Meet The Team

South Carolina Installation Pros

Ready to go to work for you! Our qualifications and experience in the industry give us the edge over other Charleston, South Carolina and Southeastern alternative energy providers. With Alder Energy Systems, you’re speaking with professionals who know solar energy and how best to make it work for your application. Give us a call today to discover what solar energy options can work for you.

Experience, Expertise, Dedication & Professionalism

Even if you skim our career summaries, you’ll find that we’re well-versed in both the theory and practice behind alternative energy solutions, such as solar PV and battery storage. We’ve dedicated years to honing our craft and are committed to using our background and knowledge to bring our clients world class solutions. Alder Energy Systems’ growing portfolio of projects speaks to our status as the go-to alternative energy provider in South Carolina and throughout the region.

We’re not just general contractors who happen to offer solar panel installation. Our services adhere to the highest of industry standards, and we’re affiliated with top associations and organizations in our field including: Coalition for Community Solar Access, South Carolina Solar Council, Solar Energy Industries Association, and North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Our participation as thought leaders in our field keeps us on the cutting edge when it comes to delivering alternative energy solutions. Get in touch today!

Don Zimmerman

President, NABCEP

Don is a seasoned technology veteran who has worked in the photonics industry for over twenty-four years. He worked for AT&T Bell Labs designing fiber optic systems. Don co-founded and managed the R&D for the optical amplifier division of JDS Uniphase. He started a consulting company, Light Systems Associates, and while working with AT&T Labs, developed his skills in solar energy systems engineering and design.

Don has been formally trained in PV systems by Solar Energy International (the leader in solar energy training). He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan, a MS in Optics from the University of Rochester, and a MBA from Columbia University. He holds seven patents and actively contributes to the solar energy research and development community. He is a certified solar PV installer by the North American Board of Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Craig Knowlton

General Manager & Vice President of Business Development

Craig has worked in the solar industry for over a decade. Prior to joining Alder Energy Systems in early 2014, Craig Knowlton worked as the Inside Sales Manager at RGS Energy, a nationwide solar integrator based in Louisville, CO. After three years living along the Rocky Mountains, he returned to sunny Charleston with his family, committed to providing economically and environmentally sustainable electricity solutions across South Carolina. Craig’s experience extends beyond alternative energy, having worked as Educational Sales Manager for Sylvan Dell Publishing in Mount Pleasant and as an Adjunct Professor at College of Charleston and Trident Technical College.

Craig holds a MA in English from College of Charleston & The Citadel as well as a BA from Kenyon College.