Project Management
Our commitment to extraordinary project management has been a key to our success, whether a small residential system or a large commercial project. The day-to-day efforts of our experienced, dedicated project managers to manage internal and external workflow keeps us on track. This is vital and results in exceptional projects delivered on time and on budget.
This committed effort is driven by our passion for the highest quality workmanship and focuses on a few straightforward but critical tasks:
- Clear establishment of schedules, priorities and step-by-step critical paths.
- Proper delineation of communication channels (including project dedicated WhatsApp threads) and individual team member responsibilities.
- Daily team meetings to review progress and identify potential issues.
- Strict adherence to quality standards.
- Meticulous record-keeping and documenting all decision-making.
- In-house review by a person not directly involved in the project.
Safety
Energy Economics prioritizes employee health and safety and makes it a shared responsibility for all involved in the project.
We strategically enable all employees to effectively practice safe work procedures and incident prevention, while equipping them to effectively handle any incident that may occur.
Our safety management plan includes:
- A site-specific safety plan is developed for each project – shared with the asset owner prior to construction.
- Employees complete a written hazard assessment & tailgate meeting before a shift begins
- A written site-specific fall protection plan and daily fall arrest inspection reports completed for each project.
- All workers engaged in the construction have completed certified fall arrest training.
- All aspects of the installation will adhere to the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code.
- All workers engaged in the construction of the solar PV system are journeymen who have trade qualifications in the Province of British Columbia or are indentured apprentices working under a journeyman.
- Energy Economics Corp. is in good standing with WCB and will act as the prime contractor on site.
Development, Construction & Commissioning
We are dedicated to the design and construction of systems that strictly adhere to manufacturers’ installation requirements at all phases of installation. The solar system and all supporting services are installed as per the latest Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code). Further requirements are followed where necessary – based on local by-laws, utility company requirements, and any other Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Our approach to complete the project is as follows:
- Design drawings of the solar array are provided to the asset owner.
- All necessary permits and approvals are obtained prior to construction.
- Working hours may take place between 7AM – 7PM Monday thru Sunday.
- The construction area will be roped off and considered the “work area”.
- After the ground has been measured and marked out, the site foreman will request client approval before moving ahead with the final layout.
- All Racking will be installed to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Torque verification documentation will be provided to the asset owner.
- Solar modules will be inspected prior to installation. Torque verification documentation will be provided to the asset owner.
- Wiring and electrical infrastructure will be installed as per the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code and as per the inverter manufacturers’ guidelines.
- System commissioning.
- Technical Safety BC, BC Hydro, and all necessary AHJ approvals are obtained.
- Inverter web-based monitoring installed for the asset owner.
- All documentation is provided to the client.
Josh Persaud
Managing Director
In 2015 when Josh looked around, he saw open rooftops, available farmland, and not nearly enough solar electricity. He has always cared about our environment and the pursuit of healthy, vibrant communities. By connecting the two together, Josh saw an opportunity for innovation.
Joshua Persaud is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Energy Economics. An award-winning solar installation company that believes energy is one of the most essential currencies in our world today.
Before leading Energy Economics, Josh was a partner and BC Regional Manager at Empower Energy Corp. He was responsible for managing teams across several regions, including the Okanagan, Kootenays and Lower Mainland.
Josh recently led the acquisition of Empower Energy Corp’s BC Division, bringing a new strategy and vision while simultaneously retaining its high-performance team.
Jim Jacobsen
Director Sales & Marketing
Passionate about sustainable economic development and the environment, Jim believes renewable energy is a key to future-proofing our communities.
As a previous owner with Empower Energy Corp., Jim helped grow the solar industry in BC. As Co-Founder of Energy Economics, Jim is on a mission to provide people power when and where they need it.
A strong advocate for solar and renewable energy, Jim is a past director of the BC Sustainable Energy Association and he leads our educational programs across communities throughout British Columbia. Jim has presented at the Kootenay 100% Sustainability Conference (2018) and the Clean BC Generations conference (2019), among other events, with topics ranging from Solar Myths to Bifacial Panels and Agrivoltaics.
Scott McDonald
Director Construction Management
This big “power bolt” of a man brings over 29 years of expertise to Energy Economics as a Master Red Seal Electrician. His extensive project experience in both Alberta and British Columbia includes residential, commercial and institutional buildings; industrial projects such as hydro generating stations; and general contracting knowledge.
He has held positions in project management, QAQC, general foreman (supervising 150+ employees), design, teaching, inspecting, estimating, and purchasing.
Scott not only inspires his entire team with his efficient problem-solving skills and commitment to high ethical standards, he is also appreciated for his ability to talk to “people” with a family-oriented positive attitude and assertive communication style.
Shawn Valair
Site Supervisor / Project Manager
From an early age, Shawn was taking electronics apart to see how they worked. He found a passion for building and repairing computers. When first learning about solar panels Shawn quickly gained interest in understanding how they worked, too. Still a relatively new concept at the time, there wasn’t a company local to Vernon where he could apply his skills.
Shawn spent most of his early 20s working for the oil and gas industry but felt morally conflicted in regard to the environmental damage that was being done. He left the industry and found himself working at a cell phone repair shop. He found the job lacked complexity and he quickly lost interest. He then met Josh, who at the time had just opened up a solar business. He was inspired by Josh’s passion for solar and providing people with a sustainable option and began work for Josh as a solar installer.
With Shawn’s ability to troubleshoot any technical problems, along with a keen eye for “perfection” he ensures a quality job, always with a friendly smile. This is why Shawn has quickly been promoted to site supervisor and is working his way up to becoming a certified Electrician. He’s excited to see the solar industry grow and proud to work for Energy Economics.
Victor LaRock
Lead Installer
“Uncle V” is one of our newest members to the Energy Economics team. As a chef and a tradesperson, he is hard working, detail oriented always ensuring cleanliness on the job. With a passion to serve the people around him, Victor has always found connections outside of the kitchen whether it be his love for music, crafts or teaching our youth how to find a passion in anything they never knew they had. He has travelled the Province in this pursuit.
This desire to connect led him to meet Scott and Josh. Through self study and hands on experience, Victor quickly realized the potential of solar in the Province and it’s importance for a sustainable future of clean power.
His eye for perfection and friendly nature makes him a valuable addition to the team as a lead solar installer.
Guy Solar
This could be you
At Energy Economics we are always looking for great people to join our team. Are you ready for a challenge?
A rapidly growing business, we install solar across the Province from our bases in the Okanagan and the Kootenays. There are opportunities for tradespeople (notably roofers and electricians) as well as sales and administrative positions.
You must be passionate about renewable energy, have a willingness to learn, and seek to continuously improve your skills.
And it helps if you can climb a telephone pole!