Alex joined Namasté Solar in 2009 with seven years of electrical experience. He brings together his enthusiasm as an electrician with his passion for the solar industry. Alex truly believes solar power is the way of the future and is eager to be a part of changing our country’s energy consumption for the better. While hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2001, Alex developed a deep understanding of the necessity to protect the environment and harness the power of the sun. Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Alex now loves to spend his time exploring the mountains right outside his door. Alex is an avid fly fisherman so when not at work, you will find him on the river or playing in the mountains with his wife and dogs.

Alison joined Namasté Solar with a passion for conservation and an interest in renewable resource policy. Alison earned a BA in Environmental Geography from Colgate University and an MA in Geography at the University of Arizona, where she studied community-based resource management and environmental policy. Before joining Namasté Solar, Alison worked at the Sierra Club in her hometown of San Francisco.

Amanda joined Namasté Solar in January 2006, just as the solar rebate programs debuted in Colorado. Today, she specializes in working with builders and architects to integrate solar PV systems into new homes. As part of her personal mission - and the mission of Namasté Solar - Amanda regularly performs educational presentations for realtors, builders, architects, and the general public. Amanda has designed over 250 solar PV systems for home and business owners in Colorado. Previously, she was active in promoting renewable energy policy at the state and local level in Austin, Texas, where she coordinated the Solar Austin campaign from 2003 through 2005. Amanda also worked at Meridian Energy Systems, the largest solar PV installation company in Texas. She obtained a BA from the University of Texas at Austin. Amanda currently serves on the board of directors of both Namasté Solar and the Boulder Green Building Guild.

At Namasté Solar, Ben specializes in solar PV system design and sales for new home construction and remodels. After graduating from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, he joined the U.S. Peace Corps in Ecuador where he spent two-and-a-half years designing and implementing community-based development projects. Ben's successful income generation, intercultural, and resource conservation projects in Ecuador led him to move to Boulder to pursue a career in renewable energy. Ben spends his free time biking, skiing, rafting in Colorado's mountains, and playing the guitar.

Benny enjoys utilizing his expertise in solar PV installation at Namasté Solar. He brings an array of electrical skills to the company and is a Solar Energy International alumnus. In addition, Benny teaches Renewable Energy Technology courses at Red Rocks Community College and is an instructor for the Grid-Tied Photovoltaics class offered through CU Boulder. He began his career working as an electrical apprentice in Indiana and moved to Colorado in pursuit of a career in renewable energy. He received his BA in Economics from Wabash College and a BS in Political Science from the University of Evansville. He enjoys growing his own food and is an expert beekeeper and a skilled home brewer of tasty beers.

Billie Jo Parmely graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education in 1998. Shortly after college, she taught English in Tokyo, Japan, and discovered a great interest in and respect of Asian culture. After returning home, she received a position with Naropa University in student affairs and eventually in marketing their community education and events. After eight years managing university and corporate marketing departments, Billie Jo found herself searching for work that had a meaningful and direct impact on people and their communities. In summer 2008, fortune once again played its hand and led her to the Namasté Solar family. Growing up on a farm in a small South Dakota town, Billie Jo developed a strong relationship to nature and community, and she has a deep passion for the simpler side of life, including learning, exploring local treasures, hearing people's stories, and sustainable living.

Blake has extensive experience in both the renewable and conventional energy industries and has worked in the United States, Asia, and the Middle East. He began his career in 1996 as a civil engineer at Halliburton/Brown & Root in the oil and gas industry, which included a two-year project assignment in Egypt. After a life-changing epiphany, he decided to leave the oil industry and dedicate his life to propagating the use of renewable energy. He then moved to Nepal in 2001 and spent three years implementing solar, wind, hydro, and electric vehicle technologies. In late 2004, he returned to the U.S. to co-found Namasté Solar and passionately pursue achieving its mission. Blake holds a BE in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University and is a NABCEP certified solar PV installer. He absolutely loves Namasté Solar and also enjoys hiking, traveling, playing the sitar, and practicing Tai Chi.

