About Roseville Solar Electric (RSE)

Roseville Solar Electric (RSE) was founded by Kevin Hahner in the year 2000. As a former employee of Kyocera Solar Inc’s Sacramento Division, Kevin led the installation of solar PV projects ranging from large ground mounted and carport systems to several hundred residential systems. In 2003 RSE formed a powerful team with the addition of former Kyocera Solar and SMUD Solar PV Designer, Lee Ulrich. This RSE team is responsible for the exacting design and reliable installation of over 2 megawatts of PV solar. RSE is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners and a member of the California Solar Industries Association. Please enjoy the examples of innovative PV design and quality installation below.

	Capital Area East End Complex Solar Project generates over 186 kW DC, offsetting the power used by government offices. Above the offices, a rooftop equipment screen (shown) using 3,372 EPV40 modules is complimented by a 1,280 module parking garage structure . RSE provided design and installation expertise along with pre-wired and pre-panelized modules. Commissioned in February 2003.
Rancho Seco 5 Solar PV Project, completed August of 2000, provides power to SMUD customers. 22,680 EPV40 modules generate over 907 kW DC at this 7 acre SMUD owned site. The unique terraced design of this structure uses pipe columns planted in concrete, supporting cold formed steel beams with angle bracing. Forty-five 22 kW inverters are installed throughout the array with 480 volt power being collected at three 400 amp load centers.
	Solar PV installation at California Environmental Protection Agency, Sacramento, CA. Completed in August of 1999, this array of 912 EPV40 modules provides the EPA building with over 36 kW DC. This structure uses pedestals welded to the building framing to provide support for angle columns and cold formed steel beams. PV wiring is routed to a Xantrex PV30208 inverter located in an electrical room on the floor below.
Over 100 kW of Residential roof mount and ground mount tracking solar PV systems have been installed by RSE in surrounding communities leaving many satisfied customers to enjoy the benefits of producing their own power. Photo (right) is the first U.S. photovoltaic system installation using the SMA inverter, which has become a staple of the industry.

Who Are We?

Kevin Hahner graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a BSME in 2000. While working through college, Kevin gained invaluable experience in the roofing and electrical trades. Kevin received his C-10 Electrical Contractor’s License in 2000 shortly after joining Kyocera Solar Inc.

As a Project Engineer for Kyocera, Kevin lead the installation of solar electric projects such as half a megawatt of single axis tracking PV modules for the California Expo parking lot, nearly a megawatt of ground mounted thin-film modules at SMUD’s Rancho Seco facility, thirty kilowatts of PV installed on the ninth floor roof of the California Environmental Protection Agency, and hundreds of residential rooftop installations including the very first US installation of the SMA inverter.

During the energy crisis of 2001, Kevin left Kyocera’s employ to become Sacramento area’s first Kyocera dealer: ROSEVILLE SOLAR ELECTRIC. Doing business as RSE, Kevin has installed over 100 kilowatts of residential Kyocera PV systems and provided the essential expertise to make the installation of nearly 200 kilowatts at the Capitol East End Complex a phenomenal success.

Lee Ulrich graduated from California State University, Chico with a BSME in 1996 using his automotive mechanic skills and an internship at Applied Materials to finance his degree.

After graduating, Lee worked for OEA Aerospace Inc, (now Goodrich Aerospace) until joining Kyocera Solar Inc in 1999, followed by becoming a Project Manager at SMUD Solar in 2001. As a Project Engineer & Manager, Lee has completed courses in Project Management and has been able to hone these Project Management skills on multi-million dollar aerospace and solar electric projects.

His aerospace accomplishments include developing and qualifying explosively activated components for Boeing’s Delta Launch Vehicles, Northrop’s B-2 Bomber, and Lockheed’s developmental X-33 shuttle.

Accomplishments in the solar industry include designing and managing projects for Kyocera and SMUD including Cal Expo’s tracking PV system, SMUD’s Rancho Seco 5 installation, Capitol East End Complex solar project, Cal EPA’s roof mounted solar system, and the installation of numerous church and residential PV solar electric systems in the greater Sacramento area. Lee also led SMUD’s project to develop a PV solar Performance Index to monitor solar electric generation and compare that generation to a weather corrected prediction. Lee joined Kevin at ROSEVILLE SOLAR ELECTRIC in 2003 to once again form a team devoted to accomplishments.