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Doug Pratt

Posted by robert on May 21, 2014 in

I’ve been fortunate to work professionally with Robert for over seven years. His level of knowledge concerning proper, code-compliant design and installation of large, complex solar electric systems, both standard grid-tie and battery-based systems, is the best in the industry. For large commercial battery-based systems in particular, Robert IS the top expert in North America.

“I would definitely be interested in working with you in the future. I like the fact that you are always upfront with everything and I value your skill and opinion.”

Paul Lewis, Empower Solar Products, Abilene, TX

“Robert's knowledge in the solar industry was very valuable to our organization. We flew him in to cover the design and economics of batteries in off-grid and grid-tied situations. His information was very informative and we believe will help grow our organization due to our now increased knowledge of products available in the solar market.”

Zach Wieber, Icon Solar Power, Milford, OH

“Robert Seton provided an invaluable resource for Solar Design Associates, LLC in his support of our design and construction oversight of a battery backup system for the City of Boston’s emergency response vehicle fuel pumping station. The project required the integration of a new PV-battery backup system with the facility’s 35-year old electrical infrastructure. Robert‘s tremendous knowledge of the SMA Sunny Island allowed us to design a system that interfaces seamlessly with the facility, providing critical backup power to the city’s emergency response teams.”

Ted Portney, Solar Design Associates, Harvard, MA

“Robert was one of the first people I hired when I started DC Power-Systems, that is now Soligent. He could figure out anything in the area of engineering and did a stellar job creating the engineering department which included hiring and training staff. Robert joins me in my commitment to supporting developing communities. His elegant solutions for difficult projects are now bringing power and hope to hospitals, schools and communities around the world.”

Joseph Marino, Founder, DC Power Systems and Soligen, Rohnert Park, CA

“I loved Robert's teaching and coaching. Robert takes the mystery out of electrical jargon and theories. If you can’t understand and follow Robert’s explanation, then there is no hope for you.”

Ali Ghorbani, Senior Solar Engineer

“I’ve been fortunate to work professionally with Robert for over seven years. His level of knowledge concerning proper, code-compliant design and installation of large, complex solar electric systems, both standard grid-tie and battery-based systems, is the best in the industry. For large commercial battery-based systems in particular, Robert IS the top expert in North America.”

Doug Pratt, Senior Systems & Support Engineer (DC Power Systems / Soligent, 2004-2013); Senior Engineer (Real Goods Trading Co., 1990-2004)

“This was our first time working with Solar Hybrid Design and was quite pleased with our deliverables and the overall process. Robert was easy to communicate with and was very responsive to our needs and deadline driven. We look forward to working with Robert and his team in the future.”

Craig Pals, Tick Tock Energy Inc., Effingham, IL

“It was my pleasure to work with Robert on three large solar projects for Powerhive Inc. From design to installation, Robert specified all the information needed to make the project a success. His attention to detail at every step, was phenomenal. His years of experience were brought to bear on every aspect of the project. With Robert's help I can easily say we saved both time and money accomplishing our goals. Thanks again and I look forward to working with you again.”

Steve Hermes, Design Engineer, Powerhive Inc., Oakland, Ca

“Robert is one of the premier designers of advanced hybrid systems that I know of.”

Jack Crose, Western Regional Sales Manager, US Solar Group at Schneider Electric, Bellingham, Washington

“I wanted, again, to say “Thank You” for the outstanding design and service your firm recently completed for Camp Mendocino’s first ever Solar Hybrid System for the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco. We have been contemplating installing a solar/battery hybrid system for several years. Our remote, off-grid, 85 year old residential summer camp in Mendocino county needed to save diesel generation costs and have a professional solar/battery hybrid system to use as a learning tool for the 1,200 disadvantaged youth we serve every year. We have succeeded on both fronts! This system is sufficient to handle our off-season power requirements, and is built for future expansion so that one day we should only utilize our costly diesel generators as emergency back-up power only. Through this entire project, Solar Hybrid Design has been excellent communicators and have responded quickly to our inquiries. Your firm, led by Robert Seton, is very knowledgeable and is considered an engineering/design leader in the Northern California area. We look forward to working with Solar Hybrid Design in the future.”

Fernando Aguilar, Board of Governors, Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco

“I first met Robert through DC Power which (became) Soligent. He was working with technical sales and often helped with suggestions for parts and design. After leaving Soligent, he assisted PowerQuest WorldWide and ITEC with an off grid design for an NGO in Burundi. Since SMA is difficult to find out technical information on current production, he was invaluable in specifying devices and proper wiring. We used the same basic design in PNG at another missionary hospital. At that location he came along and helped with many technical aspects of the installation especially the communication devices. The system is working well.”

William Wright, PE PowerQuest WorldWide, Ltd

“It has been such a pleasure working with you over the years. You are always professional and thoughtful in the work you do. Although you are moving to the other side of the planet, I look forward to our continued [albeit remote] work together, as we have done for many years. I wish you all the best in settling in Australia, and even hope to come visit you some day. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is anything that we can do to help your move and transition go well.”

Darren Malvin, CEO American Solar Corporation Sausalito, CA, USA

“We have used the services of Robert Seton for a couple of years and are very happy with the great work Robert does for us. Robert Seton is very valuable sub-contractor for our business, the work he provides us is in a very high level, and we intend to use his services in the future.”

Ronnie Mandler BEP, Best Energy Power, Valley Stream NY

“I had the great pleasure of working with Robert Seton for over nine years. He was our Senior Engineer and then Director of the Engineering Department. He left that position to create an area for off-gird projects, which is his passion. As well as being one of the best engineers I have worked with he is a visionary, seeing that off gird and hybrid energy is the wave of the future. I highly recommend Robert for any and all projects. He is extraordinarily competent and honest as well as a pleasure to work with.”

Daniel Morino Director of Sales Soligent Petaluma, CA

Doug Pratt

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