Joule Energy
Our experienced team of solar installers provides a level of knowledge and skill unmatched by any other solar energy company in Louisiana. Joule is one of the only solar installers in the New Orleans area that has both a solar lease and a purchase option. We look into your needs and create the best solution for you. We have worked on projects large and small throughout the Gulf South and never shy away from a new challenge.
Foundation and Accomplishments
Joule Solar Energy, a Louisiana owned and operated company, was founded on the principle that investing in solar energy can be as beneficial to the bottom line as it is to the environment. Our experienced team has collectively installed over $20 million worth of solar panel systems in South Louisiana, creating substantial savings for homes and businesses. Joule was named as SunPower's Residential Dealer of the Year for 2012. A title we are honored to hold. The Dealer of the Year is determined based on customer satisfaction and quality of work. We are proud to know that our customers are happy and our work furthers development in renewable energy, encourages environmental awareness, and takes us one step closer to energy independence.
Team
Robert Schmidt
Co-Founder and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
Robert Schmidt co-founded Joule and oversees commercial and residential sales. He holds a Commercial Contractors License in the state of Louisiana in the following areas: General Construction, Electrical, Mechanical and Solar Energy Equipment. Robert designed and produced a comprehensive, software-based design and estimating tool that Joule’s Design and Sales divisions use to create everything from proposals and contracts to string configurations and detailed cost estimates. Robert graduated from Louisiana State University with a BS in Biochemistry, and minors in Psychology and Chemistry.
Julian Thomas, Jr.
Co-Founder and Director of Commercial Sales
While he previously oversaw the construction of nearly 1 MW of solar PV installations as the COO of Joule, Julian now leads the company’s commercial PV sales and development efforts. His primary work focuses on developing PV projects for multi-family housing properties in Louisiana, however he also works closely with Joule’s Hamilton Hutchinson on government projects across the Southeast. Julian has a BA in Economics from Rhodes College, an MSC in Finance from Barcelona Graduate School of Economics and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Julian actively sits on the board of Gulf States Renewable Energy Industry Association (GSREIA) and holds a Mississippi Electrical Contractor’s License.
Ross Reilly
Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, Ross Reilly oversees Joule Solar Energy’s field operations. Since co-founding the company, Ross has been integral in implementing and improving upon the high internal standards to which Joule holds itself. He has personally managed Joule’s largest and most notable commercial solar projects, and is capable of executing on a variety of solar PV systems including commercial roof-top arrays, pole-top mounts, large ground-mounted arrays and elevated parking structures. Additionally, Ross is responsible for the company’s residential project managers and all field operations. Ross has a BA from Vanderbilt University.
our design is inspired.
Corey Shalanski
Project Manager
Corey graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and holds a Masters in Science Education from Columbia University. Prior to working in the renewable energy industry Corey spent two years as a Community and Environmental Health Advisor with the United States Peace Corps. Corey is both a NABCEP Certified PV Installer and a NABCEP Certified Solar Thermal Installer.
Stephen Hawkins
Marketing Manager
Stephen started his career in mass communications at the age of 14 when he began in radio. Radio remained a passion of his as he went through high school, college and post-graduation. He is in charge of Joule Solar Energy’s marketing, advertising and branding. Before joining Joule he worked at a full-service advertising agency as an account executive. Stephen graduated from LSU with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a minor in graphic design.
Travis Black
Architect and System Designer
Travis is Joule’s NABCEP-certified PV System Designer, and works with the engineering department to design customized solar systems for homes and businesses. He is also responsible for many of Joule’s non-traditional solar system designs, and works with the sales department to estimate the size and scope of residential and commercial projects. In addition to his work with Joule, Travis is currently pursuing his AIA license. Travis has a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University, and has previously worked with Beau Clowney Design in Charleston and Door 13 Architects in Chicago.
Stokley Gray
Interconnection and Permitting Manager/Solar Consultant
Stokley was a trained electrician when he joined the Joule Solar Energy team in the early years. He was one of our lead installers for two and a half years. Stokley is now in charge of permitting and interfacing with customers, local municipalities and electrical companies. In addition to his permitting duties, Stokley is also a solar consultant who helps costumers realize their dream to get solar energy. Stokley graduated from Columbia College with a degree in Business Administration and Solar Training from the Green Business Institute.
our service is attentive.
Whitney Vogt
Executive Administrator
Whitney is integral in the day-to-day operations of Joule Energy. She fulfills the roll of HR Manager, Executive Administrator, and all around ace. Whitney graduated from University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in finance.
Samantha Fleming
Solar Energy Consultant
Her work as a Solar Energy Consultant widens her perspective of the business world while allowing her the satisfaction of uniting homeowners with sustainable energy. Leaving New Orleans after high school, Sam received a degree in English from Vanderbilt University.
Marcus LeBlanc
Solar Energy Consultant
Marcus serves as Joule’s Senior Solar Energy Consultant with a focus on sales & and new business opportunities. In addition to his work with Joule, Marcus is currently pursuing his PV Technical Sales certification. Before joining Joule, Marcus learned creative business and consulting strategies while serving as the Director of Development on a multimillion dollar fund-raising campaign for the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Marcus graduated from Catholic High School in Baton Rouge and Louisiana State University with a BS in Business Administration and Marketing.
Josh Gladfelter
Solar Energy Consultant
Josh is a Solar Energy Consultant for Joule, specializing in multi-family property designs and sales along with his residential solar efforts. Before joining Joule, Josh broke into the Green industry consulted commercial property owners in energy efficient retrofitting. Originally from Los Angeles, he lived in England and South East Asia, before settling down in New Orleans in 2010. Josh studied Anthropology at The University of Durham
our installation is superior.
David Denny
Solar Energy Consultant
David is a Solar Energy Consultant for Joule, specializing in residential photovoltaic system designs and sales and leading many of Joule’s public outreach efforts. David is a LEED accredited Green Associate, and is one of only three individuals in the state of Louisiana who has attained the NABCEP PV Technical Sales Certification. David graduated with a BA in Psychology from Penn State University, with minors in Spanish and International Studies. Following that, he honed his interpersonal skills while driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile around the country for a year.
Butler Ives
Solar Energy Consultant
Butler is a native New Orleanian who cut his teeth in the sales and marketing world by working at his family's office supply and printing company: Ives Business Forms. Summers at Ives Business Forms gave Butler the foundation he needed to launch his career. He has been in Louisiana's solar industry since its inception in 2008, and his experience in serving residential clients is un-rivaled in Louisiana. In total, his clients have enough solar panels to fill 7 city blocks, or enough to run a small town! Butler is New Orleans through and through, and has the mad parallel parking skills to prove it. Butler was born and raised Uptown, attended Isidore Newman School, snuck into Tipitina's to catch live music as a teen, attended college in Lafayette, but came right back home after. Butler enjoys giving back to the community through many organizations like: The Orleans Parish Civil Sheriff's Office, Tipitina's Foundation, the Greater New Orleans First Responders Fund, the Krewe Of Boo, the Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans, UNO TRAC, Travelers Aid Society, The LA Humane Society, and The March of Dimes, to name a few. In Butler's free time you can find him writing music, hanging out with pets and family, SCUBA diving, or cooking something fantastic behind the stove or crawfish pot!
