Our Team of Solar Experts

Get to know our team of solar engineering experts.

Reliable energy infrastructure
begins with reliable design.


The future of energy is taking shape right now. As engineering specialists, we are integrating technologies and systems for customers who can no longer carry the risk of unanticipated, uncontrollable energy costs or untimely power outages. With expertise in critical path management, we are showing customers how to meet project objectives in development, planning, execution, and asset management. Through industry leadership, we are empowering energy producers and consumers while driving down costs.







THE SEPISOLAR LEADERSHIP TEAM


Having a dedicated SepiSolar team is crucial as it ensures specialized expertise, consistent and efficient collaboration, clear accountability, effective communication, and the ability to build a strong relationship with you, our client. The team’s familiarity with our processes and standards facilitates adaptability, high-quality work, and innovation, leading to improved project outcomes, your satisfaction, and overall success. Explore the team’s backgrounds, experiences, and expertise; and of course, feel free to contact any of us at any time.


Solar Expert Witness Leadership Team



Who we help


Sepi’s client base includes companies that specialize in renewable energy and new entrants preparing to invest in renewables for the first time. We serve project developers, EPC contractors, original equipment manufacturers, corporate offtakers, and a variety of service providers.





Our process


Sepi integrates product and project-level requirements to help our clients achieve their objectives. We plan and execute according to well-defined milestones. We design technical solutions based on a holistic understanding of policy, technologies, systems, and construction.




From SepiSolar to Sepi


Sepi refers to Sepideh, a Persian name that signifies the moment before dawn. All the sun’s power emerges out of that first ray of light. As SepiSolar, our original company name, we designed solutions to help establish solar as the preferred electricity source worldwide. The solar era has arrived. Today, the name Sepi keeps our gaze fixed on the eastern horizon, where the age of abundant energy, supplied by nature and enabled by design, is soon to arise.







JOSH WEINER, CEO


After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics & Astronomy from UC Berkeley, Josh began his solar career at Akeena Solar, one of the leading turnkey residential and commercial solar contractors from 2002 to 2009. Shortly after joining Akeena in 2005, Josh quickly took on a supervisory role within the company’s operations departments, opening several remote offices nation-wide and scaling the company’s staffing and infrastructure needs upon Akeena’s IPO filing. Joshua managed the engineering, drafting, and project management teams, supporting over 20 MW of both residential and small commercial PV systems over a 3-year time period.

In 2009, Josh founded SepiSolar, a national solar-plus-storage design, engineering, and consulting company based in Fremont, California, leading a growing team of designers, engineers, and technical consultants.

Josh’s energy storage career began as a co-founder of Green Charge Networks, which was awarded a $10M grant by the US DOE to deploy 8 micro-grid and utility-interactive solar + energy storage + electric vehicle chargers projects for the purposes of optimizing behind-the-meter electricity usage. After exiting Green Charge Networks (now owned by Engie) in 2015, Josh has gone on to develop grid-connected energy storage and micro-grid projects with NRG’s Station A team and NEXTracker’s integrated energy storage program, where Josh has played many roles in the development of energy storage products and services, including business, finance, policy, project, product, hardware, and software development.

As a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Josh applies his extensive experience training and scaling project management and design teams within the solar PV integration industry. With a passion for teaching and education, he has also taught at UC Berkeley Extension.


Maintaining the integrity of the solar industry
remains one of my most important goals.”




Solar Expert Witness VP of Growth




ROB BROWN, VP of Growth


Born into entrepreneurship, Rob has a passion for creating, building, and improving businesses. By the time he had completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University, he had launched 3 projects in multiple industries; one of which was in designing exercise equipment that would generate electricity and take advantage of local net metering policy.

Upon graduation, Rob gained experience leading teams at AT&T from 2011, and then Vivint Solar in 2013 where he entered the renewables industry. In 2015, he was recruited by Graybar Electric Company, a Fortune 500 nationwide electrical distributor, to start and launch their solar division. Under the supervision of some of the brightest minds in energy efficiency, energy services, and electrical products, Rob developed energy projects with end-user customers in the commercial and industrial sectors while managing a small team of 6 people.

