With over 18 years of experience, John is a veteran in the solar industry and brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his role. His deep understanding of the solar value chain, coupled with his passion for sustainability, has enabled him to spearhead multiple innovative projects that solved unique customer requirements, and helped him lead SunGreen through challenging industry dynamics.
Before joining SunGreen Systems, John served as a Project Development Manager at Cogenra Solar where he led the West Coast deployment of the company’s hybrid PV/T (PV-Thermal) technology. Prior to that, John led business development programs at California Green Designs and the Buckhorn Arms Development Company. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University. He is actively engaged in industry associations and currently serves on the Solar Energy Industries Association committee for Corporate Social Responsibility. John also previously served on the Board of Directors for Power to the People, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing solar electricity to rural areas of the developing world.
Outside of work, John finds solace in nature and enjoys various outdoor activities with his family. Surfing, sailing, hiking, and skiing are among his favorite pastimes. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Jennifer, and their two boys, Roen and Hendley.
Kenneth Lin
Co-CEO
About
Kenneth Lin
Ken is one of the founders of SunGreen Systems. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, he possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in his role. His interest in solar energy originally developed during his MBA program at the University of Southern California. After taking several courses taught through the lens of renewable energy, Ken realized solar energy was the perfect combination of his interests in finance, real estate development, and application of his undergraduate degree in Atmospheric Science. Prior to founding SunGreen, Ken served as an Asset Manager at Lindom Properties, where he managed a $120M portfolio of real estate investments and led over $50M in development and acquisition projects. Ken’s experience developing real estate, from design and planning through permitting and construction, ensures SunGreen’s projects are completed timely and with attention to detail. As a leader in the company, Ken strives to impart this particular brand of neuroticism on the SunGreen team. Outside of SunGreen, Ken is a sports enthusiast and enjoys flag football and competing on the tennis court. And when he’s not playing sports, he enjoys tracking severe weather events across the country and an occasional storm chasing session across the Great Plains.
Rick Hsu
Construction Director
About
Rick Hsu
Rick is one of the co-founders of SunGreen and also serves on its Board of Directors. Currently, Rick oversees all project operations, from initial engineering, pre-construction, constructability assessment, construction sequencing, to final commissioning. With construction experience spanning four decades, and his ability to build strong relationships, Rick is uniquely equipped to lead the operations team to deliver superior and consistent results for clients. Prior to SunGreen, Rick was active in real estate development. He held several key roles in developing and managing residential and commercial construction projects across Southern California. Rick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from UC Berkeley. In his free time, Rick enjoys playing basketball and considers himself a sports enthusiast. He can talk about sports all day, from the latest news to his favorite teams and players. He is also a big fan of watching sports on TV and going to games in person.
Alex Deeter
Sales Manager
About
Alex Deeter
Alex has spent his entire career, beginning while still an undergraduate at Oberlin College, in solar energy. Prior to joining SunGreen, Alex worked for a prominent PV panel manufacturer as well as a large residential solar company, giving him significant technical, supply chain, and client-facing experience. In his current role at SunGreen, Alex ensures that our sales team communicates effectively and professionally with clients, as well as overseeing the design and optimization of systems to ensure they fit customer needs and maximize return on investment. Alex loves the technical aspects of solar energy production and is also well-versed in Federal, state, and utility-level policies regarding renewable energy. He is active with industry trade associations and has been known to spend several hours at a time reading equipment specification sheets and legislation overviews. If you ever find yourself listening to a California Solar & Storage Association webinar, you will likely hear Alex asking a particularly nuanced question before the end. Alex has also been a panel member in various industry webinars.
In his off time, Alex enjoys indulging in his passion for movies and exploring the thrilling world of amusement parks.
Gary Schwarzapel
Business Development
About
Gary Schwarzapel
Gary joined SunGreen in 2014 and has been dedicated to expanding the use of solar energy ever since. Gary specializes in identifying new businesses, industries, and property owners that can benefit from renewable energy systems. His proactive approach has helped numerous clients achieve their financial and operational goals utilizing renewable energy.
Gary believes that information is the most powerful tool at his disposal and that communicating that information effectively is the best way to build long-term partnerships. Never one to beat around the bush, Gary prides himself on sticking to direct and relevant answers to client questions. And while he thinks the benefits of solar speak for themselves, he will argue passionately that the best pizza comes from Brooklyn. Outside of work, Gary enjoys staying active through various fitness pursuits, being a grandpa, and real estate.
Nydia Romero
Senior Project Administrator
About
Nydia Romero
Nydia possesses over 20 years of experience in logistics and client relations and has been a part of the SunGreen Systems team since 2016, where she began in sales before joining the operations team. In her role, Nydia oversees the permitting, inspection, and interconnection processes, as well as post-installation maintenance services. She is integral in coordinating with clients, utilities, permitting authorities, and vendors to ensure the smooth execution of complex projects from design through installation and commissioning. Her passion for completing projects in a timely and professional manner for all stakeholders makes her a strong asset to the team. Outside of work, Nydia enjoys spending time with her family, chasing her cat, and giving back to her community by serving on the Boards of both her local elementary school and high school.
Victoria Villalobos
Junior Project Manager
About
Victoria Villalobos
Victoria joined the SunGreen team in August 2022, bringing over a decade of client-facing management and field operational experience. She specializes in managing risk in order to protect assets and stakeholders and loves being on a jobsite with her fellow SunGreen team members. Victoria's skills include perfecting workflows, wrangling plan checkers, and dissecting engineering drawings. She loves it when a new challenge emerges and provides her the opportunity to develop a novel solution. In her current role as a SunGreen Junior Project Manager, Victoria provides installation oversight and engineering coordination. Outside of working to make the world a better place, Victoria careens around the desert in an old 4x4, picking up trash and enjoying the occasional campfire. She is passionate about building relationships, connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and finding common ground.
Mike Miracle
Project Developer
About
Mike Miracle
With over a decade of experience in the solar energy industry, Mike has cultivated a deep understanding of solar PV projects, specializing in sales, project management and client relations. A graduate of Princeton University, Mike brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical knowledge to his work. In 2012, Mike founded and managed his own solar company, where he successfully negotiated and closed deals for a diverse range of solar installations, including commercial buildings, industrial facilities and agricultural operations. Notable achievements include the sale of over 400 residential projects and the management of over 50 commercial projects. Throughout his career, Mike's comprehensive knowledge of the solar market and his ability to tailor solutions to meet the unique needs of each client have consistently positioned him as a trusted advisor and industry leader in solar project sales. Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time near the ocean and traveling. His latest passion is learning to sail, which not only provides him with personal enjoyment but also offers an opportunity to explore marine solar and wind technologies for future potential business ventures.
April Blanco
Project Administrator
About
April Blanco
April comes to Sungreen with an extensive background in administrative roles. She also has 5 years of previous experience in the solar industry, where she served as a Project Manager and Permitting Manager. At Sungreen, April is responsible for permitting, utility interconnection, procurement and project documentation. Her attention to detail, strong communication skills and enthusiasm to make the world a better place through renewable energy, makes her a great addition to our growing team. She believes that it is important to build and maintain great relationships with everyone that she comes into contact with in her work life. In her free time, April enjoys spending time at the beach, finding new hiking areas, going to concerts and experiencing new adventures with her family. She is also a huge animal lover and can easily stay in during the winter cuddling her 3 rescue pups.