Meet Our Team
President and Founder
Ray received a Bachelor of Science Degree in environmental engineering in 1979, with concentrations in Solar Energy and AC&R (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration), and received his Professional Mechanical Engineering license in 1983.
He has specialized in energy efficiency and solar energy since moving to Nevada County in 1979. Over his career he has helped thousands of customers in 34 states and abroad obtain their most cost-effective energy options. He designed his first photovoltaic (PV) system in 1982 for his off-grid home. In 2001 he installed his first grid-tied PV system for his own home, one that included a battery backup capability, and began offering PV to the public in 2002.
Dave Stokes
Lead Contractor and Part Owner
Dave received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1972 from California State University Long Beach, and in his early years was employed as an electronics design engineer. He received his contractor’s license in 1976, and is a licensed General (B), Electrical (C10) and Plumbing (C36) contractor in the state of California. He began working in the field of photovoltaics and joined the company as a part owner and license holder in 2008.
Operations Manager
My first real experience in the construction trade was with a framing company when I turned 20. For almost 5 years I helped build custom homes as well as did many additions and remodels all over the greater Sacramento area including locations like Serrano, Cameron Park, and Winchester.
After the 2008 market crash, I got a job at SolarCity. I was hired was to be part of an Energy Efficiency Upgrade install crew that SolarCity interested in developing. Under the supervision of Dale Garren, to whom I attribute most of my training, knowledge, confidence, and insight, I became a BPI Certified Building Analyst and audited a few hundred homes doing CAZ testing, Blower Door Testing, and Duct Leakage testing.
Electrician
Combine Solar Thermal, Photovoltaics, and Sunshine, and you have Joe Nelson. Serving as a Project manager at Sustainable Energy Group for 7 years, Joe takes on challenging responsibilities, such as safety oversight, electrical upgrades and any problems that need solving.
Joe has seasoned solar thermal expertise, having worked for more than eight years in San Diego on literally hundreds of solar thermal projects across southern California. A licensed professional contractor, he holds both C-46 and C-10 classifications, as well as many industry and manufacturer accreditations. He skillfully navigates each project to maintain 110% client satisfaction.
Renata Langis
Marketing and Community Outreach Coordinator
Renata is responsible for graphic design, newsletter publication, event planning, and social media management at SEG. She was raised in Los Angeles and studied international agricultural development at UC Davis. She moved to northern California in 2008 and has worked in the North Bay Area and Chico, CA. Her previous work experience includes international sales and logistics in the strawberry industry and program development as an AmeriCorps fellow with a non-profit organization. Her passions include sustainable urban design and community development. Her hobbies include culinary arts, gardening, hiking, studying Spanish, and traveling overseas. One fun fact about Renata is that her first language was French.
Lead Solar Designer and Sales Manager
Penn Martin, the lead solar designer at SEG Energy, was born and raised in North Carolina. After graduating high school, he attended MIT as a National Merit Scholar in 1977. Penn applies an engineering-oriented approach to designing custom solar electric systems in order to optimize both performance and value to solar customers. He creates solar designs that rely on site specific measurements, resulting in accurate solar layouts and financial projections for clients. His 12 years of design experience translates into a wealth of knowledge that allows him to also develop detailed load calculations for new homeowners. Penn enjoys educating customers about solar technology and energy policy in California.