About the Author
Ryan Mayfield discovered his passion for renewable energy shortly after beginning college at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. While pursuing his degree in environmental resources engineering, Ryan was exposed to the exciting possibilities of solar power by his professors and the university’s Campus Center for Appropriate Technology. This desire to learn more about and be involved in the solar industry only increased as Ryan continued his studies.
After getting his hands on an actual installation during a class with Solar Energy International, Ryan knew exactly where he wanted to spend his workdays. Early in his career, he worked as an installer, provided technical support for a renewable energy retailer, and moved up to Engineering Manager at a national wholesale renewable energy distributor. It was during his time at the distributor when Ryan’s knowledge of PV systems grew exponentially. During this time, he read every Home Power magazine he could get his hands on from cover to cover.
Now, Ryan lives in Corvallis, Oregon, with his wife and two children. He is a Certified Affiliated Master Trainer for the PV Design and Installation courses he teaches at Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon. He’s also a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)-Certified PV Installer. Ryan is one of a handful of people who hold both certifications. In the state of Oregon, Ryan holds a Limited Renewable Energy Technician’s license and chairs the apprenticeship committee for that license, helping to bring up the next group of licensed PV installers in the Beaver State.
Ryan is currently the President of Renewable Energy Associates, a consulting firm that provides design, support, and educational services for architectural and engineering firms, contractors, and government agencies. The courses he teaches take him across the United States working with various individuals looking to increase their knowledge of PV systems.
In the spirit of going full circle, Ryan also serves as Photovoltaic Systems Technical Editor for SolarPro magazine and regularly authors feature articles in SolarPro and Home Power magazines. Occasionally, he’s able to go back and teach with Solar Energy International, the same organization that got his hands on some equipment and provided his first true installation experience.
Dedication
I would like to dedicate this book to my children, Aidan and Lauren, in hopes that I can make the world just a little bit better for them while giving them the opportunity to make a positive impact themselves; my dear wife, Amy, who’s my biggest fan and supporter; my parents and sister for guiding me to become the person I am; and all of my friends and colleagues — your support to me personally and your contributions to the solar industry are invaluable, and I thank each and every one of you.
Author’s Acknowledgments
I feel very fortunate for the people who have come into my life. On a professional level, I would like to make special recognition of the following people: Bob Maynard, who opened up so many doors for me and allowed me to flourish; Joe Schwartz, whose work was highly influential to me long before we met and began collaborating; David Brearley, a true friend who always has a good answer for any question I have — solar or otherwise; Roger Ebbage, for giving me the opportunity to discover my passion for teaching; Paul Farley, for always keeping me on my toes and reminding me to have fun; and Eric Maciel, for giving me a chance to get started in the industry.
There are so many more people that have influenced and helped guide me over the years. Without their help, lessons, and guidance, I’d still be walking around bright-eyed and clueless: John Berdner, Bill Brooks, Justine Sanchez, Tobin Booth, Kirpal Khalsa, Christopher Dymond, Christopher Freitas, Jon Miller, Jsun Mills, John Wiles, Carol Weis, Wes Kennedy, Jason Sharpe, and Glenn Harris — just to name a few.
I have to give recognition to the solar pioneers that made all of this possible for so many, some of whom I’ve never met personally but want to thank anyway: Richard Perez, Bob-O Schultze, Windy Dankoff, Allan Sindelar, Michael Welch, and Johnny Weiss.
Thanks to all the wonderful people at Solar Energy International, Home Power, and SolarPro. The work you do to spread the word to so many never ceases to amaze me.
My editors at Wiley, Mike Baker, Erin Calligan Mooney, and Jen Tebbe, helped turn an idea into reality. Georgette Beatty earns a special thank you for her ability to keep me on task; without her input and perspective, I couldn’t have written this book. Thanks to all the people behind the scenes at Wiley, especially the folks in the composition department. Thanks to Alex Jarvis for the insightful technical review and to Precision Graphics for taking ideas and turning them into works of art.
On a personal level, my extended family, friends, and heroes also deserve a special nod: Grandma Eva, your lessons continue to direct me to this day; Grandma Joan, for your never-ending support; Matt Minkoff, for helping me discover who I am; Beth Baugh, thanks for all you do for us; Jim Meyer and Luke Nersesian, I wish I could have just a moment to share this with you two; Jennifer Fisher for her always-unique perspective; John Panzak, world’s greatest teacher; Jeff Lebowski, hey, that’s your name, Dude; and the Oregon State Beavers and the Milwaukee Brewers, who make rooting so much more fun.
Given the long list of people I’ve mentioned as directly supporting and influencing me on this project and in life, I can only take partial credit for the pages in this book, yet I’ll take all the blame. If there are any errors or omissions, that’s due to an oversight on my part, and I regret any errors.
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
Senior Project Editor: Georgette Beatty
Senior Acquisitions Editor: Mike Baker
Copy Editor: Jennifer Tebbe
Technical Editor: Alexander D. Jarvis
Production Editor: Mohammed Zafar Ali
Editorial Manager: Michelle Hacker
Cover Image: © Watchara Kokram/iStockphoto