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.

a truck parked next to a solar panel on a grass field

$1 million

Saved for our clients

5+

Megawatts Installed

1000+

Customers

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.

Services

Meet the Team

Paul Fletcher

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raymond Cassidy

Grid Connected Sales Advisor

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

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

Shanna Harris

Grid Connected Sales Advisor

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

James Sapielak

System Designer, EIT

James is a driven and dynamic engineer with a focus on renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaic systems. With a solid educational background and hands-on experience, he is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet your specific needs.

Marlo Bulhozer

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

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

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

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

Lee McKinnon

Grid Connected Sales Advisor

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.

Liz Spivey

Liz Spivey

Direct to Home Manager

Liz grew up in Iceland, surrounded by renewable energy and is happy to join the team as the Direct to Home Manager. Liz has extensive experience in sales, business management and leadership.  She is an accomplished director and an award-winning actor. Funny things to know about Liz: She has a brown belt in Goju-Ryu karate, used to be a break-dancer, is an excellent backgammon player, has problems saying the word "strategy" and can conduct entire conversations using movie quotes. Her cheerful personality, positive thinking and her can-do attitude are key to her success.

Layne Clarke

Layne Clarke

Grid Connected Sales Advisor

Layne enjoys helping homeowners to create their own electricity, drawing on the energy of the sun. He finds there is something quite satisfying in helping others gain some electrical autonomy, while increasing our clean energy capacity as a society. On his down-time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing soccer, hiking with his labradoodle and otherwise enjoying the beauty of this, his native province. He is also a musician and enjoys singing, playing the keyboard, composing, recording as well as playing and performing with like-minded musicians.

Andrew Watson

Andrew Watson

Sales Executive for Commercial and Residential Solar


Andrew's passion for renewable energy and commitment to customer satisfaction make him the perfect fit for our team. He understands the importance of harnessing the power of the sun to reduce our carbon footprint and save on energy costs. With his expertise, we're confident that Andrew will help us make a significant impact in promoting sustainable practices within our community. With over 30 years of experience in the customer care industry and a strong background in owning various successful companies, Andrew is well-equipped to lead our efforts in bringing solar energy to both commercial and residential buildings

men standing next to a large solar panel

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.

a group of men standing on a roof

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.