Who We Are

Ryan Mayfield

SENIOR LEADERSHIP: FOUNDER & OWNER 

Discovering renewable energy while pursuing his degree in Environmental Resources Engineering at Humboldt State University, once Ryan got his hands into PV installation work, he knew exactly how he would spend his future.

Both before and since founding Mayfield Renewables in 2007, Ryan’s successes have blended technical expertise with an affinity for writing and education. While CEO, he doubled as the PV Systems Technical Editor for SolarPro magazine (2010–2018), writing insightful feature articles for both SolarPro and Home Power. Ryan also authored PV Design and Installation for Dummies (2010). He continues to teach national PV courses on topics such as National Electrical Code, Oregon solar code and PV systems, commercial PV systems, and PV-plus-storage. He holds a Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) license in Oregon.

Ryan brings his love of education and codes & standards to the team as well as the wider industry. His humble attitude of constant learning and growth while endeavoring to provide accessible, transparent expertise to improve the solar-plus-storage industry has shaped Mayfield Renewables’ mission.

Ryan lives in Corvallis with his wife, three children, one dog, and enjoys quality time with all of them when not competing in triathlons, traveling, or sipping a good Scotch.

Jacob Betcher

SENIOR LEADERSHIP: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

As CEO of Mayfield Renewables, Jacob Betcher brings core beliefs and an ethos that mirrors those that the solar+storage industry has come to know in Mayfield Renewables. His experience growing product engineering-focused companies Apricity Code and Luxel taught him what it takes to successfully lead technical-minded teams. 

Jacob believes in focusing on the success of individuals and the collective importance of the team to the company’s success. He looks forward to expanding on Mayfield Renewables’ vision to lead with expertise, promote continuous learning, and support the broader industry toward safe, quality solar and storage projects and products.

Previously, as COO of Apricity Code, he led the rapid growth and eventual acquisition of an engineering services firm focused on smart, connected devices. As a Senior Engineer at Luxel, he spent 14 years leading thin-film engineering projects in the space, science, and nuclear fusion research industries. 

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he was heavily involved in commercial diving alongside his father, doing environmental surveys, high-voltage marine power cable installation, and marine infrastructure engineering. Jacob enjoys his time off with his wife and two young boys in beautiful Bend, Oregon. Jacob is an avid swimmer, skier, and international travel enthusiast.

Laurel Hamilton

SENIOR LEADERSHIP: GENERAL MANAGER 

Although Laurel’s early days included degrees in Biological Anthropology and Global Public Health and experience designing international environmental health programs, she came to Mayfield Renewables following years of wearing multiple hats in the solar installation field. Her love of the solar industry started in 2014 working under mentorship at a small reputable EPC in Southern California. She returned to Oregon to start and develop a branch office of a solar firm in Bend. Laurel has tackled everything from marketing, administration, and sales, to design, project management, installation, and operations management. In her current role as GM, she enjoys building on the company ethos and mission Ryan started to lead the team and support the solar industry in these critical times.

As a NABCEP-certified PV Technical Sales Professional and Subject Matter Expert, Laurel brings a commitment to ethics and the gold standard to every project she touches. She has volunteered her time and expertise to advance solar policy, advocacy, and education for the City of Bend and the State of Oregon and as a volunteer project manager for the nonprofit, Twende Solar. 

In her free time, Laurel enjoys getting outside to embrace all four seasons, dancing, live music, and checking out the latest restaurant in her beloved PNW town.

Yogesh Singh

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Yogesh joins Mayfield Renewables as a subject matter expert with over twenty-eight years of experience in the Energy industry. During that time, he has held senior management roles in engineering, product development, and operations management at Westinghouse / Siemens, Nant Energy, and Motive Energy. Since 2007, he has deployed over 5 gigawatts of solar PV and 2.7 GWh of energy storage systems in diverse applications.

Yogesh has led the product development for central inverters, zinc-air-based battery energy storage systems, and lithium-ion-based energy storage systems widely used across the industry. As a member of IEEE committees active in energy storage technologies and grid integration, he has contributed to the development of key standards such as IEEE 1547 and UL 9540A. With the deployment of large amounts of Solar PV and ESS, he has experience in building and managing project engineering teams. 

Yogesh is an ardent practitioner of Systems Engineering in product development and process flow-based structured methods of engineering on projects. These methodologies aim to maximize standardization and drive efficiency in product and project engineering. 

Yogesh is based in Atlanta, Georgia. Outside of work, he is an avid reader and polyglot and loves the great outdoors.

Channing Cheng

ENGINEERING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Channing joined Mayfield Renewables in 2024 as their new engineering operations manager. He grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and comes from a background in software development, manufacturing, and business operations. After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science, he worked for many years as a software developer and project manager, starting off his career at IBM. In 2015, Channing made a jump into consumer manufacturing, sales, and operations, during which time he lived in China and nearly filled up his passport traveling frequently between vendors and customers in Japan, the US, and the UK.

