Meet the Switch2Solar Team!
With this great and diverse team, we would like to teach you the knowledge of solar energy that helps you further in your discipline.
EMIEL PONTE
Owner
Believer
Everything is energy! Food, drinking water, communication, mobility… it is only possible with sufficient and cheap energy. Solar Energy makes us independent. With solar every human being on earth can generate independently and at an acceptable cost energy. The impact of this is not yet fully understood.
In 2009 I changed and followed my heart. I left the insurance world and started full confidence in the solar energy. Quite quickly it was clear to me that education will be our contribution in the "Switch2Solar". With our training courses we would like to make solar energy accessible for everybody. I believe that attention, ambition and focus on quality are the key words to be successful.
The Sun is the limit!
JAN-WILLEM SIPS
Trainer and Training developer
Enthusiastic, focused on people and technology
I have been working in de solar industry, since 2011, as a consultant, monitoring systems and trainer. The sun is an endless source.
I enjoy teaching others (and to learn from people) how to use solar energy in our energy transition successfully.
Let’s do this with knowledge and experience!
Stephan van Berkel
Trainer
Professional idiot
Since 2013 active in the solar industry as product manager, engineer, independent installer and nowadays, in addition to training, member of the NEC 82 standards committee and inspector of small and large solar power installations.
My mission is to take the industry to the next level.
Driven not to know, but to understand!
Gerrit Jan Schaeffer
Trainer
Curious, passionate, involved
Starting from the research field in the Netherlands (ECN) and Belgium (VITO) to entrepreneurship in the solar power industry (Dutch Solar Energy) and now back to energy innovation in Belgium (Energyville).
To develop knowledge and knowledge transfer are indispensable for the energy transition, in which solar energy will play an important part.
Everybody can learn from each other, quality always wins!
JEROEN EEKTIMMERMAN
TRAINER
Energy from the sun, how great is this!
I’ve learned a lot since I started making my first home more sustainable in 2012. The developments go so fast that you never stop learning. I like to share my knowledge not only about solar power, but also about the safety of working on (high) rooftops. There is still so much wrong in the industry when it comes to safety. We can contribute to the training of real professionals!
A sustainable world is the only right initiative!
KEVIN TAK
TRAINER
Ambitious, solution-oriented, eager to learn
Approximately 6 years ago I started to install solar power panels as a hobby. With a substantial backpack of electrical engineering knowledge, built up at the grid operator, this turned out to be a successful formula. After following a number of courses, I started training at Switch2Solar myself, from which I get a lot of satisfaction and pleasure.
By sharing knowledge, learn yourself!
HANS VAN DONGEN
Trainer
Doer pur sang
What I like about my profession? Every day is completely different. After various management jobs within national and international organizations I started working as trainer account manager in 2005 and started Route5 5 years later. Helping people in organizations that are in transition is what drives me. Developing is fun!
In times of change it’s the art to get people involved!
Menno van den Donker
Trainer
The analyst who goes for maximum impact
For me, solar energy is something magical. Free and available forever. Without emissions. With opportunities to restore the natural value. But how can I make an important contribution to this myself? From 2002 I worked at Helianthos Arnhem, Research Center Jülich and Solland Solar Cells to reduce the cost price. Since 2012, I have been involved in the development of innovative PV systems at SEAC and Durin with a focus on double use of space. The biggest challenge: teaching people how to apply solar energy in their environment!
Together we make the world a little more beautiful!
Bram Peperzak
Trainer
Driven, optimistic, goal- and quality-oriented
2003, my first solar project, it was love at first sight. It's fantastic that you can turn light into electricity. I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience with solar energy. I am happy to share it in order to further strengthen and accelerate the energy transition.
Together we make the twist to a sustainable future through:
Look different and just do it!
Rob Kursten
Trainer
Critical thinker
During my study electrical engineering I was triggered by solar energy. I did my internship in Indonesia with a company that installed so-called Solar Home Systems. Solar energy in its most basic form: a solar panel, a battery and a few lights for houses in villages without electricity. Since then I haven't left solar.
