Build Sustainable Awards 2016

2016 Sustainable Building Awards Build 29 Company: Peka Solar and Renewable Energy, Inc. Name: Willer Saldana Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.pekasolar.com/ eka Solar and Renewable Energy are a solar specialist firm who offer solar panel installation for both commercial and residential properties. Willer outlines how the firm is aiming to make a difference through its service offering. “Here at Peka Solar we are committed to supporting clients in reducing their energy, and we serve people around the world, working on a wide variety of projects, from commercial buildings to high end houses. “Our overall aim is to reduce the world’s carbon footprint, one project at a time. To achieve this, we try to educate our clients about the benefits of solar energy, which is a pure energy source, safe for the environment, and totally free.” Although the sustainable energy market is growing globally, electricians and other members of the construction market still do not understand solar energy, which proves a challenge for firms such as Peka Solar. Despite this challenge Willer is keen to emphasise the firm’s positive points, including its dedication to hiring skilled staff and the advantages it finds being based in sunny Florida. “We are very selective about the staff we hire, as they have to be dedicated to providing our clients with the very best solutions and the very highest standard of fitting. Our technicians are NABCEP (gold standard) certified with accredited schools in the US. We take pride in what we do, seeking quality rather than quantity. “Being in the sunshine state we feel that we should tap into clean and natural resources like the sun, wind, and even local water ways, to lower our costs in utilities. Using less oil and gas saves the us money and makes the property more valuable, all while being environmentally responsible.” Moving forward, Willer is keen to emphasise the firm’s continued focus on providing high quality as it seeks to offer its services to a wider client base. “In the future we are committed to continuing our expansion plan so that we can serve a greater variety of clients in a wider range of countries around the world. We have upcoming projects in the US and the Caribbean and we hope to move further afield in the future, whilst retaining the high standards of quality which we pride ourselves on. “Within the wider sustainable construction market we are noticing that more homes are being built with solar technology already attached, and this will help us in our quest to expand.” “I have done a lot of design work in cottages over the years but this project was very different. The goal in this build was to create a cottage that not only reflected the client’s passion for the outdoors and nature but that would also eventually be the primary residence upon retirement. This meant that although it was currently a weekend getaway it would also need to have the modern amenities of home. “Revit 3D renderings were generated to communicate the exterior materials and finishes. These drawings helped the client to visualize the finished product prior to ordering materials. “Most of the finishes in the cottage are natural – the beautiful Canadian timber structure, the Alder cabinets, and the stacked stone around the fireplaces and chimneys. Modern details such as stainless steel appliances included a chimney style hood fan, propane 6 burner Wolf range and metal roof brings the timber frame to a whole new level. This was also the first time I had ever been asked to incorporate an 8’x8’ bear hide into a design.” Looking beyond her own exemplary work, Corray reflected upon her place within a highly competitive industry. She drew attention to how her upbringing has provided her with the role models to allow her to create an expanding client base. “90% of my clientele are referred by past clients or suppliers. I attribute this to a very personal approach to design which makes clients feel comfortable and included in every aspect of the project. VIP service always makes me feel good. As an independent consultant, this is something I can offer my clients.” Best Renewable Energy Engineering Design & Installation Firm - USA Peka Solar and Renewable Energy are a Florida based company providing renewable energy services to firms around the world. We invited President and Owner Willer Saldana to talk us through the firm and the services it provides. P AR160043 Peka Solar and Renewable Energy, Inc.