Channing lives in the SF East Bay with his wife, toddler daughter, and their minpin/chihuahua mix. He enjoys golfing and attending concerts in his free time.

Ryan Mateo

SENIOR ENGINEER

With a passion for all things engineering, Ryan Mateo joined the solar industry immediately out of college after earning his double major in Mechanical and Aerospace engineering from UC Davis. After 3 years of product development on ground and roof racking, he pivoted his career towards the electrical side of the industry to further expand his multi-disciplinary reach. It was through system designs that he was able to find his true passion for solar. 

Ryan now joins Mayfield Renewables with 9+ years in the industry after honing his skills as an electrical engineer and project manager through 100 MW+ of designs. These designs ranged the entire development space from residential to utility-scale and he takes particular interest in Microgrid and EVCS integrated projects to promote resiliency across the nation’s struggling electrical grids.

To unwind, Ryan enjoys weekends sitting around a table with friends playing tabletop board games from a collection cultivated over the years.

SENIOR ENGINEER

Adam Stone brings a wealth of experience in product lifecycles, gained during his tenure at a metal fabrication company, where he worked from product conception to the production line. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Florida. His professional journey includes significant experience in medium—and high-voltage substation design, as well as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design. He currently holds his Professional Engineering license in the state of Florida and plans to expand to other states.

In the summer of 2024, Adam joined the Mayfield Renewables team to further develop his expertise as a licensed electrical engineer. His diverse background and dedication to continuous learning make him a valuable asset in advancing the company’s mission to deliver innovative renewable energy solutions.

During his free time, you will find him helping his wife with her catering business, Cacciatore Catering, or running his daughter to a flag football practice, training camp or game. 

Preston Kahl

SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER

Preston earned his Associates of Applied Science degree in Drafting and Engineering Technology with an emphasis on Civil Engineering Technology from Oregon’s Linn-Benton Community College in 2012. Before being discovered by Mayfield Renewables, he was employed by a large, Oregon-based telecommunications company working closely with designers and engineers to draft detailed designs of cell phone tower structures. 

After joining the Mayfield Renewables team as a PV designer in 2012, Preston found his passion for solar and was later promoted to Senior Design Engineer. He now helps clients through the full project lifecycle—from the initial design stage all the way through the permitting process. Preston became a NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate in 2020 and a NABCEP-Certified PV Installation Professional in 2021.

In his leisure time, Preston recharges by camping, wakeboarding, and fishing.

Nick Kirk

SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER

Nick joined Mayfield Renewables with over 13 years in the solar industry, specializing in design, operations management, and service. Since 2010, he has led the design, construction, service and O&M for thousands of residential and commercial solar projects, including several unique projects incorporating energy storage, hydro, and gas generation, both on and off the grid. Nick is NABCEP-certified as both a PV Installation Professional (2013) and a PV System Inspector (2019). He earned a BS in Electrical Engineering Technology from SUNY Utica and is working toward his Professional Engineering license. 

Beyond PV, Nick is committed to finding ways for the built environment to complement the natural world instead of diminishing it. To that end, he is educated in building performance (BPI-certified, 2011–2014), solar water heating systems, earthships, and heat pump technology (NATE-certified, 2021).

Nick lives in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains where he chases outdoor adventures with his partner, their two dogs, and their self-converted camper van.

Greg Kamps

SENIOR DESIGN ENGINEER

Greg brings 17 years of hands-on PV installation experience, system design know-how, and electrical code fluency to the Mayfield team. His career in renewables began with Mr. Sun Solar in 2007 where he manufactured and managed the installation of solar water heating systems for residential and commercial applications. Greg shifted to PV system design in 2013 and never looked back, leading design teams for three different Portland-based contractors before joining Mayfield Renewables in 2020. 

Working with smaller, local contractors, Greg was responsible for the entire design process. From conducting preliminary site evaluations to working in tandem with structural engineers, AHJs, and inspectors, he has truly seen and done it all. 

Greg has certifications in off-grid and battery backup storage from Outback Power, advanced PV design and NEC from Solar Energy International, and has been a licensed Solar Thermal Journeyman Installer in Oregon since 2009. He also holds a B.A. in Geography with a minor in Economics from the University of Oregon.

Hamilton Hutchinson P.E.

DESIGN ENGINEER III

Hamilton joins Mayfield Renewables with over ten years of PV engineering experience. His solar industry background began in New Orleans where he was a part owner and engineering director for a PV installation contractor. This gave him a fundamental understanding of what it takes for PV projects to be successful from beginning to end. Prior to joining Mayfield Renewables he was lead designer focusing on C&I projects in the state of Georgia.

