A warm welcome & introduction...

Hello and welcome to my new website! I'm looking forward to sharing lots of great info on this blog, including current projects I'm working on and exciting new happenings in the solar/renewable industry. Solar continues to grow throughout Philadelphia and beyond, so there's always a lot to write about!

Just a little bit about myself, my name is Jacob Gross, and I have been working in the solar industry for the past 3 years. It all began with my drone pilot certification and skills, as I had previously founded my own UAV photography company, Upshot Aerials. Looking to move into renewables, I was initially hired as a surveyor and drone pilot/photographer for Solar States, an EPC solar installation company located in Philadelphia. To prepare for this role, I was placed on one of Solar States' installation crews for a summer, after which I began to survey residences and commercial properties. Shortly after, I also started designing and engineering systems and creating installation plans for the crews. Eventually, I moved into a managerial position for the design and engineering team.

Since then, I have been promoted to Commercial Project Manager for Solar States. My responsibilities encompass nearly all aspects of the solar installation process. I help consult with and advise the sales team early on in a project's life. Once a project is sold, I help with contract review. I provide all the necessary information to our engineers so they can create the permit set. I then use these plan drawings to apply for permits and interconnection. Once we get approval from all parties to install the system, I help with procurement logistics, including material selection and BOM. When my projects move into the installation phase, I am on-site serving as quality assurance and providing management to the install crews where needed. Finally, I troubleshoot and commission the systems, close out the projects with the AHJ and utility company, and perform system walkthroughs with the client.