While at Graybar Rob became acquainted with various energy storage technologies and chemistries, among them Avalon Battery, a vanadium flow battery manufacturer from Vancouver, Canada. Rob found Avalon’s technology intriguing and incorporated their systems into his proposals when advising his end-user clients.

In January 2020, Rob transitioned to Avalon Battery as their Regional Director for North America, one of only two people to cover global sales. Shortly thereafter, Avalon merged with RedT Energy from London, England to form Invinity Energy Systems. For the next two years, Rob developed processes, advised on company strategy, and directed go-to-market strategy within North America. Having positioned Invinity as the world’s leading provider of vanadium flow batteries, Rob exited in search of his next project.

Hearing about Rob’s pending departure from Invinity, Josh Weiner, CEO and Founder of SepiSolar, recruited Rob to develop and launch Sepi’s Development Engineering department. Shortly thereafter Rob took the lead as SepiSolar’s VP of Growth, focusing on sales, marketing, and overall client experience. When not obsessing about customer satisfaction, Rob can be found playing with his children or experimenting with recipes in his kitchen.


Life is too short to be unhappy with
what you do, or who you do it with.”








HEIDI CALLAHAN, Expert Services Account Manager


With over 17 years of experience, Heidi Callahan is a seasoned account manager in the solar/renewable energy engineering sector. She has a proven track record of fostering long-term client relationships and driving sales growth. Heidi’s expertise lies in navigating the complex landscape of renewable energy solutions and aligning them with clients’ needs and goals. Her deep understanding of the industry allows her to effectively communicate the benefits of sustainable energy solutions to clients from various backgrounds. Heidi’s passion for sustainability and her technical knowledge make her a valuable asset to SepiSolar, where she plays a key role in expanding their market presence and driving business development.

Prior to joining SepiSolar, Heidi was a sales executive with REC solar, where she supported project development, managed and prepared proposals, and analyzed utility data to optimize sales. Heidi held similar positions with SPG Solar and SunTechnics/Conergy.

Heidi enjoys living up in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California, loving the relaxing pace of small town Idyllwild.


Integrity in solar engineering ensures the reliability and sustainability of our energy future.”




Solar Expert Witness Director of Operations




PETER FLORIN, Director of Operations


As a career electrical contractor of 45 years (CA Electrical Contractor License #516688), it is extremely rare that Peter Florin comes across a project he has never seen before. Having built electrical systems for large commercial complexes, multi-family housing, medium- and high-voltage utility substations, education, and public works, Peter brings deep logistics, construction, and operations expertise to SepiSolar and is a key operations leader.

Peter oversees the organization to ensure that day-to-day operations runs effectively and according to short- and long-term objectives. In addition to his leadership role, Peter also leads expert witness assignments, electrical site surveys, and brings his overall electrical knowledge to assist our clients in multiple areas of their projects.

Having garnered extensive qualifications in both the electrical contracting and renewable energy EPC realms, he provides the organization and its clients with expertise in contract management, engineering management, scoping, budgeting and estimating, scheduling, consulting services, capacity and resource management, project management, safety, and quality management.

Prior to joining SepiSolar, Peter led numerous successful initiatives and operations including Preventative Maintenance & Testing, Distributed Generation PV Rooftops, Turnkey PV Parking Structures, PV Commissioning Services, and Project Management Scope, and Cost Estimating.

At SepiSolar, we believe good infrastructure begins with good design, and good design is informed by construction services, processes, and tools that enable the best-in-class projects to become a reality. Peter and the SepiSolar Operations team brings this expertise to the team to ensure our project, product, and consulting services are second to none in the renewable energy industry.


If you ever need anything, anything at all, call me.”




Solar Expert Witness planning engineer




RICHARD DOBBINS, Planning Engineering


Richard’s journey from Santa Rosa, California, to becoming a seasoned professional in the solar industry reflects his passion for sustainable technology and innovation. A graduate of Santa Clara University with a degree in electrical/mechanical engineering, Richard’s transformative experience occurred during his participation in the 2013 Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon. As a proud member of the university team, he contributed to the creation of a solar-powered home, an endeavor that ignited his fervor for solar energy and set the course for his career.

