We take care of all the details
A leading integrator of commercial solar electric systems
Based in Brooklyn, New York and founded in 1998, Solar Energy Systems, LLC (SES) is a leading integrator of commercial solar electric systems in the Northeastern United States, including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.
“We are very happy with the work done by solar energy systems and would recommend them to other businesses looking to go green.”
—David Rubin, Developer, Pilgrim Furniture
DAVID BUCKNER
President
As a founding member of SES, David has been with the company since its inception in 1998. His first two years building SES were spent after hours “moonlighting” on his day job. He’d been a government bonds broker for a Wall Street brokerage firm and enjoyed most if it, but yearned for more diversity in his daily activity, including time outside. And he discovered he loved being up on the roofs. So he quit his Wall Street gig in 2000 to dedicate everything to SES.
Today, as President, David does everything from meeting with clients and vendors to taking a delivery if no one is available or if he just needs some exercise. He thinks longevity in the solar industry is an asset: “I’ve seen many ups and downs as the industry has grown from a heavily subsidized start-up to what is increasingly becoming a mature space. I respect the effort it takes to organize people and get projects constructed. And I enjoy developing new opportunities, but it's really about executing for the clients who have already committed to working with us.” He believes that life is a team sport.
David has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Fordham University and is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). He was actually one of the first to take and pass the test back when NABCEP began testing in 2004.
David has 5 bikes and 4 BMX scooters—he likes to take clunkers and put minimal cost and effort into making them ridable.
Josh Gray
Director of Operations & Project Management
Josh began his career as an installer at SES in 2011. With his background in solar PV training, construction, and his strong work ethic and problem-solving skills, he was quickly asked to join the O&M team. In 2014, Josh became Director of Operations & Maintenance, measurably improving the quality and consistency of the department. Now, in his role as Director of Projects, Josh uses his freakish, almost Rain Man math skills to navigate projects from the design and permitting phase through commissioning and close-out. Josh is a NABCEP PV Installation Professional.
Josh is a Brooklynite who loves to travel. Before joining SES, he lived in Switzerland to get his MBA at the University of Geneva. And in the spring of 2010, he volunteered with the “Garbage Warriors” building green homes in New Mexico. He studied renewable energy in Costa Rica, built a house in the Hudson Valley, and is an expert at making a great meal out of leftovers.
Mark Groh
Chief Construction Manager
Mark is the job-site lead construction manager and crew wrangler. He has been with SES since 2006. Prior to working with us, Mark was employed as a cabinet maker and can be annoying about straight lines and tidiness. Mark also spent time as an overnight proof-reader for a very large law firm and much prefers working during the daytime (even when it is very hot or very cold). He does not like working in the rain.
Mark has lived on both coasts and studied art in the middle of the country. When he is not getting up very early to work on a roof, he likes to think about all the house projects he should be doing and picking up stray books on the sidewalks of Brooklyn—much to the dismay of his wife.
Chris Patak
Project Manager / Developer
In 2003, Chris and his wife purchased a home in the lower Hudson Valley. In 2005, they renovated that house. And in January 2006, they added a daughter and a solar array. As the solar was being installed on his house, Chris decided to take a few introductory solar classes at his local BOCES school. From there, he got an internship to gain on-site experience and was placed with SES. He met David (Buckner) on a large residential system in the spring of 2006, and the rest is history.
Now, Chris spends his days developing projects, signing proposals and contracts with customers, and then moving into a project manager role for the construction phase—working on many of our 5-10 MW Community Solar projects.
Chris is easy to talk to and really approachable. He finds that answering as many questions about the process up-front means the process runs smoother overall. He also tries to find humor in everything.
On weekend mornings, you’ll find Chris at home drinking coffee and working on a jigsaw puzzle with the kids.
Felix Mendoza
Business accounts / O&M Administrator
Felix started with us on the crew as a PV Installer in October 2020. Now, with his experience in computers, accounting, and finance….
Did we mention that Felix has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Baruch College?!
Felix has become a valuable part of our admin team as our Business Accounts and Operations & Maintenance Administrator.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Felix migrated to the United States at 14 years old. He really enjoys outside activities such as fishing and exercising. Which leads us to his “fun fact”—
Fun fact: Felix has been consistently working out for the past seven (7) years! It’s something that brings him much joy and satisfaction—knowing that he’s been able to maintain his discipline throughout these years.
Dramane Ilboudo
O&M Team
Originally from Burkina Faso, West Africa, Dramane has two Associates degrees: One is in Animal Medicine—he used to be a Veterinary Assistant in his home country! The other degree is in…you guessed it…Solar Technology!
Dramane joined the SES team in January of 2018 after he passed his NABCEP PV Installer Associate Exam. Starting on the install crew, Dramane’s naturally inquisitive, focused, and calm yet hard working nature got him noticed—he was soon selected to join the O&M team. Always present and a quick-learner, Dramane is now commissioning new systems, completing repairs, and setting up and configuring monitoring platforms.
Dramane likes black-eyed beans over rice (called “benga” in his local language), reggae, zouglou, and Jackie Chan movies.
Gretchen
Office Mascot
Gretchen joined the SES team in 2015. When she's not napping in David's office or feasting on foreign objects, she might be seen chasing Seaplanes taking off from Newtown Creek.
We take great pride in our record
Solar Energy Systems, LLC, has twice been recognized for Outstanding Performance by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and is the first clean-tech investment by the New York City Investment Fund (NYCIF.org), a private fund with a civic mission.
In 2011, SES launched SES Renewable Assets (SESRA); a dedicated solar financing division providing financing options for solar systems at little or no upfront cost to our customers. SES financing programs include Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and Solar Leases that minimize or eliminate the cost of ownership.
Solar Energy Systems, LLC, has North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Certified Solar PV Installers on staff. SES is recognized as an Eligible Solar PV Installer by New York funding entities NYSERDA and Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), as well as New Jersey’s Clean Energy Fund. SES is an Electrical Limited Solar Contractor (PV1) in Connecticut and is a Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Eligible Installer.