Brian brings a wealth of project management experience and methodologies to our larger commercial projects. A certified Project Management Professional with PMI, Brian has been managing enterprise-level IT projects for over 10 years and has applied his experience to the PV industry with Namasté Solar since 2006. With such a strong background in both information systems and project management, Brian helps our organization manage over 100 concurrent projects while providing the infrastructure needed to do so. From a systems design and project management perspective, Brian has helped manage over 1MW of commercial PV projects for Namasté Solar. Some examples of Brian’s contributions to the project team include graphical model rendering, solar-shade analysis, advanced-schedule modeling, PM systems and data maintenance, project-documentation maintenance, data-acquisition system design, and logistics support. Additionally, Brian maintains Namasté Solar’s project communications to ensure that stakeholders stay informed.

Chad joined Namasté Solar in 2006, bringing with him over two years of experience in the renewable energy industry. After graduating from college, Chad interned and studied a wide array of renewable technologies while at Solar Energy International (SEI). Immediately following his time at SEI, he worked as a solar technician in San Diego, California. Chad also spent time installing solar PV systems in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, before finding his home with Namasté Solar. Chad holds a BS in Environmental Geography from Ohio University and is certified PV installation by NABCEP and CoSEIA. He is thrilled to call Boulder home and enjoys mountain biking and telemark skiing.

While working in the construction industry, Charles implemented modern solutions to business challenges and opportunities. The solar energy industry appealed to him because it afforded a unique combination of technical and hands-on work. After learning about solar from the ground up at Solar Energy International, he joined the Namasté Solar family in 2008. His roles within the company span information systems and data acquisition. Charles feels that a career in renewable energy and working at Namasté Solar have been life changing, and a perfect fit for practicing right livelihood. An outdoor enthusiast, he rides his bike to work and practices yoga almost every day.

Chris had been working in the solar PV industry in California prior to joining the Namasté team in early 2007. He began his career in Long Beach, California, as a system installer, and is now working at Namasté Solar as a system designer. During the installation phase of his career, Chris installed more than 100 PV systems on homes and businesses. He brings this depth of experience to the systems he currently designs for homeowners, helping PV system owners understand the “nuts and bolts” of the installation process. In addition, Chris has devoted his energy to building the educational wing of Namasté Solar, believing that community education is integral to building a secure and sustainable future. In his free time, Chris spends time with his wife and young daughter, sharing his love for the outdoors, and writing and playing music.

Dan joined the Namasté Solar team in 2006, bringing a wide variety of experience in high-tech and start-up companies. Dan worked for seven years in the semiconductor industry for Atmel Corporation where he founded and managed an integrated circuit design center in Camberley, England. Prior to joining Namasté Solar, Dan served as operations manager for RentClicks.com, a successful real estate website company. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Colorado State University, is a graduate of Solar Energy International, and is certified in solar PV installation by NABCEP and CoSEIA. In addition to accelerating the renewable energy revolution, Dan enjoys fishing, cycling, travel, food, and wine.

David began working in the solar industry in 1997, providing technical support and PV system design for off-grid customers at Jade Mountain. David later worked as an assistant mastering engineer for Airshow Mastering where he worked on many rewarding music projects, one of which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2005. Soon after, David relocated to Burlington, Vermont, where he designed and managed commercial-size audio-visual projects. David returned to Boulder in 2007 to lead the commercial project development team for Namasté Solar. Due to the diversity of client needs, David has designed a variety of solar PV systems totaling multiple megawatts including commercial rooftop systems, awnings, carports, pole-top mounts, and large ground-mounted arrays. Much of David’s expertise involves managing diverse project design factors such as power density, energy generation, project financing, financial analysis, technical constraints, and aesthetics.

Dean’s love of nature has led him from a career in marine resources to renewable energy. After completing his BS in Biology from the University of Wisconsin in 1996, Dean worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as a water resource biologist and for NOAA in Mississippi as a fisheries research biologist. As dean’s passion for clean energy grew, he become involved in developing recycling programs, lobbying for alternative fuels, and pursuing solar electricity for the lab where he worked. He also volunteered for a nonprofit organization that educates the community about solar energy. After completing NABCEP courses, Dean began his career in solar installation. In 2008, he moved to Boulder to join the Namasté Solar family. He is proud to work with a wonderful group of co-owners who are as passionate about sustainability as he is, and who work and play just as hard.

In late 2007, Dennis made a career change to work on a master’s degree in environmental policy from the University of Denver, making the tough choice to move on after running outdoor environmental education programs for children in New York and New Jersey for more than 10 years. Soon after going back to school in early 2008, he began work in the solar energy industry. He has found a new passion for balancing work and life in an industry to which he feels a strong calling. Since completing his coursework, Dennis enjoys spending much more time with his wife and daughter hiking, skiing, camping, and working in their community garden in Denver. 

