Utility-Scale Solar PV Developer 8minutenergy Names Industry Veteran David Lentsch Vice President, Origination
- In 25 Year Career Has Developed Over 550 Megawatts (MW) of Renewable and Alternative Energy with Major Domestic and International Utilities -
Folsom & Los Angeles, CA - June 27, 2011 - 8minutenergy Renewables - which holds the second largest solar PV portfolio in California and in the United States, today announced that David Lentsch - a 25-year veteran of mid-to-large utility-scale renewable and alternative energy projects, has been named Vice President of Origination. In his career, Lentsch has directed the successful development of over 550 Megawatts (MW) of renewable and alternative energy projects with major utilities such as SCE, PG&E, SDG&E, PNM, NV Energy, APS and numerous large municipal and commercial organizations throughout North America, South America and Asia. To 8minutenergy he brings experience in the origination, development and implementation of energy and capacity power projects with major investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities and electric cooperatives, as well as industrial, retail, governmental, institutional, municipal and agricultural verticals.
Lentsch's primary responsibility at 8minutenergy will be renewable energy solar project origination, utility engagement and acquisition of utility-scale projects throughout North America. His responsibilities will include identifying and evaluating large-scale solar power plant opportunities, utility engagement and partner structuring. He will apply the company's unique entitlement and T&D skills and resources to produce efficient, timely and cost-effective large-scale solar array solutions that meet utility, PUC, state and federal objectives.
Prior to joining 8minutenergy, Lentsch held senior positions with energy leaders for which he led renewable and alternative energy, smart grid, distributed generation and demand response projects. He served as a director with Uni-Solar, a thin film solar manufacturer, and Comverge, a leading supplier of energy and capacity to utilities with demand response and smart grid systems.
Dave is a good fit for both 8minutenergy and utilities targeting renewable deployments throughout North America," commented Martin Hermann, CEO of 8minutenergy. "His comprehensive understanding of the renewable energy business is unmatched."
"It is important that 8minutenergy continues to be well-positioned and staffed with seasoned industry experts like Dave to take advantage of the growth opportunities in North America," added Tom Buttgenbach, President of 8minutenergy. "Dave's dedication and commitment to the renewable and alternative energy sector, and his tireless efforts as a trusted advisor to utilities, are well respected in the industry."
"Due to its highly specialized and experienced staff, 8minutenergy is uniquely positioned to analyze and optimize the technical integration and deployment issues in the entitlement phase of large-scale power generation projects, and interconnect with the electrical power system," said Lentsch. "Reliable and clean energy provides local economic development, job growth and CO2 reduction, while positioning our country as a leader, not a follower, in the global clean energy market."
Lentsch earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Kent State University in Ohio, graduating with institutional honors. He also studied electronics and physics at the U.S. Naval College in San Diego, California. Lentsch is a Vietnam era veteran and served in the United States Coast Guard. Married with one daughter, he enjoys sailing, SCUBA diving and is an avid downhill skier.
8minutenergy has assembled one of the largest preconstruction development teams focused exclusively on utility-scale solar PV projects in California, with 50 people working on its portfolio, including over 20 in-house industry experts. It is currently developing 12 utility-scale solar PV power plants in California's Imperial Valley ranging between 50MW and 200MW.
The first of 8minutenergy's solar projects is the Chocolate Mountains Solar Farm, a 50MW utility-scale solar PV farm that will generate enough clean, safe, reliable electricity to power over 25,000 households. It is the first utility-scale PV project in Imperial County with land use entitlement and the utility study process completed. It is targeted to be operational in 2012. All 8minutenergy projects are considered in-state resources and are located on disturbed, low-productivity and irrigated farmland.
8minutenergy's proprietary process covers the entire spectrum of preconstruction development for utility-scale solar PV projects -- from power grid analysis, land site selection and development, to selecting technologies for engineering. This unique process identifies optimal sites and validates them for economic viability and permitting. By communicating with all concerned parties throughout the process, 8minutenergy minimizes potential obstacles.
8minutenergy Renewables, LLC
8minutenergy is a California-based company that is passionate about helping California develop its renewable energy industry. 8minutenergy's preconstruction development team is the largest focused on utility-scale solar PV in California and the United States. In concert with our partners, 8minutenergy delivers complete solar power plant solutions, including all aspects of development, financing, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance. 8minutenergy's proprietary land and economic analysis process helps select optimal power plant sites for accelerated permitting with counties and utilities. This process includes dynamic modeling to locate properties that can feed the grid at desired capacity without compromising grid reliability. 8minutenergy has offices in Folsom, Los Angeles, San Francisco and El Centro, California. For more information, please call (916) 608-9060, send email to info@8minutenergy.com or visit www.8minutenergy.com.