Background 

As a Senior Policy Advisor at Tesla, I engage in regulatory proceedings and legislative advocacy covering a range of issues critical to the future of behind-the-meter solar and storage including interconnection reform, incentive programs, rate design, virtual powerplants, and vehicle-to-grid policies. While primarily focused on California, I cover these issues across a number of western states giving me a broad perspective on trends and challenges across the west and nationally. I cut my teeth in the energy policy space, starting in 2004, at the California Public Utilities Commission, first working as a consultant doing work before the agency and then as an employee of the Commission itself, where I held various roles over the course of my seven plus year tenure, including as Chief Energy Advisor to the President of the Commission. I have been an active CALSSA member for more than a decade, and for the past several years have served as the member chair of CALSSA’s Storage Committee.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-schwartz-934b7022/

Candidate Statement

If elected to the Board, I’m committed to working to advance the interests of all members and the customers we collectively serve.  This means doing everything we can to keep the organization financially sound, empowering staff to build on the excellent advocacy work they pursue every day, and engaging and coordinating with other stakeholders, including other trade associations, environmental organizations, and ratepayer advocacy interests to align on policy direction and strategy.  

As an industry, we are at a critical juncture. Given the pressing and politically potent issue of affordability, our economic future depends on establishing policies that allow behind-the-meter solar and storage to be more fully utilized to deliver and be compensated for the provision of grid services.  While this vision has existed for some time, the technology, communication and control platforms have evolved to the point where this is no longer just a theoretical possibility. Significant work remains to be done educating decision-makers on the vast opportunity embodied by the hundreds of thousands of solar and storage systems deployed across California to deliver cost-effective energy services and to establish the policy framework that will allow us to bring these services to market.  At the same time, we need to ensure progress on the nuts-and-bolts issues, including streamlining interconnection and permitting, protecting value for existing customers, all while playing defense from the broadside attacks we can anticipate from politically powerful adversaries.

Whether elected to the board or not, I look forward to working with CALSSA and its members on these and other critical issues in the months and years ahead.

Bio

Jake Marshall has worked in the California solar and storage industry for more than 16 years. A Bay Area native and graduate of Chico State University with a degree in Sociology, Jake currently serves as Operations Manager for Greentech Renewables in San Diego. His career has spanned the residential, commercial, and utility-scale sectors, giving him a uniquely comprehensive view of the industry, from hands-on field experience to sales, management, and advocacy.

Jake has been an active member and volunteer with the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) for over a decade. His contributions include serving on the Recycling and Membership Committees, recruiting more than 25 new members, and organizing countless outreach efforts to support solar policy and public awareness. In recognition of his dedication and leadership, Jake was honored as CALSSA’s 2023 Member of the Year, an award he proudly displays in his office as a reminder of the collective spirit that drives the industry forward.

Candidate Statement

I am running for the CALSSA Board of Directors because I believe the next few years will define the future of solar and storage in California. We are facing unprecedented challenges—but also unprecedented opportunity. Having worked across every major sector of our industry, I understand the needs of installers, distributors, developers, and advocates alike.

As a board member, my goal is to ensure that CALSSA continues to be a strong, unifying voice that protects distributed generation and expands energy independence for Californians. I bring a worker’s mindset—collaborative, grounded, and focused on results. Whether it’s standing outside the CPUC with a sign in hand or strategizing with policymakers and partners, I’ve always believed in doing the work needed to make progress.

If elected, I will continue to serve this community with dignity, pride, and persistence. I will advocate for the resources and policies our members truly need to thrive in this evolving market, while ensuring CALSSA remains the premier voice of the California solar and storage industry.

Please consider casting your vote for me. Together, we can strengthen and sustain the future of solar and storage in California.

Bio

Patrick Sterns is the VP of Policy and Regulatory at PearlX, an investment firm that finances and operates solar, batteries and electrification amenities in multifamily rental housing. He has been in the California solar industry since 2011 and has held roles spanning installation, sales, project management, policy advocacy and board positions. He grew up in Oakland, CA.

