Hugo Pedernera

Solar industry pioneer with over three decades of experience spanning the full lifecycle of utility-scale and commercial solar assets. Proven track record in overseeing +1GW of project analysis, construction, and O&M management. Combines a deep mechanical and electrical engineering background with the hands-on ability to lead field teams in complex troubleshooting, SCADA integration, and HV switchyard maintenance.

A dedicated mentor and safety-first leader, uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between high-level asset management and rigorous field execution.

Senior Field Engineer & Director of O&M at GS Power Partners LLC. (IPP) (2020-01 – Present)

Directed technical operations for a 350MW operational portfolio and managed a 150MW pipeline.

• Led contractors / EPC's in portfolio special projects remediations / warranties.
• Led field technicians in performing preventative and corrective maintenance across a diverse solar portfolio.
• Served as the primary technical authority for advanced troubleshooting on utility-scale solar assets.
• Managed site safety protocols, ensuring all field work met standards.
• Utilized DAS / SCADA platforms to monitor plant health, maximize uptime, and coordinate data analysts to lead O&M schedules.

Senior Energy Efficiency & PV Technical Advisor at Independent Energy Consultant (2013-01 – Present)

• Strategic Technical Advisory: Provide comprehensive energy efficiency audits and system performance assessments for utility-scale and commercial PV portfolios, identifying specific hardware and operational improvements to maximize energy yield.
• Engineering Due Diligence: Advise private and public sector clients on the technical feasibility and financial modeling of distributed energy systems, ensuring projects meet rigorous ROI and grid-reliability standards.
• Asset Life-Cycle Optimization: Develop and implement tailored Preventative Maintenance (TPM) strategies and "re-powering" plans for aging solar assets to improve efficiency, extend component life, and reduce long-term O&M costs.
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Serve as a subject matter expert for local and international stakeholders on NEC, OSHA, and IBC compliance, ensuring that energy infrastructure projects adhere to the highest safety and quality standards.
• Advanced Troubleshooting & QA-QC: Conduct high-level onsite technical reviews and I-V curve analysis to diagnose systemic efficiency losses in large-scale solar arrays, providing actionable root-cause analysis and remediation plans.

Director of O&M / QA-QC Field Lead at OnForce Solar / 174 PG NE (Hanwha Q-Cell) (2019-01 – 2020-12)

Oversaw quality assurance and operational maintenance for high-priority solar installations.

• Performed onsite QA-QC inspections to ensure installations met NEC and local building codes.
• Guided field teams through construction, commissioning and complex inverter repairs.
• Acted as a technical Engineering consultant for NY utility and C&I scale project development and financial planning.

IREC Certified for NABCEP Solar PV Instructor at Bronx Community College (CUNY) (2007-01 – 2016-12)

Provided advanced technical training to the next generation of solar professionals.

• Developed curriculum and led hands-on training for PV installation, safety, and electrical theory.
• Certified by IREC/NABCEP to evaluate and mentor technicians on field best practices.

Director of Engineering & Field Operations at Lanco Solar International (2012-01 – 2013-12)

Led technical design and construction oversight for utility PV projects in the US and Caribbean.

Chief Engineer / Construction Manager at Mercury Solar Systems / Sunergy America (2008-01 – 2012-12)

Managed the full lifecycle of residential and commercial PV projects, including safety and QA-QC.

Design Assistance / Crew lead / Construction Manager at Solar Energy Systems (SES) (2006-01 – 2008-12)

residential and commercial PV projects in NYC, including safety and QA-QC.

Technical Field Supervisor | PM at Odyne / UTS Co. (2005-01 – 2006-12)

Specialized in EV fleet infrastructure, including battery charging stations and hybrid vehicle construction.

BS in Electrical Engineering – Farmingdale State University of New York

BS in Electro-Mechanical Engineering – National University of Córdoba