Howard Chong
Project Developer
Milpitas,CA
Summary
Experienced in energy M&A, project development, and business development. Passionate about identifying energy transition opportunities and implementing innovative project development strategies. Led marketing process and investor outreach for project sales at Canadian Solar, managing a substantial 265MW portfolio. Aligned strategic development objectives and cultivated key relationships with investors, developers, and third-party SMEs. Eager to contribute expertise towards advancing sustainable solutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Management Analyst
Santa Clara County Executive Office
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Conducted systems and analytical studies on organization, procedures, budgetary requirements
- Negotiates and monitors contracts; ensures compliance with contract provisions; coordinates with service providers in the delivery of contract requirements
- Managed vendor contracts involving budget modifications, invoice processing, and RFP evaluation
- Collected, developed and analyzed quantitative data for management control and evaluation purposes
Senior Account Executive
Stem
05.2020 - 12.2020
- Strategized AI battery software management solutions for Utility Scale Solar projects in California and WECC
- Sold 20MW battery management solution for SCE and Clean Power Alliance
- Utilized Salesforce CRM for sales tracking of new and existing network sales
- Prepared proposals for battery management solutions for Front of the Meter (FTM) projects
- Networked with new and existing project developers to offer solar + battery solutions
- Implemented sales strategies that consistently exceeded quarterly targets.
Project Development Consultant
Peak Demand Energy
01.2016 - 12.2018
- 400MW solar development of Texas greenfield projects, including transmission studies and siting
- Evaluated project acquisitions and targeted areas of development
- Supported sale of 4 solar projects valued at $39M
Director, Mergers & Acquisitions
Recurrent Energy (Canadian Solar, Inc.)
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Identified and negotiated development projects and operating assets valued at $156M
- Drove cross-functional teams to evaluate strategic fit and fatal flaws of project opportunities
- Evaluated over 2GW and 56+ projects with limited internal resources
- Submitted project approvals for 4 projects over 510 MWac for investment committee approvals
- Negotiated and obtained approval for early stage $160M Nevada acquisition
Senior Project Developer, Acquisitions
Canadian Solar, Inc.
01.2013 - 12.2015
- Managed 260 MWdc solar portfolio life cycle, requiring periodic review of projected cash flow, permitting requirements, land control, interconnection studies and financial analysis and impairment
- Managed development for Williamson Act, Development Agreement, and Interconnection for 4.5MW Indigo Ranch project in Riverside County
- Origination in the Southeast-Georgia Pacific, Pacific Northwest, and in CAISO-PG&E
- Provided reporting and analysis for existing pipeline and investment memos for acquisition opportunities to senior management and investment committee
- Managed takeout of two 28MWdc California projects valued at $75M
- Led cross-functional teams to structure, negotiate and support transactions to meet closing deadlines
- Collected data and cost estimates for ongoing budget planning and project analysis
- Experienced with multiple contract structures and negotiations associated with leases, PPAs, interconnection, permitting, and EPC
EPC Business Development
Belectric, Inc.
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Initiated greenfield development for 1.5MW in SCE territory – site control and interconnection
- Managed EPC sales process and identified/responded to investor, developer, and utility RFPs
- Managed engineering team to ensure interconnection, design, engineering, and construction deliverables to meet requirements for technical scope, optimization, and milestones
- Responded to RFPs for utilities, municipalities, developers, and commercial net-metered projects for PV power generation and O&M services
Commercial Sales Manager
Vista Solar
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Shortlisted in RFP for $31M - 5.7MW multi-site projects for County of Santa Clara
- Focused on PV solar in residential, commercial, industrial, non-profit and municipal sales
- Proven ability to identify and target key commercial clients and accounts
- Strong working knowledge of sizing estimates, design, financing and government incentives
- Marketing and sales expert at lead generation development and prospecting
Founder
EcoHome Media
01.2009 - 12.2010
- Oversaw the development of lead generation and qualification platform
- Responsible for P&L, sales support and training, and reporting
- Utilized a combination of SEM, SEO, email and social media strategies to attain ROI goals
Education
BA - International Business
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CaliforniaSkills
Business process improvement
Client relationship management
Business analysis
Operational efficiency
Adaptability and flexibility
Analytical skills
Project management
Certification
Google Project Management Certification
Timeline
Google Project Management Certification
03-2025
Senior Account Executive
Stem
05.2020 - 12.2020
Management Analyst
Santa Clara County Executive Office
01.2019 - 01.2024
Project Development Consultant
Peak Demand Energy
01.2016 - 12.2018
Director, Mergers & Acquisitions
Recurrent Energy (Canadian Solar, Inc.)
01.2015 - 12.2016
Senior Project Developer, Acquisitions
Canadian Solar, Inc.
01.2013 - 12.2015
EPC Business Development
Belectric, Inc.
01.2011 - 12.2013
Commercial Sales Manager
Vista Solar
01.2010 - 12.2011
Founder
EcoHome Media
01.2009 - 12.2010
BA - International Business
San Francisco State University