Derek joined Namasté Solar in early 2010 with a varied background in technology, business development and executive coaching from his experience at multiple start-ups in the electronic trading industry. After coaching multiple clients to follow their dreams, Derek finally took his own advice and left the finance industry to pursue his passion for renewable energy and sustainability in Colorado. In addition to taking multiple courses in sustainable practices at University of Colorado’s Continuing Education program, Derek holds a Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University and a Bachelors Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Illinois. Outside of his solar pursuits, Derek enjoys spending time, skiing, hiking, traveling and following his beloved Chicago Bears and Cubs.

Prior to joining the Namasté Solar family, Doug worked in the field of natural resources, maintaining trail systems in Colorado and Nevada. During that time, he gained valuable experience leading backcountry trail crews as well as building and maintaining small backcountry off-grid PV systems. These solar systems provided essential support for the trail crew camps. In his free time, Doug enjoys cycling, running, snowboarding, hiking, gardening, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.

Elizabeth has a BA degree from Richmond University and an MS in Environmental Education from Ohio State University. Over the years, Elizabeth has worked in environmental and outdoor education in Alaska, Ohio, and California. After moving to Boulder, Colorado, and becoming a mother of two, she found the perfect position at Namasté Solar. Elizabeth enjoys hiking and spending time with her family.

Eric joined Namasté Solar with a wide variety of skills and experience. His background in psychology and group leadership were put to good use as he traveled extensively, living and working in sustainable communities around the world. He is passionate about all dimensions of sustainability and the beautiful art of harnessing the power of the sun. Eric is a skilled carpenter and all-around tinkerer. He holds a BA in Transpersonal Psychology from Naropa University and is also a certified practitioner of structural integration. 

Eriks complements the Namasté Solar team with a wide array of experience and an unwavering passion to bolster the implementation of renewable energy technologies. Eriks was previously employed in industrial-scale wind power development, where he led business development activities for a number of community-based wind power projects in southwestern United States. He was responsible for strategy development, client correspondence, advocacy, and procurement. Eriks also possesses skills in law, engineering, construction, and sales management. He currently serves as president on the board of directors for the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association (CoSEIA) and is a founding member and helps facilitate the statewide PV Policy Subcommittee. Eriks earned his BA from the College of William & Mary with a focus on European government. He spends his personal time exploring – be it in the outdoors or at the public library.

Gary has been extremely proud to be part of the Namasté Solar team, which he joined in August 2006. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Psychology. Gary spent many years as the maintenance manager at Pittsburgh North Campground before becoming a residential counselor at Zerby Gap Familyworks, a youth home in rural Pennsylvania. Upon moving to Boulder, Colorado, Gary became the citizen outreach director for the Fund for Public Interest Research. He enjoyed working on various environmental and public interest campaigns for Environment Colorado, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, the Human Rights Campaign, and Save the Children. In his free time, Gary loves spending time with his wife and children, playing disc golf, and cheering on his favorite sports team, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Greg’s interest in the electrical field began in the late 1990s. While working in Seattle, Greg enrolled in several renewable energy courses, including Photovoltaic Design, as well as small-scale Hydro Electric Installation courses. After traversing a number of more traditional electrical paths, he eventually worked his way back to renewables. Greg is now a Colorado licensed journeyman electrician and is ecstatic to be a part of the Namasté Solar family. One of Greg’s proudest Namasté moments was joining the company on stage at the historic signing of the economic stimulus package with Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama! 

Heath brings extensive project management, construction experience, and design skills to the commercial project team at Namasté Solar. Since graduating from Colorado State University with a natural resources degree, Heath has worked in Belize, Guatemala, and Costa Rica as a field studies course coordinator. He was also the projects director for Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC), where he organized and led more than 100 conservation projects. After five years with VOC, Heath followed his dream to own his own company and started Mackay Carpentry, a successful construction company that specialized in custom carpentry projects for high-end clients. Since joining Namasté Solar in early 2008, Heath has designed more than 150 solar PV systems and understands that developing lasting relationships with clients and exceeding their expectations are key elements to a successful project.

