~/simon-leber/renewable-energy

$ git checkout renewable-energy
→ solar pv · heat pumps · smart home automation · since 2009

My Renewable Energy Journey

A professional timeline of my hands-on experience in sustainable technology — from early solar PV installations in 2009 to advanced thermal-electric integrations and smart home automation today.

## git log --renewable-energy

Now

Seeking Opportunities in New Zealand

Dedicated to contributing to New Zealand's renewable energy transition. Combining software-driven analytical thinking with practical, on-site installation experience to optimize and scale sustainable energy solutions.Get in touch
Autumn 2025

Hybrid Thermal-Electric System Design

Integrated dual heat pumps into a complex existing infrastructure, complemented by a solar capacity expansion. Engineered a custom, energy-optimized control logic for seamless integration of:
  • Wood-burner buffer storage
  • Solar thermal and electric systems
  • Domestic Hot Water (DHW) management
  • Custom mixing valve heating curves
→ heating system visualization side project
2025

Solar PV Deployment & System Recovery

Executed comprehensive system diagnostics and restoration following a lightning strike, including:
  • Panel testing and performance diagnostics
  • Commissioning of a 3-phase Victron ESS with off-grid capabilities
  • Bridging legacy hardware with modern IoT ecosystems through custom ESP32 firmware
  • Automation and monitoring via Node-RED and Domoticz
2023

Strategic Pivot to Sustainable Technology

Initiated a deliberate transition to the renewable energy sector, identifying the synergy between enterprise-grade software engineering principles and the evolving needs of the decentralized energy grid.
2019 – 2025

Enterprise Software Engineering & Technical Leadership

Developed a foundation in complex system architecture, technical project management, and cross-functional leadership. Mastered structured problem-solving and documentation practices that ensure reliability in critical infrastructure.
2012 – 2013

Infrastructure Management in Emerging Markets

Served as Network & System Administrator in Zambia, where the firsthand impact of energy scarcity highlighted the transformative potential of decentralized solar power. This experience solidified my commitment to scalable, resilient renewable energy solutions.
2009

Foundational Solar PV Projects

Successfully commissioned first residential solar installations. This early hands-on engagement established a lifelong technical interest and provided practical insight into the fundamentals of photovoltaic power generation.