Connor and Sam Field founded Helios Solar in 2009. Cook was brought in to help with the project management and construction of their first solar development. "I had a range of skills in construction/safety/project management which helped me during the manufacturing, civil engineering, and construction of the project," Cook said.
They established the business to develop solar projects under a program of Consumers Energy called the EARP (Experimental Advanced Renewable Program).
How Did They Do It?
A lot of hard work, Cook said. "There's no book you can pick up that says 'this is how to develop a solar photovoltaic electricity generation facility.' It took a lot of research, engineering, and testing on our own to understand everything that goes into a project. Connor was intrigued by everything involved and pushed me to continue to learn more and take of challenges. We take a lot of pride in the fact that we did everything on our own, the designing, the electrical engineering, the manufacturing, the civil engineering, the assembly, etc.—it allowed us to gain infinite amounts of knowledge about the development of these projects. I can confidently say that no one in the area knows more about these projects than us, and it's solely because we did it all and were willing to take on the risk needed to do it. Not that we didn't make mistakes, we just would laugh and call it 'tuition'—that tuition has allowed us to continue to develop, learn, and improve the services we provide."
Cook became interested in creating economically viable solar installations as a student at WMU, where he learned about environment and social responsibility in his environmental engineering classes, "In a sense, I was lucky I had colleagues that were talented, loved to take on challenges, and were willing to bring me in for help."
In fact, Cook credits his classes at WMU as giving him a strong core foundation in ethics and engineering principles. "I also gained so many more talents and lessons from my many internships. It allowed me to really "trial" careers to see what I loved. I had the opportunity to work for multiple fortune 500 companies, and pursue possible careers. But, what I've found now is my passion and it keeps me excited! That passion and excitement is pivotal in keeping me going. "
More About Helios Solar:
- Engineered and constructed the largest Solar Photovoltaic Electricity Generation Facility in the history of the state of Michigan as of 2010
- Single largest supplier of Solar Energy to Consumers Energy
- Experience in all types of Solar Photovoltaic applications including, ground mount, ballasted roof mount, standing seam roof mount, residential roof mount, commercial roof mount and off-grid applications
They're Not Stopping There…
"We're striving to get into new markets," Cook said. "We've also teamed up with WMU's Business school to help in researching ways to give our clients a way to become carbon neutral. We've also set a goal to install the largest economically viable solar array's in the state this year."
To learn more about Helios Solar, please follow the link below:
WEBSITE— HELIOS SOLAR
Cook's favorite memory at WMU, while difficult to choose just one, came near the end of his academic career. "Coming to my last days at WMU and finally giving my senior project presentation. It was a relief to be done of course, but then even better was being able to walk around campus and know that I had all the skills needed to be a professional in the work force. After walking across the stage and getting my diploma, I was so exciting knowing I could do whatever I wanted with my life, and it was then up to me to paint my own picture of what my life would be and how I would benefit society."