James Darabi

Owner & Installer

     Originally from Northern Indiana, James received his degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in St Paul, MN. James is a former member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves and served during Operation Desert Storm.

      For many years James worked as a Manufacturing Engineer for Rosemount Aerospace, a Supplier Quality Engineer for Beckman Coulter, and a Quality Engineer for Boston Scientific. More recently, James decided to pursue the original reason he studied Electrical Engineering by choosing to follow his passion for solar energy. James received his initial solar systems training from Solar Energy International (SEI) in Colorado in 2008 and founded Solar Farm, LLC the same year. 

     James has played an active role in the local solar movement by being a member of Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) and a charter member of Minnesota Solar Energy Industry Association (MNSEIA). He has also taught the 'Intro to Solar Power' class through the Minneapolis Community Education program. In addition, James continues his training through multiple solar events, seminars and workshops. Every year he looks forward to attending the Energy Fair in Custer, WI.

     In his free time James enjoys staying active by cross country skiing in the winter and canoeing and swimming the St. Croix River during the warmer months. James also enjoys exercising with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is a Judo black belt.

     Additionally, James is a strong supporter of organic farming. In the past he has converted 18 acres from conventional farmland into certified organic farmland and is an active member of the Sustainable Farming Association.

Joseph Golish

Design & Sales

      Joe grew up in Cricle Pines, MN and attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities for a Bachelor's degree in Sport Management.

    For 7 years Joe worked at the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) organizing tournaments and soccer camps all over the state. Recently, Joe has been increasingly interested in renewable energy and became involved with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) through classes and events.

     Currently Joe is a member of the MN Renewable Energy Society (MRES) and attends monthly meetings. In March of 2016 he took a trip with Grid Alternatives to Nicaragua to help install a solar system on a school in a remote village.

Becky Robertson

Designer

     Becky  brings a wealth of experience to the Solar Farm team with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and a knack for business with an MBA.  Formerly she worked for Cooper Power Systems, Cummins and Silent Power. Her engineering and drafting skills make her an excellent addition to the Solar Farm family.

     In her spare time Becky loves being with family, caring for her young kids as well as running and yoga.

Zach Rydel

 Solar Site Assessor & Installer  

     Zach is a life-long St Paul resident and graduated from Johnson High School. He holds an Electronics Diploma from NEI and an Associates Energy Technicians degree from Century College.

     Zach has also obtained a Solar Assessor degree and has passed the NABCEP entry level PV exam. In addition, he has a wealth of experience working on electronics from being an equipment technician for over 15 years. 

     In his spare time Zach enjoys being outdoors and is an avid fisherman and canoer.

Brandon Dunford

 Installer & Sales

     Brandon is originally from Fergus Falls. He moved to the Brainerd Lakes area in 2007 and has been working with electronics nearly all of his life. Brandon graduated from Brainerd High School in 2013. After high school, he began pursuing his career in Information Technology by working at JKL recycling. While working there, he disassembled and recycled electronics and also learned how they worked. He also managed a program for three years called “PC's for People”, which distributes computers to disadvantaged families. He is currently working towards a career as an electrician.

EMAIL or CALL  Today!

James Darabi - Owner/Installer

james.darabi@solarfarm.com

tel (651) 271-8410