Heather Leanne joined the Namasté Solar family in September 2007. With expertise in marketing, public relations, volunteer management, strategic planning, fundraising, and special events, Heather Leanne has been helping businesses and nonprofits achieve their missions since 1994. Prior to joining Namasté Solar, Heather Leanne founded Seven Spirals, a strategic marketing firm that served the creative needs of socially conscious small businesses and nonprofits. From 2002-2005, she served as director of marketing at Naropa University directing all international marketing and community outreach for extended studies. Since becoming part of the Namasté team, she has enjoyed navigating the company through a complete re-branding process that has gained national attention. Heather Leanne has also implemented a long-term marketing and PR strategy that strengthens the Namasté Solar brand and spreads excitement about the future of solar electricity. Heather Leanne currently serves on the Namasté Solar Board of Directors and is devoted to supporting the company's long-term success. She has travelled to 14 countries, is a certified yoga instructor, enjoys dancing, red wine, tai chi, road biking, baking vegan sweets, and frolicking in the Boulder sunshine.

James was drawn to Namasté Solar by a desire to invest his personal energy in bettering our world. The solar industry is a good fit for James because he enjoys spending time outside, working with his hands, and most importantly, contributing toward preserving the environment. James holds a BS in Natural Resources Management and before coming to Namasté Solar worked as a solar installer in the Sacramento, California, region. In his personal time, James enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, and various other outdoor pursuits.

Jason graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. After graduating he moved to Austin, Texas, to work for National Instruments as an applications engineer. It was in Austin that Jason discovered the genuine possibilities of solar energy through a NABCEP entry-level certification course. However, after previously resisting the bite of the travel bug inflicted during a semester of college in Western Australia, Jason decided to put his career on hold and see the world. He spent 14 months visiting six continents. His passion for renewable energy was ignited after volunteering for a project in rural Kenya involving wind energy. Jason brings this passion for renewable energy to Namasté Solar and its mission to propagate the use of solar power. 

A true outdoor enthusiast, Jason Owens joined the Namaste Solar team after several years of work in the fly-fishing industry. Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Colorado in 2002, Jason began working as an assistant manager at a local fly shop, where he specialized in customer service and guide trips. From there, Angling Destinations recruited Jason to host international fishing trips. Before he knew it, he was the Project Manager to build a fishing lodge in the southern Bahamas. Upon returning home in February 2009, Jason brought back with him new ideas about what he could do to be more self-sustainable. This led to attending Photovoltaic classes and beginning a career in the PV industry. Jason is absolutely thrilled to work for the best in the business!

Jason has a long history of experience working with renewable energy and PV. As an electrical engineering student at the University of Vermont, he helped to design, build, and race a solar electric car in the American Tor De Sol in 1994. He later transitioned into the solar industry by joining Jade Mountain in 1999. During his five-year career at Jade Mountain/Gaiam Real Goods, he was the top technical salesperson, technical sales manager, operations manager, and catalog director. In order to gain a well-rounded PV experience base, he worked as an electrician from 2004 to 2006 before joining Namasté Solar as its COO. Jason holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from UVM and is certified in solar PV installation by NABCEP and CoSEIA. In his spare time he enjoys time with his family and friends, good food, dancing, and the great outdoors.

Jason joined Namasté Solar as general counsel with a broad range and depth of legal experience and a passion for renewable energy. Jason began his legal career representing labor unions in contract negotiations, arbitration, and litigation. He gained a unique perspective in propagating green collar jobs in burgeoning renewable energy industries. Prior to joining Namasté Solar, Jason was a staff attorney at Paul Weiss in New York City, where he focused on corporate litigation, regulatory investigations, and complex civil litigation. Jason served as secretary of the NYC Bar Association's International Environmental Law Committee and is an alumnus of the NYC Environmental Law Leadership Institute. He is also the communications director of Lawyers for Green Jobs. Jason holds a BS from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a JD cum laude from Suffolk University Law School. Jason enjoys biking, backpacking, traveling, espresso, and live music.

Originally from northern California, Jason spent the first years of his professional life producing and directing film and theatre. Jason then shifted his focus to his passion for sustainable living. Returning to his home in the east San Francisco Bay area, Jason applied his variety of business and construction skills to help establish a green construction company in Berkeley, California. Fueled by our country’s increasing need to clean up its act, Jason delved deeper into training and experience in home performance and efficiency sciences and remediation. In an effort to slow life down a bit and get out of the rat race, Jason and his sweetheart relocated to her hometown of Longmont, Colorado. Jason is honored to be a part of the Namasté Solar family, a group of individuals who share a commitment to respecting and serving the environment, the community, and customers.

