We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing the use of solar and solar-compatible technologies worldwide. We believe that increasing access to this clean, abundant, reliable, and affordable energy source will lift up people’s lives and bring about a prosperous future for all.
about
Electricity, Responsibly
Having a positive impact is simpler than you think. Together we can raise awareness and encourage the use of clean, renewable solar energy. Learn more about Power United Foundation projects, watch our videos, and become a solar advocate in your community.
Technological Innovation is happening globally at a staggering rate. Utilizing the most cutting edge renewable technologies allows us to provide the most cost effective practices to establish the most responsible energy systems.
Power United Foundation collaborates with partners to explain how energy is used and shared. We want students to be energized with solar knowledge and motivated to act within our communities.
Utilizing deep connections in industry and university programs, Power United Foundation leverages, promotes, and establishes foundations for the next generations of renewable energy technologies to develop, test, and be brought to market.
Community
Technology
Education
Innovation
Team
Chris Guttenberg
Executive Director
Chris is Executive Director for the Power United Foundation. He holds a Master of Science degree in Appropriate Technology from Appalachian State University.
He served an extended Peace Corps assignment in the Solomon Islands where he continues to work with underserved schools, budding academics, small businesses, and a dynamic NGO community. The culmination of his ground level experience in the South Pacific and renewable energy graduate work were instrumental in launching USAID’s Vocational Training and Education for Clean Energy program in Oceania.
Chris’ academic and professional pursuits reach to find innovative ways renewable energy generation can minimize environmental degradation yet reach for sustainable development and capacity building for those most in need. Melanesian Pidgin is forever embedded into his brain, yet Chris is unable to bring himself to attempting coconut tree climbs. He is known to always have a Black Hole bag packed for the next adventure.
Sebastian Brundage
Associate Director
Sebastian Brundage is a Project Manager with Borrego Solar based out of his remote office in Hood River, Oregon. As a Project Manager, Sebastian works primarily on megawatt-scale rooftop, ground-mounted and carport solar energy solutions for commercial energy users in California and Oregon.
Sebastian has also worked on off grid development projects in Mexico, Nicaragua and the Marshall Islands. He has been in the solar industry since 2009. Sebastian earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Studies and Environmental Science from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, and his Masters of Science in Appropriate Technology and Environmental Design from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
Sebastian can be found kayaking, climbing, mountain biking and skiing around Oregon, Washington and Montana when hes not working on solar projects.
Josh LittleJohn
Technical Director
Josh LittleJohn is an environmental educator and energy specialist based in Western North Carolina. Formally a Project Manager working in the nonprofit sector on public private partnership and an Instructor of Sustainable Technologies; he now works with the Duke Energy Smart Saver Program facilitating significant energy conservation measures for some of the areas largest consumers.
He received a bachelor in Building Science and Construction Management and a Masters in Appropriate Technology from Appalachian State University and is a LEED GA, Certified Roots of Success Trainer, and a Building Performance Analyst.
Josh is a member of the, the US Green Building Council, and the International Facility Managers Association. He is active on several boards including the Green Built Alliance and the French Broad Food Co-op. In his spare time, he is a parent, husband, woodworker, beekeeper, semi professional chicken herder, and a hockey player.
Dave French
Compliance Coordinator
Dave has worked broadly in renewable energy education and utility level construction.
His expertise spans across large-scale wind turbine maintenance and repair to teaching renewable energy courses at the university level.
He holds a masters degree from Appalachian State University. Serving as Associate Director of the App. State Wind Application Center, Dave was instrumental in launching the U.S. Wind for Schools program.
In his off time, he can be found spending time with family and building guitars or ukuleles at his Atlanta-area workshop.
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Partners
University of the South Pacific
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier provider of tertiary education in the Pacific region and an international centre of excellence for teaching, research consulting and training on all aspects of Pacific culture, environment and human resource development needs.The University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands Campus is a satellite campus of the University of the South Pacific, based in Honiara, Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Association of Rural Training Centres (SIARTC)
Solomon Islands Association of Rural Training Centres (SIARTC) is the umbrella body for Rural Vocational Training Centres (RTCs), non-formal educational institutions for young men and women. RTC trainees graduate with the appropriate knowledge and practical skills for self-sufficiency, productivity and responsible citizenship within the rural community.
UNDP Solomons Islands
Leading the UN Joint Presence Office in Solomon Islands, UNDP Solomon Islands works with people and their governments to address those various development challenges the country faces. As part of UNDP's global development network which works in about 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps Solomon Islands to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.
Superfly Solomon Islands
Superfly is registered as an Electrical Contractor (License Number: 164- 50-17) under Solomon Islands Electricity Authority. This means that Superfly’s installations are compliant under the Solomon Islands Electricity Act, unlike many other solar providers in Solomon Islands. Superfly is majority local owned and a member of the Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands (SEIAPI).
Areas of Focus
Our Passion
We are driven by an appreciation of the environment and a desire to preserve it. Renewable energy has the power to transform the way people around the world use electricity—improving our communities and our planet.
Our People
All around the world, there are renewable leaders of all ages who are motivated by the power of alternative energy to improve all of our lives. Read below to see how these solar leaders are making a difference and find out how you can join us.
Our Projects and Partners
Power United has joined with partners to educate, inspire, and help people around the world utilize energy and the power of the sun.
Our Goal
To help create and motivate renewable energy leaders through education, awareness, and participation in community energy projects and programs.
Stay up to date on important projects bringing the worlds responsible energy sources to communities across the globe.
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