Riverside Energy is About Creating Greener Spaces. Clean and Simple
We know switching to solar power can feel overwhelming and costly. From keeping every detail organized to assisting you with federal funding, we’ll ensure you don’t worry about a thing and maximize the savings available.
$1 million
5+
1000+
We harness the sun to build futures and communities.
We are a team of diverse experts passionate about the environment and sustainable choices. We’ve been helping homeowners and organizations across Canada and overseas become energy-efficient and independent using solar power since 1995. Our extensive experience and combined educational backgrounds equip us to take on challenging projects, making us a leading solar company in British Columbia Canada.
Riverside offers a full spectrum of sustainable services addressing grid connected and off-grid solar PV energy system needs including:
• Feasibility review, assessment, and advising.
• Solar PV systems training and capacity building for First Nations.
• Consulting, engineering, and detailed systems design.
• Equipment and systems integration, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
• Licensed electrical contracting.
Meet the Team
Paul Fletcher
Director
Paul is our founding partner and has worked as an industrial instrumentation technician for more than 30 years. He holds a diploma in Industrial Instrumentation Technology, and is certified as a Solar Photovoltaic Systems Electrical Worker. Designing and installing solar PV, wind, and micro-hydroelectrical energy systems has been a passion for Paul since 1994. He launched a renewable energy business in 1995 which continues today as Riverside Energy Systems.
Ben Giudici
Director, PEng.
Ben has worked in utility power systems protection and control, industrial control systems, and electronic instrumentation for 12 years in industry as an engineer with BC Hydro and 21 years as a Thompson Rivers University faculty member and coordinator in electronics and engineering programs. He holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in electrical engineering and is registered as a Professional Engineer in the province of BC. Ben has extensive experience in engineering design, project management, collaboration, and supervision. He has a keen interest in photovoltaics and has been very active in solar PV systems design, installation, and training since 2009.
Greg Lambertus
Director
Greg has been an electrician since 2005. He has a broad range of experience in industrial, commercial, and residential electrical project construction, installation, and maintenance work. Greg holds an inter-provincial electrical TQ, a Class B electrical contracting license, and FSR designation in the province of BC. He has been working with Riverside since 2013 and became a principal in the company in 2015. Greg brings unsurpassed project management skills and work ethic to our team.
Sean Palfenier
Sales Manager
Sean is a journeyman electrician with broad experience in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical installations. Sean joined Riverside in Jan 2019 and quickly became a highly effective member of our grid connected solar PV systems installation team. Now Sean is using his installation experience to lead our sales team
Izaak Patjas
Crew Lead - Journeyman Electrician
Izaak is a journeyman electrician experienced in residential and commercial applications, specifically custom homes. As an avid outdoorsman he’s always shown a strong interest in PV systems. Izaak joined us in 2020 and could not be more excited to be part of the Riverside team.
Brendan Johnston
Crew Lead - Journeyman Electrician
Brendan joined the Riverside Team as an electrical apprentice in 2020. Becoming a Journeyman Electrician in 2021 Brendan has been a important part of the Riverside Team. In his free time, Brendan spends time with his pup Rocko, they can be found travelling the province looking for adventure.
Gerrit Werry
Crew Lead - Journeyman Electrician
Gerrit joined the Riverside Team in 2021 as an electrical apprentice and has since received his Journeyman ticket. He brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to the team. In his free time you can find Gerrit fishing, snow boarding and spending time with his dog.
Brysen Watson
Design Manager, EIT
Brysen originally joined Riverside Energy systems as an undergraduate co-op student ion 2020. Upon completion of his electrical engineering degree from the University of British Columbia in 2021, he joined Riverside on a full time basis. He has a keen interest in the outdoors and renewable power systems.
Amber Johnson
Project Coordinator
Amber has a passion for renewable energy for many years and was excited to join the Riverside Team in 2021. Her goal is to not only meet project objectives but to exceed expectations. In her free time she enjoys camping with her family and gardening.
Raymond Cassidy
Sales Representative
Ray brings a dedicated commitment to enhancing our community's well-being through the implementation of solar power. His enthusiasm led him to join Riverside in March of 2023. With an extensive history in the mining industry, Ray has transitioned his expertise to focus on assisting clients in achieving their sustainability objectives through solar initiatives. An advocate for greener energy, Ray's personal interests include anything outdoors with his canine companion, Nala. Recently relocating from the Yukon, Ray and his family are embracing this new opportunity with open arms!
Jessica Kocher
System Designer - Journeyman Electrician
Jessica has been a part of the Riverside Team since 2022 receiving her Journeyman ticket in 2023. Her role began on the install team which allowed her to move seamlessly into a Designer Role. Jessica loves spending her time outside going for bush cruises, hiking and camping.
Shanna Harris
Sales Representative
Shanna has been in the electrical trade since 2019. She was lucky enough to be a part of a volunteer work trip in Mexico, where she installed solar for families that didn't have access to power. This work helped her fall in love with solar and the benefits of it. Outside of work, she loves hiking and exploring beautiful British Columbia. Shanna is so happy and proud to be a part of the team here at Riverside Energy Systems!
James Sapielak
System Designer, EIT
Marlo Bulhozer
Crew Lead - Journeyman Electrician
Marlo received his Journeyman ticket in 2022 shortly after joining the Riverside Team. He has a passion for solar and electrical systems. When Marlo isn't grinding on the roof you'll find him in the outdoors hunting and fishing.
Steve Guidici
Purchaser
Meet Steve, a committed team member at Riverside Energy Systems since 2019. Starting as a second-year electrical apprentice, he earned his Journeyman ticket in 2022. Steve now oversees purchasing, bringing valuable skills to our team. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing and Nordic skiing.
Amy Kadach
Greener Homes Program Accounts Manager
Amy enthusiastically joined the Riverside Team in 2023! With a passion for the environment and all things Mother Nature, Amy was excited to join the renewable energy field. Amy provides support and guidance for our clients through the Greener Homes Loan program and more. When she's not at the office you can find her gardening, wild mushroom foraging, camping, or hiking with her dog.
Kolten Bierwirth
Site Assessor
Kolten has a background in building design and has a Diploma in Architectural Engineering from TRU. He is currently working on getting a degree in Bachelor of General Studies from TRU. Kolten got into solar because it is an ever evolving industry and benefits the planet.
Lee McKinnon
Site Assessor
Lee recently joined the company in September, and has a bachelor's degree in Geography and environmental studies completed at Thompson Rivers University. He is currently studying for the LSAT to get into law school one day! Lee loves everything to do with renewable energy and doing the right thing to make our planet more green. He loves playing sports 24/7 like hockey golf and soccer, and hanging out with friends and family.
Passing it On
Riverside's mission is to train others to positively impact the environment by delivering more sustainable energy solutions. We advise home builders and provide workshops, mentor engineering coop students, and support post-secondary institutions (NVIT, TRU, and BCIT) with solar PV projects and solar PV-related program development and delivery.
Giving Back
We believe everyone should have access to solar energy. That's why we've devoted a portion of our business to supporting the design and installation of solar PV solutions for not-for-profits locally and overseas. Riverside Energy has donated design and installation services to life changing charitable initiatives for first nations communities in BC, and globally in Nepal, Guatemala, and Kenya.