Candidate Statement

I am humbly asking CALSSA’s membership for your vote to help our industry grow and be more successful as we face significant policy obstacles both locally and federally. Having spent 15 years working in all parts of our industry, I know the challenges we face and have been actively working on removing policy barriers to help solar businesses grow. I’ve spent time both at small businesses as well as large publicly traded firms and have owned my own contracting business, so I appreciate what we are all facing. I feel I would be well suited to help represent you because I have in my career worked in residential, commercial, multifamily, and policy roles, and am actively advocating for us on multiple levels in CA and federally to improve our outcomes. I also believe that my company would be helpful to have on the CALSSA board and in our advocacy, because our everyday work at PearlX helps to negate the “cost-shift” fallacy. Since all our work is centered on lower-income renters, we are perfectly positioned to help educate decisionmakers and expose the untruths that our opponents tell about us in Sacramento. And, through coalition-building and sustained advocacy at all levels of CA government, I have been able to help secure several policy wins that I think we can build on at CALSSA. I believe we need to do much more coalition building to be more politically successful as an industry, and in my current role as well as given my past as a community organizer and leader of political campaigns, I feel I could be very helpful in those efforts. In my recent work, I have taken a leading role in efforts to improve interconnection and permitting timelines, defend net metering, expand VPP programs, cut red tape in complex installations, and defend Title 24 solar requirements, just to name a few areas in which I am working to help. If elected, I would represent the entire industry with all my ability and experience. Thank you for your consideration.

Bio

Ravi Mikkelsen has worked in clean energy for over two decades. Starting in materials science and engineering, he transitioned from researching fuel cells and photovoltaic technologies to deploying large- and then small-scale distributed energy assets, and ultimately to clean-energy finance — a sector he calls “the Archimedes Lever” for the energy transition.

In 2020, he co-founded Atmos Financial, which partners with credit unions, community banks, and green lenders to make clean-energy loans instant, transparent, and locally owned. He currently serves as CEO, helping deploy millions in affordable financing for solar, storage, and electrification across the country.

Candidate Statement

The solar industry is entering its next era — one defined not by high costs and high-pressure sales, but by trust, transparency, and affordability. My goal as a CALSSA board member is to help our industry lead that transition and keep California at the forefront of solar and battery storage adoption. 

At Atmos Financial, we work with credit unions, community banks, and green lenders to deliver clean-energy loans that are instant, transparent, and locally controlled, empowering installers, protecting consumers, and keeping value in our communities.

CALSSA can help accelerate this shift by advocating for standardized, instant permitting, inspection, and interconnection statewide, and by supporting policies that make distributed energy resources (DERs) central to grid planning. We can build a true marketplace for batteries, solar, and electrification that rewards resilience and participation, not simply self-consumption. 

By lowering soft costs, enabling transparent finance, and expanding customer value, we will make local solar and storage critical grid infrastructure for California, and reliable, equitable, and accessible to every household.

And as a fun fact: “Ravi” means “Sun” in Sanskrit — so in some sense, I’ve been in solar my entire life.

Bio

Since 2003, Aaron has passionately championed solar energy, pioneering its use in residential new construction and collaborating with traditional roofing contractors to significantly boost solar adoption in both residential and commercial sectors.

Aaron has served as the Executive Vice President of Solar for Citadel Roofing & Solar since 2019, where he has led the company into becoming one of the leading, turn-key residential roofing, solar, and energy storage contractors in California.

Prior to joining Citadel, Aaron held multiple leadership roles within the industry: 1) Founder and CEO of Solar Roof Dynamics, a company started in 2013 to provide solar material distribution and value-added services to solar and roofing contractors nationwide; 2) National Sales Director for the solar division of The Dow Chemical Company, where he helped bring to market Dow’s innovative solar roofing product; and 3) Executive Vice President of Solar of PetersenDean Roofing and Solar, (originally Old Country Roofing). At PetersenDean, Aaron was instrumental in driving the transformation from a roofing focused contracting company into what became one of the nation’s largest growing solar integrators.

Candidate Statement

I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for one of the open Board of Director seats in the 2024 CALSSA election. Throughout my 22 plus years of experience in the solar industry, I’ve been actively involved in policy initiatives. I served on the Advisory Committee to the California Energy Commission for the New Solar Homes Partnership program from 2006 to 2009, participated on the planning and education committee for RE+ (formerly SPI) from 2007 to 2017, and acted as the alternate Board Member for SEIA in 2012. In addition, I've attended numerous hearings, frequently provided feedback, and acted in expert witness capacity. I strongly believe that our industry must continue to advocate for homeowners, business owners, and itself. This journey is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. While our opponents may have deep pockets, we possess strong voices, passion, and a dedicated network of smart, hardworking colleagues. Together, I am confident that CALSSA will drive positive changes that will foster the growth of the solar industry in California.

Bio

Adam Rizzo is one of the founding partners of Palomar Solar & Roofing. Adam oversees sales and marketing and is the lead energy consultant. Adam contributes his interest in meeting new people and helping them go solar from his Midwest roots as he is originally from Northern Kentucky.