Since joining SepiSolar, Richard has been an instrumental force, earning recognition as an NABCEP certified solar professional. His commitment to excellence extends to achieving Professional Engineer’s licensure in California and multiple states, solidifying his expertise in the solar and energy storage domains. Richard is driven by a vision to contribute to the transformation of the utility grid, making it more renewable-friendly through his extensive knowledge and skills.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Richard is a versatile individual with a penchant for creativity. Whether he’s jamming with his latest musical project, exploring the outdoors through hiking, or channeling his curiosity by tinkering with gadgets in his workshop, Richard embodies a holistic and dynamic approach to life. His dedication to advancing renewable energy solutions both in and out of the office underscores his commitment to a sustainable and innovative future.


We’re more than just engineers.
We appreciate how important
management and customer service
is to each and every project.”




Solar Expert Witness Controller




CRYSTAL BRESHEARS, Controller


As the Controller at SepiSolar since 2021, Crystal has demonstrated a wealth of expertise in diverse accounting functions spanning both corporate and project levels. Her background includes a pivotal role as an accounting supervisor for a solar project developer and energy services provider, where she honed her skills in overseeing financial operations in the dynamic renewable energy sector. Crystal’s commitment to precision and excellence is evident in her role at SepiSolar, where she is spearheading financial and accounting process development. By leveraging her comprehensive knowledge, she aims to enhance visibility and foster data-driven decision-making within the organization.

Crystal’s academic foundation includes an associates degree from the College of the Sequoias, underpinning her practical experience with a solid theoretical framework. Residing in Central Arkansas, Crystal brings a unique perspective to her role, enriching SepiSolar’s team with her diverse professional background and geographical insight. Her strategic financial acumen and dedication to refining processes position her as a key contributor to SepiSolar’s financial success and sustainability in the ever-evolving renewable energy landscape.


Our collective success hinges on
meticulous attention to financial details.”




ENTITY CODES


Certification ID: 2015743

Bidder/Supplier ID: BID0068933

NAICS Codes:

541330 – Engineering services

541340 – Drafting services

541490 – Other specialized design services

541618 – Other management consulting services

541690 – Other scientific and technical consulting services

541990 – All other professional, scientific, and technical services

D-U-N-S number: 065817064

CAGE: 8F5K7

UNSPSC Code: 811024, 81101701, 81101516, 81101604, 43232614, 81101505




JOSH WEINER’S DISTINCTIONS


2021 Josh Weiner presented on energy storage and other technologies at Novogradac Renewable Energy Conference
2020 Josh Weiner spoke about PV power plants and electrical energy storage systems at Intersolar North America
2020 Josh Weiner offered money-saving solutions for businesses, landlords, and developers at City of Fremont’s Energy Resiliency Business Symposium
2019 Josh Weiner discussed transitioning to a microgrid ecosystem at the HOMER International Microgrid Conference
2018 Josh Weiner developed technical solution that enables DC-coupled solar-plus-storage systems to qualify for net energy metering in California
2018 Josh Weiner explained how to provide flexible, renewable, curtailment-proof baseload power at the California Energy Commission’s Renewable Integration and Electric System Flexibility workshop
2015 In partnership with NEXTracker, Josh Weiner demonstrated how solar-plus-storage can deliver flexible, renewable power with no system-level clipping losses or curtailment at the point of interconnection
2012 With Green Charge Networks, Josh Weiner productized the first behind-the-meter lithium-based energy storage solution for intermittent solar generation and EV charging and degrading grid infrastructure capacity

CA Small Business Enterprise

Certification ID:
2015743

Bidder/Supplier ID:
BID0068933

NAICS Codes:
541330 – Engineering services
541340 – Drafting services
541490 – Other specialized design services
541618 – Other management consulting services
541690 – Other scientific and technical consulting services
541990 – All other professional, scientific, and technical services

D-U-N-S number:
065817064
CAGE:
8F5K7

UNSPSC Code:
811024, 81101701, 81101516, 81101604, 43232614, 81101505




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