Jeff is a licensed master electrician in Colorado who joined Namasté Solar in spring 2008 with eight years of commercial, residential, and solar experience. He hails from the “City of Brotherly Love” (Philadelphia) and has a BS from Penn State University. Jeff’s goal is to install solar on every home and building in the state of Colorado. In his spare time, Jeff telemark skis, mountain bikes, and spends time with his growing family.

Having grown up in a family-designed passive solar home, Jess learned early on to appreciate the power of the sun. It was in Australia during a college field study program on environmental sustainability that Jess became interested in renewable energy. After graduating in 2006 from Connecticut College with a BA in Environmental Studies, Jess spent time at an internet start-up company where he gained valuable experience in sales, management, and business development. He then moved to Colorado to pursue opportunities in the solar industry and enjoy the mountains. Along with construction and mechanical knowledge, Jess brings a passion for renewable energy that he is delighted to share with the wonderful people at Namasté Solar. When not working, Jess can be found enjoying a live bluegrass show, a micro brew, fly fishing, or exploring the mountains on foot, bike, or skis.

Jon brings to Namasté Solar his experience as an electrical engineer and his commitment to the use of renewable energy. After graduating in 1991 with a degree in electrical and computer engineering, he began work for a small company in California’s Silicon Valley, serving in both engineering design and management roles. During this time, Jon was given the opportunity to work for a year in Japan, where he developed a keen interest in the uses of solar energy. In 2004, after gaining additional experience as a reliability engineer with NEC Electronics, he turned his energies toward issues of sustainability, working first on straw-bale construction and then focusing on PV design and installation. Jon is certified in solar PV installation by NABCEP and CoSEIA. He is thrilled to call Namasté Solar home, and loves movies, Japanese food, and traveling whenever possible.

Julie joined Namasté Solar in early 2006 with over seven years of civil and environmental engineering experience. Her background includes construction field engineering, environmental remediation system design, and engineering scheduling and cost estimating. Previously, Julie worked as a renewable energy sales and technical consultant at Gaiam Real Goods. Since joining the Namasté Solar family, Julie has worked as website designer, commercial project manager, and now is a residential sales and design specialist.  She is excited and honored to be part of a team that holds community outreach, top-notch customer service, and personal integrity in such high regard. She looks forward to helping many more Namasté Solar customers fulfill their dreams of sustainable living. Julie holds a BS in Civil Engineering and an MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Colorado in Boulder and enjoys skiing, camping, and traveling.

Kevin graduated with a degree in environmental science and wilderness leadership from Brevard College in Western North Carolina. He then spent four years teaching environmental/outdoor education to children in different parts of the country. Kevin began his path toward renewable energy in Crested Butte, Colorado, where he interned with the Office of Resource Efficiency to match appropriate solar technologies with town buildings. From there, he immersed himself in learning as many renewable technologies as possible at Solar Energy International. In 2007, he joined Namasté Solar as an installer. In his spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, backcountry snowboarding, playing the guitar, and racquetball.

Lauren joined Namasté Solar with seven years of teaching and advocacy experience in Colorado and California. Working as a field representative for a state assembly member during the California energy crisis, Lauren learned first-hand that renewable energy is a key solution for our energy future, our environment, and our economy. She returned home to Colorado in 2003. After teaching middle school for four years, Lauren decided to redirect her career towards the solar industry. She is thrilled to be part of a company that allows her to combine her passion for environmental issues, her desire to educate the public about renewable energy, and her entrepreneurial spirit. Lauren holds a BA in Environmental Studies and Public Policy from Dartmouth College.

Marci has a degree in sustainable development and appropriate technology.  When she joined the Namasté Solar residential sales team in 2008, she brought over five years in the renewable energy field. Before that, she worked with wind resource measurement systems and small wind systems in Seattle, Washington.  Additionally, she worked in small wind, solar thermal, and solar PV in North Carolina. Marci feels that fate led her to Namasté Solar and feels blessed to work with such a progressive community of people. In her spare time, Marci enjoys spending time with her dogs, climbing, running, making pottery, and playing with her extended family of friends.