Hamilton’s educational background is in structural engineering. He is a licensed structural engineer in the state of Arizona where he worked prior to getting in the solar industry. Interest in efficiency improvements, including gaining his LEED AP credential, led Hamilton to his career in solar energy. After more than ten years he definitely brings an acute attention to detail, an eye for process improvement, and a commitment to quality in all aspects of his design work. 

When away from his desk he enjoys collegiate sports and outdoor activities.

Alberto Hernandez

DESIGN ENGINEER II

With an unwavering passion for renewable energy, Alberto embarked on a journey in the solar industry in 2016. His resolute dedication led him from being a solar installer to assuming leadership of installation crews for both residential and commercial projects. Alberto’s adeptness in overseeing intricate installations earned him recognition, paving the way for his transition to the role of a skilled Design Engineer. In this role, he lent his expertise to shaping the design landscapes of numerous residential and commercial solar endeavors.

Alberto holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical engineering from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and boasts the distinguished NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification, a testament to his commitment to upholding industry standards and his profound knowledge of photovoltaic systems.

Outside of his work, Alberto discovers comfort and happiness in his personal interests. He truly values the time he shares with his family and two dogs, nurturing those special connections. His passion for exploration shines through in his deep love for music, where he relishes diving into various genres, always on the lookout for fresh and captivating sounds.

Mike Morse

DESIGN ENGINEER II

Mike has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University and is a P.Eng (Professional Engineer) in Alberta, Canada. Before joining Mayfield Renewables, he had over eight years of experience as a project engineer with multiple EPCs in the oil and gas industries before pivoting to concentrate on photovoltaics several years ago.

It wasn’t until he first became a residential PV installer in 2018, including his first opportunities to design smaller commercial systems, that his renewables passion took root, driving a career transition to clean energy technologies. Since joining Mayfield Renewables in 2021, Mike has completed the NABCEP PV Associate program (2021) and the NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification (2023).

Living in Calgary, Alberta with his wife and two young children, they love outdoor adventures and camping. During his me time, you’ll find Mike mountain biking or paddling—or working on home renovation projects to keep warm in the colder months.

Michiel Zuidweg

SENIOR MICROGRID SPECIALIST

Shortly after completing his Master’s degree in Physics at the University of Washington (2006), Michiel began twelve years as a project manager, director, and later COO of a Seattle-based PV installation firm. He became a NABCEP-Certified PV Installation Professional in 2009, before founding MZ Solar Consulting in 2020. 

A dedicated consultant to Mayfield Renewables, Michiel brings over 21 years of experience designing, installing, managing, and commissioning large, complex projects in the solar and energy storage space. His expertise spans microgrid/resiliency design from feasibility studies and conceptual design to full-project construction management and owner’s representative services. His long list of project clientele includes municipalities, schools, public and private entities, tribes, and non-profits in the US and island nations where resiliency infrastructure is paramount. 

Michiel has a unique ability to foresee development hurdles, collaborate with EPCs, AHJs, and utilities, and provide efficient problem-solving to bring projects to successful, timely completion.

Robert W. Cross

STRATEGY CONSULTANT

Following an early career in business finance, Robert transitioned to the energy efficiency and renewables industry in 2008, helping the Energy Trust of Oregon develop financing solutions for clean energy projects. He subsequently took a lead architect role on several groundbreaking projects including GreenStreet Lending with Umpqua Bank, the Real Estate Professional Trade Ally Program, and the Home Energy Score.

Recognizing that the cleantech and renewables industries are important for the future of our cities, drive innovation in sustainability, and serve as pillars of today’s economy, Robert founded Cross Consulting Services in 2015 to help well-positioned CEOs address challenges in their business models. He is also the Principal of Outfit, a creative agency that serves the marketing and communication needs of the solar-plus-storage industry.

In recent years, Robert has worked closely with Mayfield Renewables on all facets of strategic marketing, operations, business development, and long-term planning.

Zach Snyder

SENIOR ENGINEERING CONSULTANT

In 2018, with a background in geology, technology, and education, Zach decided it was solar or bust. After spending a year as a marketer at an Oregon PV installation company, he went on to lead the statewide consumer education nonprofit Solar Oregon. There he developed and managed educational programs and tours funded by the Energy Trust of Oregon to teach home and business owners about the ins and outs of installing solar-plus-storage. Maintaining his techno-chops all the while, in 2022-23 he contracted independently with PV Evolution Labs to develop computer vision algorithms and automation used for PV module quality testing.

As an educator, Zach supports Mayfield’s mission to provide accessible information about solar and energy storage to the industry. As a technologist, he supports Mayfield’s commitment to quality through continual process improvements and knowledge engineering. When he is off the clock, Zach loves to travel and read widely and cruise like lightning on his bicycle.

