Brett Lopez
Ellensburg,WA
Summary
Licensed electrician with nearly 10 years of experience in solar PV systems, specializing in troubleshooting, diagnostics, and field service across residential, commercial, and light utility-scale projects. Proven track record of identifying and resolving system faults, restoring production, and maintaining uptime in demanding field environments. Highly self-sufficient technician with strong electrical fundamentals and hands-on experience with inverters, battery storage, and DC/AC system performance.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Electrician
Swiftwater Electric and Solar
04.2024 - Current
- Led electrical scope of residential solar and energy storage installations, working independently in the field and directing apprentices to complete jobs safely and on schedule
- Installed and commissioned PV systems, battery backups, and smart panels, including full system tie-ins and operational verification
- Troubleshot non-producing systems, inverter faults, and communication issues, isolating problems at the string, equipment, or wiring level and restoring system performance
- Ran and terminated AC and DC circuits in conduit, attics, and exterior locations, maintaining clean and reliable installations under real-world site conditions
- Read and applied single-line diagrams and electrical plans, adapting designs to field conditions while maintaining code compliance
- Used multimeters and field testing methods to verify voltage, continuity, polarity, and overall system operation during installation and service work
- Diagnosed and corrected installation defects including MC4 terminations, wiring errors, and equipment configuration issues to prevent callbacks and improve reliability
Commercial Fisherman / Vessel Systems Technician
Various Commercial Fishing Vessels
11.2021 - 03.2024
- Operated in remote, high-risk marine environments requiring strict safety discipline, long hours, and consistent performance under pressure
- Performed maintenance and repair of vessel systems, including basic electrical (battery banks, lighting, wiring) and mechanical equipment during active operations
- Conducted routine equipment checks and upkeep to maintain reliability of critical onboard systems during multi-day offshore runs
- Adapted quickly to equipment issues and changing conditions, prioritizing tasks to maintain uptime and crew safety
- Worked closely with crew in physically demanding conditions, maintaining efficiency and accountability in a team-based environment
Solar Electrician
Blossom Solar
10.2020 - 11.2021
- Completed full electrical scope of solar installs as part of a crew, focusing on efficient buildout and clean, organized work
- Supported project completion timelines by coordinating tasks with crew members and maintaining steady job site workflow
- Contributed to consistent install quality by catching layout issues and correcting them during construction
- Maintained high safety standards while working on rooftops, live panels and in active residential construction environments
Solar Technician / Solar Electrician
Ellensburg Solar
11.2015 - 10.2020
- Progressed from apprentice to licensed electrician, developing strong electrical and solar troubleshooting capabilities over 5 years
- Performed inverter-level troubleshooting, identifying faults related to wiring, configuration, and equipment failure
- Conducted string-level diagnostics, identifying issues such as open circuits, ground faults, and voltage irregularities
- Worked across residential, light commercial, and small utility-scale systems, adapting troubleshooting approach to different system designs
- Responded to service calls and warranty work, resolving customer issues and improving long-term system reliability
- Built strong foundational knowledge of PV system operation, electrical theory, and real-world failure modes through hands-on field experience
Education
Associate of Arts - Economics
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA06-2011
Skills
- Solar PV Systems (DC/AC)
- WA 02 Electrical License
- Electrical Troubleshooting & Diagnostics
- Preventive & Corrective Maintenance
- Inverters & Battery Storage Systems
- Single-Line Diagram Interpretation
- PV System Commissioning & Verification
- Drivers License
- Cable Management
Timeline
Electrician
Swiftwater Electric and Solar
04.2024 - Current
Commercial Fisherman / Vessel Systems Technician
Various Commercial Fishing Vessels
11.2021 - 03.2024
Solar Electrician
Blossom Solar
10.2020 - 11.2021
Solar Technician / Solar Electrician
Ellensburg Solar
11.2015 - 10.2020
Associate of Arts - Economics
Central Washington University