Michael Labarba
Founder, CEO
Solar PV Designer
NABCEP PV Installer (092411-88)
LEED-AP
NCI Charrette Manager
Michael LaBarba is a graduate of Arizona State University's School of Sustainability. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Sustainable Energy, Materials and Technology with a minor in Architecture. Michael has held positions within the solar, architecture and sustainability fields. In April 2010, Michael founded Renewable Design Solutions and has since overseen the design, review and permitting of over 1.6 gigawatts of projects ranging from residential to utility scale. Most notably, Michael recently completed the feasibility design on the largest solar project in america and largest energy storage project in the world (966 mw (dc) / 1,416 mwh). Having worked both domestically and internationally, Michael is currently aiding emerging markets in their strive for distributed renewable generation.
Joe Gigantiello
Principal, Senior Electrical Engineer
Joe holds over twenty five years of experience in project management, design and construction of complex building systems in the Science and Technology, Healthcare, Higher Education and Corporate market sectors. Electrical engineering experience includes concept through detailed design, code review and construction support for new facilities, building expansions and renovation of existing systems. His expertise includes power generation systems, emergency power and lighting systems, photovoltaic system design, site and building power distribution systems, interior and exterior lighting retrofits, fire and life safety system upgrades and expansions, telecommunications and security systems. Joe is a valiant addition to RDS’ leadership team.
Brandon mathis
Vice President of Preconstruction
Brandon Mathis is a 22 year veteran of the solar and energy storage industry. He brings over a decade of experience as field technician and installer. Brandon has spent the last 11 years in tax equity financed community solar, energy storage and Fortune 500 C&I. He has lead and collaborated on projects across all of North America from. Brandon created and lead the North American preconstruction and quality control division at one of the largest IPP’s in the world. He also lead the RCA and repowering of multiple utility scale solar projects ranging in size from 60-250MW. He specializes in technical procurement, project due diligence, preconstruction and project management and quality control.
Dave Melrose
Vice President of Business Development
Since transitioning to the renewable energy space in 2015, Dave’s background in commercial construction and project management have helped him complete over 100MW of distributed generation ground mount and C&I projects in NY, TX, and UT. He has experience from project conception through commercial operation. He brings an entrepreneurial approach to project and business development inclusive of all aspects of the construction business cycle; client and stakeholder relations, sales, administration, and production.
Craig Murphy
Master Electrician, NABCEP PV Installer
Originally from the Philadelphia area, Craig began working with AC/DC electrical as a structural welder with the US Navy. His background in working with welding equipment lead him to study and understand solar inverter technology. Craig began working in the photovoltaic industry in 2007, when he signed on with one of the largest PV installers in Arizona. In taking a hands on approach as a PV Project Manager he has successfully managed over 20mW of residential retrofit, custom home, commercial and off-grid projects. Craig holds a lifetime OSHA 30 certification and achieved PV Installer Certification from NABCEP in 2013.
William Baxter
Strategic Advisor
Solar PV Designer
NABCEP PV Installer
Master Electrician (License #: 469902)
William first entered into the solar industry in 2008 when he started a residential solar business. Since then, William has installed, managed and designed everything from small off-grid to large commercial and micro grid PV systems. Due to his diverse background of sales, distribution and design, William adds a complimentary perspective to RDS’ core business and strategy.