Prior to joining Palomar Solar, Adam owned A Rizzo Group, a home improvement company that services the Cincinnati, OH Tri-State area. He transitioned the company to his brother before moving to San Diego.

Adam has been helping homeowners one way or the other for over 20 years. He has specifically been in the solar industry for the last 17 years and has personally helped over 1,200 homeowners, businesses and faith-based organizations invest in solar power. Adam’s most notable customers include Waxie Sanitary Supplies and Goodwill San Diego.

Adam is a frequent guest on local San Diego broadcasting stations; you can catch him on KOGO 600 and on The Mike Slater Show.

Fun Facts about Adam: Adam enjoys spending his free time with his beautiful wife Katie and their two sons, especially watching them surf and play baseball. Adam drove a 31-foot pink RV over 40,000 miles around the country raising cancer awareness.

Candidate Statement

I am excited to run for this seat at the board of directors at CALSSA, an organization dedicated to advancing solar energy and sustainable storage solutions in California. With a background in renewable energy and a passion for advocating clean energy policies, I am eager to contribute to CALSSA's mission of accelerating the adoption of solar technology and fostering innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

My experience includes helping start one of the oldest and most reputable solar and roofing companies in San Diego back in 2010, which has equipped me with a strong understanding of the industry challenges and opportunities. I am committed to promoting equitable access to renewable energy and supporting policies that benefit both the environment and local communities.

I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with CALSSA members and help drive meaningful changes in California’s clean energy landscape.

Thank you for your consideration.

Bio

Chris Moran, Chairman and CEO of Solar Maintenance Pros DBA Solar Negotiators, is a values-driven leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to service—whether to his country as a U.S. Marine, to his customers as a solar provider, or through mentoring-focused leadership that treats everyone as a peer. With a background spanning technology, software, local governance, construction, and renewable energy, Chris brings a rare blend of operational insight and strategic perspective to the table.

As founder and CEO of the largest privately held solar sales and installation company from Bakersfield to the East Bay, Chris has guided his team through rapid growth and shifting regulatory landscapes, including a seamless transition into NEM 3.0. His ability to respond to uncertainty with thoughtful, customer-focused solutions has earned his company over $400 million in revenue and multiple industry accolades.

Having served on 12 distinct boards, Chris understands the importance of listening, adapting, and advocating with integrity. His leadership is grounded in a genuine desire to support others—whether that means helping colleagues navigate change, empowering workforce development, or ensuring consumers receive the transparency they deserve. That mindset makes him an ideal candidate to represent CALSSA members and help lead the industry forward.

Candidate Statement:

I’m honored to be considered for the CALSSA Board of Directors. Throughout my career, I’ve been driven by a simple principle: leadership is defined by having a servant attitude that inspires others to rise to being leaders themselves. Whether supporting fellow solar professionals, guiding our workforce, or helping customers make informed decisions, I believe in showing up with humility, clarity, and a commitment to doing what’s right.

That mindset has shaped our company’s culture and growth. Since 2009, we’ve built one of California’s most trusted solar providers by prioritizing transparency, accountability, and long-term relationships. In a landscape often clouded by misinformation and regulatory shifts, I’ve worked to be a steady advocate—helping our team and our customers adapt while staying true to our values.

I believe CALSSA plays a vital role in protecting the integrity of our industry and empowering its members to thrive. With my experience across sectors and my track record of navigating change, I’m ready to contribute to that mission—bringing a collaborative, service-oriented approach to the challenges ahead.

Bio & Candidate Statement

Ed Murray has been involved with the solar industry since 1978. Since 1984, Ed has served CALSSA (California Solar and Storage Industries Association) as its secretary, treasurer, vice president, and chair of its Ethics Committee.

Currently, he is the president. Ed is the past Chair of the Solar Heating and Cooling Division for SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), and served on the Consumer Protection Committee, Election Committee and Federal Policy Committee. Ed serves on the NABCEP board of directors and is the Treasurer. Ed is also on the United States Technical Advisory Group (USTAG) for IEC/TC117, Solar Thermal Electric Plants.

Recognizing his commitment and dedication to solar, Ed was voted California’s "Solar Man of the Year” in 1993. Ed is a NABCEP solar thermal certificant and is a California-licensed building and solar contractor. Ed was on the Standards Committee of the SRCC (Solar Ratings and Certification Corporation).

This statement from Les Nelson in 2016 is even truer today:

“Having served five terms as president of CALSEIA, and after working closely with Ed on all manner of solar-related topics, projects and programs since the mid-1980s, I can say that he is one of the most experienced solar professionals in the U.S. and is the right person to lead CALSEIA in the uncertain times ahead,” Nelson said.

