John Koontz has been working in the solar industry since 2007. He had previously been a project manager in the construction industry. While he enjoyed the work there, he was inspired to move to an industry he was personally passionate about. The solar industry provided him an opportunity to apply skills from his previous trade to a new career.

As a NABCEP, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, Certified PV Installer and Senior Project Manager at HelioSage in Charlottesville, Virginia, John is responsible for overseeing projects through the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning stages. John also oversees the designing of custom PV systems.

Over the three years that HelioSage has been installing solar in New Jersey and other Mid-Atlantic states, there has been significant growth. Since John joined the company in February 2010, they have hired four new workers and the work remains steady.

"We all work extremely hard and often long hours, and the extra help has been welcome. It's also fun to see so many smart and passionate people gravitating to this space," John said.

At a growing small business like HelioSage, John says it is important for all staff to be aware of four very different worlds: government incentives, energy markets, solar technology and finance.

"We do have a policy expert, a finance expert, in house legal counsel, a technology guru, etc., but in the end I think it is our ability to keep each other current in all four of these areas that makes us successful. I really enjoy this collaborative approach. This is a fast paced industry, and it requires fast minds willing to share. That makes for a lot of learning and a lot of fun."

For John, the career move to solar has not only allowed him to apply his skills in construction management to a growing industry, but also to do work that he is passionate about.

"I feel comfortable saying that I've found the industry that I will be working in for the rest of my career. I've never felt so stimulated, and nothing is more rewarding than knowing you are part of the change you want to see in this world."

Republished from www.solarworksforamerica.com