Martin arrived at Namasté Solar desiring a hands-on and direct approach to creating change in the world. Before entering the solar industry, he took a PV Design and Installation course through Solar Energy International and has since completed the Advanced PV Design course to further quench his curiosity for PV and other renewable energy technologies. Before moving to Colorado and beginning a new career, Martin grew up in the San Francisco Bay area and studied environmental biology and geology at UC Davis. After graduating, he transitioned into seasonal work, thriving as an outdoor educator, ski patroller, and rafting guide. With a longer-range vision in mind, Martin earned his science teaching credential and lived a varied five-year teaching career that included work at schools in Yosemite National Park and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. In his free time, Martin enjoys kayaking, skiing, gardening, road trips, and live music.

From his days as a quality assurance technician with SC Johnson Wax’s professional division to his time as the interim director of Rancho Mastatal in Costa Rica, Matt brings positive energy, joy, and his inquisitive nature to his work. An honors graduate from both the University of Michigan and the University of Colorado in Boulder, Matt holds bachelor’s degrees in music and environmental studies, and is close to a master’s degree in music as well. While a student at CU Boulder, Matt was the library director in the Environmental Center, the hub of environmental activism and sustainable projects on campus. Matt has served in many departments at Namasté Solar including installation, project management, and the service department. In his free time, Matt enjoys rock climbing, making music, reading, cooking, brewing various libations, hiking, camping, backpacking, yoga, and meditation. 

Matt has more than 15 years of business, management, and sales experience. He holds a BS degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder. His deep interest in the environment and renewable energy, combined with his engineering background and business acumen, give him a unique perspective. As a residential sales and design specialist, Matt most enjoys building relationships with his customers and working hard to find the right solutions for their individual needs. He is active in the Denver business community, including involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Clean Tech Initiative. When he’s not working, he loves to spend time with his wife and son, hiking, and playing ice hockey.

Max Christian came to Namasté Solar with over 10 years of construction management experience. Prior to joining Namasté, Max worked as a technical advisor on energy and climate change issues for the Government of Ecuador, and was a member of that government’s delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali. Previously, Max operated a green building practice in Montana where he was first exposed to off-grid PV systems. Max holds a MS in Conservation Biology & Sustainable Development from the University of Maryland, and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Southern California. In his free time he pursues fish and backcountry adventure.

Ray co-founded Namasté Solar in late 2004.  When he joined the company, Ray brought over 20 years of project management, production management, and promotion experience. Ray was the program manager for the Colorado Chautauqua Association and the nationally syndicated radio variety show, etown. He has an extensive portfolio of noteworthy event productions that include such luminaries as President Jimmy Carter, Vice President Al Gore, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and Naturalist Jane Goodall. Since transitioning to the solar industry, Ray has been the project manager for nearly all of Namasté Solar’s commercial projects. He excels at working collaboratively with structural engineers, fabricators, general contractors, and install crews. As a result of his experience and unique perspectives on project implementation, Ray is a valuable addition to any design team by helping design more feasible and install-friendly PV systems. He holds a BA in Art History from the University of Connecticut and is a board member for the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.

Regina Smith graduated in 1999 from The University of Maryland in College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language &  Literature.  In 2001, she received a Masters of Fine Arts in Poetry from Sarah Lawrence College in New York.  She stayed on in New York teaching various courses in Humanities at Manhattanville College, where she also served for four years as the Assistant Director of a scholarship program for students from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds.  Through her experience as an academic counselor, she recognized her passion for counseling.  In search of a program that would match her interest in counseling with her spiritual beliefs, she found the graduate Contemplative Psychotherapy program at Naropa University in Boulder. She began studying there in the fall of 2009. In search of employment that would match her growing interest in the divine interconnectedness of all things, she found Namaste Solar. 

Reynaldo joined Namasté Solar in 2006. Reynaldo is an active member of the company's Human Resources Committee, which focuses on making Namasté Solar an extraordinary place to work. He is a veteran U.S. Navy surface warfare officer and served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After completing his military service, he was a Navy consultant for a workforce development company. He has completed graduate-level coursework in sustainable building design, photovoltaic design, and building energy audits. Reynaldo holds a BS in Environmental Engineering from the University of Oklahoma and is certified in solar PV installation by NABCEP and CoSEIA. He originally hails from New Mexico, is an amateur outdoorsman, practices urban homesteading, and is obsessed with the art of eating.

