCEP PV Technical Sales and SunPower ARS certifications. Brandon is passionate about helping people make the financially sound and environmentally conscious decision to go solar. When Brandon isn’t busy nerding out about innovations in the solar industry, he enjoys paddle boarding, hiking and swimming in Nevada County’s beautiful lakes and rivers.

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