For Johannes Copeland, a former Marine Corps Logistics Officer and GRID Alternatives veteran who started his own installation company, solar power is about energy independence more than anything else. In two tours in Iraq, he says he saw first-hand the impact of our dependence on fossil fuels.<\/p>\n
\u0093The fewer marines and soldiers we have to send over there to secure our energy, the better,\u0094 he said in a recent interview. \u0093I wanted to make an impact on this problem that is so very apparent in that part of the world.\u0094<\/p>\n
After leaving the military, Johannes moved to the Bay Area for an Americorps position with Habitat for Humanity\u0092s green building program. For a year Johannes led teams of volunteers building homes for those in need, many with solar electric systems installed by GRID Alternatives. At that time, GRID was still a small start-up nonprofit with about 10 employees state-wide, but it was growing, and Johannes soon found himself with a job. \u0093It was a very fun and exciting time,\u0094 he said. \u0093I learned most of what I know about solar from GRID.\u0094<\/p>\n
After several years learning the ins-and-outs of solar installation, Johannes was ready to take his passion for solar – and energy independence – further. Together with Ash Wagner, a volunteer he met on one of his earliest GRID Alternatives projects in Fresno, they founded ProVoltz in July of 2010. Since then Johannes has worked to create a thriving, professional solar installation company. In January 2012, Provoltz achieved SunPower\u0092s elite dealer status, the top tier in the manufacturer\u0092s three-tiered dealer structure.<\/p>\n
\u0093They are just a great, professional company to work with,\u0094 he said of SunPower, which earlier this year became an official panel provider and philanthropic partner of GRID. \u0093I am proud to offer their efficient panels to our customers,\u0094 said Johannes.<\/p>\n
Johannes is also getting back to his roots serving low-income communities. Last year, ProVoltz became a subcontractor for GRID Alternatives, and is now not only helping families in need, but also providing paid work opportunities for job trainees from GRID\u0092s workforce development partners.<\/p>\n
Whether the clients are GRID\u0092s or his own, Johannes is just happy to be helping more people go solar. \u0093Having solar really distributes power; not only literally, but also figuratively in terms of the control you have over your own life and energy choices.\u0094<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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