Lucas Miller

SENIOR ENGINEERING CONSULTANT

As a lifelong climate advocate, Lucas dove into the renewables industry straight out of college by moving from Madison, Wisconsin to Portland, Oregon to join a PV contractor. In the 6+ years since, he has held many roles in the solar and energy storage industry, from marketing and market research to product development and project coordination.

Lucas’s experience blends engineering acumen and industry knowledge with a backbone in content development. Lucas holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and recently completed a post-bachelor’s in Renewable Energy Engineering from the Oregon Institute of Technology.

Outside the office, Lucas can be found cooking, hiking, playing soccer, and taking too many pictures of his cats.

Tyson Bittrich

MARKET RESEARCH ANALYST

Tyson is enthusiastic about the forthcoming energy transition and aims to support renewables solutions-makers. He brings a unique perspective to the Mayfield team holding an M.A. in Philosophy and B.A.’s in Music and Philosophy. He is a teacher at heart; teaching hot yoga, music, and even cocktail and wine training.

Tyson calls Portland, OR, home, where he is finishing his B.S. in Renewable Energy Engineering from Oregon Institute of Technology. His studies focus on electrochemical storage technologies that best empower intermittent RE generation and distributed energy resources.

Beyond work, Tyson is an avid musician leading a jazz quartet since 2019. He is always on the hunt for high-end coffee, tasty food, and vintage vinyl. He and his wife especially enjoy journeying into the green spaces, coastlines, and mountain trails of the great Pacific NW.

Esperanza Garcia

CONTENT MARKETING COORDINATOR

Esperanza Garcia joined Mayfield Renewables in the Fall of 2023 as our Content Marketing Coordinator. Right out of college, Esperanza entered the renewable industry, lending her Marketing and Communications expertise to support the growth and messaging for start-up energy storage manufacturer Yotta Energy. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Texas at San Antonio. 

Esperanza is passionate about sustainable energy and wants to dedicate her time to furthering the renewable energy transition. As a content marketer, Esperanza is excited to support Mayfield’s mission to provide accessible expertise and technical content about complex solar and energy storage topics. 

When she is not creating our beautiful content and graphics, you can find Esperanza trying out new restaurants in her city, catching the latest releases at the movie theater, traveling, or watching The Office for the 10th time.

Clayton Birkes

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Clayton Birkes joined Mayfield Renewables in February 2024 as our Business Development Manager. A passionate advocate for renewable energy and sustainability, Clayton has dedicated his career to positively impacting the solar industry in pursuit of a cleaner future. 

With almost a decade working in the solar industry and an MBA in sustainable solutions from Presidio Graduate School, Clayton possesses a unique blend of technical knowledge and practical insights. Whether considering solar panels for a more resilient business, exploring options for small utility-scale solar sites, or seeking guidance on solar energy policies and incentives, he can be relied upon every step of the way.

Clayton’s passion for solar energy extends beyond his professional endeavors. As a member of the energy equity team for the Yellowstone Bend Citizens Council, he volunteers his time to drive positive change in the renewable energy landscape in his community; the Bozeman/ Livingston, Montana, area.

Off the clock, he can be found trail running or hiking around his home in Livingston, Montana. Spending time with his friends or watching the Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas basketball games.

KATE MORRIS

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Kate brings over a decade of accounting expertise, specializing in tax and cost accounting, to her role at Mayfield. Joining the team in 2021, she transitioned from managing finances for a prominent Oregon industrial manufacturing firm to 100% with Morris West Accounting Services. Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Eastern Oregon University.

Originally from Boston, Kate’s professional journey began in high-end restaurants, where she cultivated her culinary skills. However, her innate curiosity about business operations led her to pursue a career in accounting. Kate’s passion for problem-solving and creativity continues to shine through in her financial management endeavors. 

While she’s made Central Oregon her home for several years, Kate still carries the spirit of her East Coast roots. Outside of work, she enjoys snowboarding and hiking adventures with her partner and their dog. Her family still recognizes her as the best cook in the house.

ANGEL ZAYAS, P.E.

INSTRUCTOR

Angel Zayas graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez (1992), and holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (1996). He founded AZ Engineering in 2000, providing consulting and design services.

He is a certified NABCEP PV Installation Professional and has been a leader in the PV industry in Puerto Rico since 2007 with more than 550 renewable energy projects totaling over 200 MW. He currently instructs courses in the design and installation of photovoltaic systems in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Latin American countries.

Since May, 2024 Angel has been an approved instructor and Mayfield partner teaching Spanish language versions of Mayfield Renewables content. He is also the host of the popular live webcast Dr Power PR.