We need an experienced person now more than ever. I have been with the Association from the beginning and will help us through the tough issues we face.

Bio & Candidate Statement

I am excited to announce my candidacy for the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) Board of Directors. My decision to run is driven by a personal goal: to have a greater impact on renewable energy adoption across California. I believe that by serving on the board, I can help accelerate the transition to sustainable, resilient, and accessible energy solutions for all Californians.

Since 2019, I have been actively involved in both the residential and commercial sectors of solar and energy storage. This hands-on experience has given me valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities our industry faces. I am eager to bring a fresh perspective that emphasizes collaboration, technological innovation, and effective policy advocacy. My diverse background equips me with unique problem-solving skills that I believe will benefit CALSSA’s mission.

If elected, I am committed to working tirelessly to expand renewable energy adoption, support industry innovation, and promote equitable access to clean energy solutions. I am passionate about making a meaningful difference in our industry’s future and helping California achieve its ambitious clean energy goals. I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community and contribute to the continued success of CALSSA and its members.

Bio

With over 20 years of experience spanning construction, solar EPC, and business coaching, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and emotional intelligence. My mission aligns with CALSSA’s commitment to advancing clean energy through innovation, advocacy, and inclusive industry growth.

Professional Experience

Solar Discovery — (2020–Present)

Vertically integrated solar and energy storage company delivering full-service EPC operations across California.

• Scaled operations with in-house teams and strategic partnerships (Qcells, Lunar Energy, CertainTeed and market manufacturers

• Led hundreds of residential and commercial PV/ESS installations

• Developed structured maintenance programs and ensured regulatory compliance (ITC, SRI roofing)

Business Coach & Consultant (2015–Present)

Empowered small business owners to optimize operations, improve leadership, and achieve sustainable growth.

• Delivered tailored coaching programs for entrepreneurs in construction, tech, and service industries

• Facilitated strategic planning, branding, and workflow optimization

Principle Building Group inc. — Owner & Operator (2005–Present )

Managed residential and commercial construction projects with a focus on quality, safety, and team development.

• Built process-driven systems for project delivery

• Led diverse teams and cultivated long-term client relationships

Skills & Expertise

• Solar project management & technical compliance

• Energy storage integration & permitting strategy

• Regulatory interpretation (CPUC, IRS, building codes)

• Strategic partnerships & stakeholder engagement

• Emotional intelligence in leadership & communication

• Coaching & mentorship for small business growth

Industry Alignment

• Advocate for equitable clean energy access and grid participation

• Supporter of CALSSA’s policy initiatives and consumer protection standards

• Committed to workforce development and inclusive industry representation

The vision

• Strengthen representation for small-to-mid-sized EPCs

• Enhance technical and regulatory guidance for members

• Expand mentorship pathways and cross-sector collaboration

• Promote innovation and customer-centric design in solar + storage

Candidate Statement

I am honored to submit my candidacy for a position on the Board of Directors of the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA). As the Executive in Solar Discovery, I bring over two decades of experience in construction, solar EPC operations, and small business mentorship — each deeply aligned with CALSSA’s mission to advance clean energy deployment across California.

My journey began in the construction industry, where I built and led teams focused on quality, safety, and operational excellence. Over time, I transitioned into solar and energy storage.

Solar Discovery evolved to deliver full-service, vertically integrated solutions. Our work spans residential and commercial PV/ESS projects, with a strong emphasis on technical compliance, customer satisfaction, and strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Qcells, Lunar Energy, CertainTeed and other leading manufacturers in the market.

Beyond operations, I’ve spent years mentoring small business in navigating growth, regulatory complexity, and operational challenges owners and advocating for inclusive, sustainable growth.

I believe CALSSA plays a vital role in shaping policy, supporting industry professionals, and expanding access to clean energy across California. I would be honored to contribute my experience, strategic insight, and collaborative spirit to further CALSSA’s mission.

If elected to the Board, I will contribute:

• Technical insight into permitting, interconnection, and regulatory frameworks

• Strategic thinking to support CALSSA’s policy and outreach initiatives

• A voice for small-to-mid-sized EPCs navigating today’s evolving energy landscape

• A collaborative spirit rooted in emotional intelligence and stakeholder engagement

I am passionate about CALSSA’s work and eager to help shape its future.

Thank you for considering my nomination. I welcome the opportunity to serve and support our shared vision for a cleaner, more equitable energy future.