Meet David Coale, Solar Energy Expert

David Coale first learned of Collective Roots through one of his solar clients, Susan Osofsky who was an Interim Executive Director several years ago. But it was a few years later that Andrew Nichols, a Collective Roots board member, asked for help installing Collective Root's off-grid solar PV system. David and Andrew first ran into each other in the early 90's with the formation of Bay Area Action (now Acterra) as they pursued mutual local environmental interests. It was not until almost 15 years later that David and Andrew met again while do solar work.

David is still very active with Acterra teaching sustainability classes and is on the board. He has also been doing solar installations and consulting work since 2002, including the installation of the off-grid system at Acterra's Native Plant Nursery as well as residential and commercial installations. He has also volunteered with GRID Alternatives, a group that installs solar on low income housing. When not on a roof or managing the Peninsula Conservation Center (David's other job), David can be found riding his bike or hiking in the local hills. David worked with Tracie Troxler on the Collective Roots project.

Now that the Collective Roots Garden is generating power from the sun, the organization seeks additional funding to develop other technology features in the garden, such as wireless connections for student laptops, a weather station (connected to the website), and a "garden cam." Please click here to make a donation that supports science and technology education.