Ryan’s background includes experience in national service and building science as well as solar energy. Prior to earning his BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Appalachian State University, he spent two years participating in the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). While in NCCC he honed his leadership skills and was able to take part in a variety of service projects in eight states, including time spent with the Red Cross following the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City. After completing his degree, Ryan worked in North Carolina helping homebuilders construct homes that were healthy, safe, durable, and energy efficient. Eventually his desire to work in the solar industry, his interest in progressive business practices, and the draw of the mountains led him to Colorado and ultimately to Namasté Solar. In his spare time Ryan enjoys skiing, rock climbing, and playing lawn games with good friends.

In search of sunnier climates, Sam left Washington State and Evergreen State College in 2005 with a chemistry degree. His quest for the sun eventually landed him at Namasté Solar as a lead installer for quality solar PV systems. Since March 2007, Sam has led installs on over half a Megawatt of commercial projects and over 200 Kilowatts of residential projects. Having graduated from an Advanced Photovoltaic Design course through Solar Energy International, he is looking forward to his NABCEP certification. He enjoys teaching the art of installing PV through Namasté Solar’s partnership with workforce training centers, community colleges, and universities in Colorado. Sam also loves the challenge of mixing old and new technologies in his pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle, and has discovered a passion for cooking through his aspirations as a "localvore."

Stacey joined Namasté Solar in November 2009 with a varied background in renewables and sustainability. After learning more about the potential of solar, she began her career in the PV industry as an intern at SEI in 2004. Stacey enjoyed having her hands in all aspects of solar from installation lead to systems design and director of PV operations. She completed a 4000-hour apprenticeship program and now holds a Limited Renewable Energy Technician's License (LRT) for the State of Oregon. She also completed the National Sustainable Building Advisor Program in 2009, and is NABCEP Certified. Stacey holds a BS in Conservation & Ecology from Ohio University, with minors in anthropology and recreation. Stacey is honored to call Namasté Solar home and spends time in the Rockies smiling, skiing, mountain biking, mountaineering, climbing, and dancing.

Stephen Irvin joined Namasté Solar shortly after its founding and currently serves as Chief Financial Officer.  He has loved playing a small part in the evolution of Namasté Solar's unique, 100% employee-owned business model.  Stephen has over ten years of experience working at the nexus of finance, economics, climate change science, and renewable energy. He was awarded a National Science Foundation Fellowship in 2002 to investigate and develop policies for the adoption of renewable energy in developing countries. This led him to Nepal in 2003, where he worked with the Nepali government providing subsidies for solar PV home systems, biogas digesters, and micro-hydro power plants. After leaving Nepal, he returned to the university to research the use of solar PV and biogas to reduce indoor air pollution in villages throughout Southeast Asia.  Stephen holds an MA in Economics from the University of California, an MS in Environmental Economics from The Ohio State University, and a BS in Mathematics from Vanderbilt University.  Stephen enjoys traveling, playing with his kids, and looking for that next great bottle of wine.

Stephen joined Namasté Solar in January 2006 with a wide variety of technical and practical experience. Leading the service department, he is responsible for maintaining all of Namasté Solar’s installed PV systems. Stephen’s diligence and ability to communicate helped him pull the first 350+ PV permits for Namasté Solar in over 20 jurisdictions along the Front Range. Many were the first PV permits ever obtained in some of these jurisdictions. In 2008, he chaired the CoSEIA Permitting Sub-Committee in an attempt to establish standards for PV permit submittals. Currently, Stephen also installs and maintains all of the solar monitoring systems. Prior to joining Namasté Solar, Stephen gained technical experience in the IT industry where he was a network engineer for CompuServe and WorldCom. Stephen is a dedicated part of the Namasté Family.

Steve worked from an early age in a family-owned business. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy and trained as an aviation electrician. Steve then attended college, worked in construction, and eventually became a field engineer repairing computer systems across the nation in the newspaper industry. He leveraged this experience to join a national publishing company as data center manager. Steve gained construction experience by remodeling homes in his spare time and went on to become a successful entrepreneur in construction. Through a desire to merge his knowledge of construction with renewable energy, Steve studied solar technology and PV design through numerous SEI courses. He joined the Namasté Solar family in June 2008 and happily continues his quest for making the world a healthier place to live.