From engineering to installation and consultancy to project development. At Switch2Solar, I would like to share my knowledge and experience and spread the solar virus as much as possible.
Those who do not believe in solar energy should get into it!
Kees Compaan
Trainer
Dealing with differences
Never before has electrical engineering changed so quickly. Or has it? The basics remain the same: dealing with differences in, for example, voltage, current or resistance. Electrical engineering faces the enormous challenge of making a difference in the energy transition. New PV components, new battery technologies and the reintroduction of direct current have created enormous momentum. At the same time, inequality is increasing, a downside of the energy transition in which I like to contribute to counteract it.
The dynamics fascinate me. From the first generations of installation testers, PV testers and thermal imaging cameras, I followed closely the developments in electrical safety at KWx. Preferably just one step further. Within the Hanzestrohm Group, I am now involved in Fortona in which we want to responsibly lead the way in energy transition.
Combating inequality by making a difference in the energy transition
Steven van der Kooye
Trainer
Change and improvement
That is the common thread in my life!
After studying IT at the University of Liverpool, I went on to study Business Administration at Radboud University. After my studies, I grabbed the challenges that came my way with both hands, I am an entrepreneur pur sang. Since 2013, I have been working in the PV industry. A wonderful, dynamic world. I like being able to contribute to a sustainable world and enjoy helping people wherever possible. In 2018 I founded Solar Diemen, an InstallQ approved installation company. And recently I expanded my activities by providing training at Switch2Solar.
Change is inevitable, growth is optional
Egbert Gramsbergen
Examiner
A life in the solar energy
Started in 1979 with a production company in solar boilers and never let go of the profession after that. Producer, installer, consultant, trainer…
Making the link between theory and practice from your own practical experience!
BART VAN DEN BOSCH
Examiner
The energy transition cannot go fast enough as far as I am concerned
The energy transition cannot go fast enough as far as I am concerned.
Active in energy generation, conversion and storage since 1994. Started with power supply on board large dredgers. Then worked in the world of grid-independent energy, involved in the first larger projects in the built environment with BP and Shell. Then founded Libra Energy.
Nothing is impossible as it turns out and this vision triggers me to continuously look for and share the latest developments and solutions in solar energy.
Currently I am in the scope12 working group of SCIOS. I would like to make an impact and accelerate the energy transition.
If you can't share you can't multiply!
Desiree Francken
Oranization
Planner, doer, spider in the web
After a long career in the cardboard & display industry as an account- and project manager and two wonderful sabbaticals in which nature (and conservation) played a major role, the step to a new career in the sustainable solar energy industry in 2020 is a good choice.
My challenges: keeping an overview, planning, unburdening and above all making customers happy.
Plans are nothing, planning is everything!
INGE CREZÉE
Sales & Marketing
Creative, solution-oriented, go-getter
Via a luxury shoe brand (ViaVai), chewing gum (Stimorol), candy bars (Mars), sales promotions (big A-brands) 'home' in 2014 in the Solar industry.
The common thread in my career is the contact with my customers.
"Can't" doesn't exist for me!
BARBARA BRUGMAN
Designer
Creative, hands-on
For more than 20 years I have been working as a marketing communications consultant where my two passions are text and design. I really enjoy shining my light on all Switch2Solar's expressions.
Creative with text & images!
Paul Brouwers
Developer E-Learnings
Doing the right things right
I have always been interested in new developments. As a child I loved science magazine KIJK and was very involved in technology; audio, telecom and IT. In my work the focus was mostly on the organizational side of the business, but predominantly in technically driven innovative companies.
As a coach I am schooled in the workings of the brain, which is important when learning new habits and transferring knowledge.
Privately, I am very concerned with sustainability and want to reduce my footprint.
All these aspects come together nicely in my role at Switch2Solar.
Everything is energy, energy is everything!