Natural Power has appointed Dr Vardaan (Dan) Chawla as Principal Solar Engineer in North America. He adds extensive experience with solar technology and as an independent engineer of record on numerous utility-scale solar projects.
Jim Adams, President of Natural Power in North America, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Dan to the team. He brings with him extraordinary technical expertise and industry knowledge so as the US solar industry gears up for significant growth, the expansion of our team ensures we are well qualified to serve as independent engineer of record on an increasing volume of wind, solar and storage projects simultaneously.”
On joining the team, Dan said: “I’m delighted to be joining Natural Power. Natural Power’s historical experience in the wind industry, and the talented team of solar experts that have been assembled, has put us in a position to capitalize on the growth of the solar market in North America. I am looking forward to working with this growing team and providing actionable advice for our clients to help them succeed.”
Dan has more than a decade of professional experience in the solar industry, including roles at a module supplier, a large solar developer and most recently at a technical consultancy where he led independent engineering and owner’s engineering diligence of utility-scale PV projects and C&I portfolios for financial transactions.
He is an expert on solar technology, resource and energy generation modeling, site evaluation, and storage technology. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Science and Doctorate in Materials Science & Engineering from Stanford University.
During 2019, Natural Power reviewed 2.2GW across more than 100 planned or operating solar projects on behalf of clients in the USA. Delivering work for major sponsors, and tax and equity investors, Natural Power also continues to support due diligence on stand-alone storage facilities in major markets across North America.
The business has a proven reputation and track record of working with clients to deliver solar projects from site finding and feasibility studies through permitting and construction. In-house experts on grid, planning, ecology, human use considerations, ground conditions and flood risk assessment work seamlessly to identify sites with the lowest associated risk in terms of consent and build conditions. Find out more at here.
Dan is based at Natural Power’s Denver office and can be reached on danch@naturalpower.com