Surendra began his career in the PV Industry in 1994 as an "Errand Boy" for Lotus Energy, a renewable energy company based in Nepal. He quickly worked his way up to production manager where he was responsible for solar component manufacturing, shipping and receiving, quality control, and general management of all warehouse operations. Surendra managed 12 staff members, including assembly technicians and an engineer, and was widely respected for his strong work ethic, dedication, and loyalty. Surendra came to the U.S. in the summer of 2004 after being granted a Diversity Visa from the U.S. embassy in Kathmandu. He began work with Namasté Solar in 2005 as an installer and later became the company’s warehouse manager. Surendra achieved the Nepali National Skill Certification as a Solar Electric Technician. He enjoys cooking Nepali food, spending time with his family, riding his bike, and tinkering with electronic gadgets.

As a new homebuyer in Boulder, Teri got solar fever when her home inspector said her roof would be perfect for a solar array. This began her education and excitement about renewable energy that eventually led her to Namasté Solar. Teri joins Namasté Solar with a variety of business skills acquired while running an online software company. She is passionate about Namasté Solar’s conscientious business model. Outside of Namasté Solar, she enjoys dancing, cooking, camping, hiking, and yoga.

Tim brings a passion for sustainable development and public policy to Namasté Solar. Prior to joining the company, Tim owned his own woodworking business making all products from reclaimed and recycled lumber. A Navajo from New Mexico, Tim earned his BA in economics from Cornell University. He worked as a lobbyist for the Navajo Nation Washington Office representing the tribe in economic development and education. After living and traveling throughout the United States and Canada, Tim and his family are glad to be living in Colorado. Tim continues to enjoy making furniture, playing basketball, and spending time with his wife and two teenage sons.

Tom is a native of Switzerland and started his career in 1984 with an apprenticeship in electronics and mechanics at the renowned Swiss company, Asea Brown Bovery (ABB). His first assignment was in a prototype laboratory helping to develop components for hydro power plants. With broader interests in business management, Tom completed a three-year business school program in Switzerland and then enrolled in the University of Hawaii to improve his English skills. Upon his return to Switzerland, he worked for Siemens as a product manager for electromechanical components where he was able to utilize all the knowledge and skills he had acquired up to that point. Later, in pursuit of his fascination with snowboarding, he owned and operated a snowboard and clothing store before moving to the U.S. with his fiancé in 2003. Tom and his wife built their own home in Fort Collins where they live with their children.

Tom came to Namasté Solar with over eight years of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical experience. As a journeyman electrician he is thrilled to be able to make the transition into solar and renewable energy with Namasté Solar. He feels very fortunate to be working with so many progressive individuals committed to a sustainable future. Tom enjoys spending as much time as possible with his beautiful family as well as hiking, fishing, and all things outdoors.

Wade’s interest in Namasté began while he attending SEI’s Photovoltaic Design and Installation course in 2007, which culminated with a commercial installation led by several of Namaste Solar’s co-owners. In February 2008, Wade joined the Namasté Solar family, bringing his unique perspective as a Colorado native raised in Boulder. Having grown up in the midst of abundant natural beauty, Wade has always been dedicated to the well-being of his local community and environment, and conscious of the effects that every action can have on the whole earth. He finds great satisfaction in completing high-quality solar installations that truly make a positive difference in the world, and loves sharing that satisfaction with co-owners and customers alike. When he’s not on a roof enjoying the work, the views, and the sunshine, Wade can be found somewhere in the mountains hiking, snowboarding, or meditating, or on his family’s farm growing organic vegetables for local families and hops for local breweries.

Zach joined Namasté Solar in the fall of 2009. A licensed journeyman electrician in Colorado, he has more than six years of electrical experience, most of which has been in support of scientific research in polar regions. Zach’s experience includes residential, commercial, and industrial projects. He has lived in Colorado for 30 years and has a great appreciation for the state’s natural beauty. He looks forward to exploring the great outdoors for years to come.

Ziola holds a Professional in Human Resources certificate from the Human Resources Certification Institute as well as a Master’s Certificate in Human Resources Management from Villanova University. She began her career in the Boulder area by directing citizen outreach campaigns with The Fund for Public Interest Research. As director, she ran campaigns for saving our national forests from illegal logging, changing our use of toxic chemicals to environmentally safe alternatives, and the renewable energy campaign for Amendment 37, which won by public vote. She is originally from Jacksonville, Florida, where she studied sculpture. Prior to moving to Colorado, she lived in Israel where she studied Hebrew on a Kibbutz, and then visited Germany to explore the local culture. Ziola enjoys cycling, traveling, gardening, cooking, and reading.