As a benefit of being a TXSES Platinum Business Member, we highlight the member’s company in our newsletter. For the March newsletter, we sat down with Kevin Chavez, operations officer/manager of Holt Renewables, an engineering, procurement and construction firm for commercial solar projects nationwide. Here’s our conversation.
Steven Ugalde: Hi Kevin. Thanks for carving out time to talk about Holt Renewables. Tell us about Holt Renewables came to be; how long has it been around?
Kevin Chavez: Absolutely. Our journey began over 12 years ago when Holt Renewables emerged through an acquisition. Before that, we operated under the name PCI Solar, maintaining the same team, business methodology, and services. About four years ago, Holt Caterpillar, a previous customer, recognized the potential to diversify its offerings and ultimately acquired us. Peter and Corinna Holt, the brains behind Holt Caterpillar, had a forward-thinking approach towards energy, especially electrification and renewables. Their vision aligned perfectly with ours, leading to the acquisition.
Steven Ugalde: And timely. Holt is Houston-based?
Kevin Chavez: Actually, we’re located in Austin. While Holt Renewables is based in Austin, Holt Caterpillar’s headquarters are in San Antonio, but we operate around 30 different locations. There are about 3,500 of us Holt Renewables employees. Within the renewables group, there are 28 departments including construction, engineering, procurement, estimating, sales and development, back-office operations, and safety.
Steven Ugalde: Could you share a standout moment or project that you found particularly fulfilling?
Kevin Chavez: While every project has its unique qualities, what truly stands out for us is the ability to effectively serve our customers nationwide. We specialize in the Middle Market C segment, typically ranging from 500 kW to 30 megawatts. Our portfolio includes diverse applications such as carports, roof mounts, ground mounts and energy storage. Deploying energy storage, especially in the evolving landscape of renewable energy, has been particularly rewarding for us.
Steven Ugalde: What drives Holt Renewables’ approach to future projects?
Kevin Chavez: Our primary focus is alignment with our customers’ needs and goals. Whether it’s sustainability, economics or marketing, we strive to tailor each project accordingly. We provide comprehensive consultation and feasibility studies to ensure that every aspect aligns with our clients’ objectives.
Steven Ugalde: How do you evaluate the success of a project?
Kevin Chavez: Safety is paramount for us, ensuring no incidents occur during project execution. Additionally, success is measured by tangible outcomes and client satisfaction. We conduct thorough surveys post-project completion, and our track record speaks for itself—no negative feedback so far.
Steven Ugalde: What inspired you to pursue a career in solar and renewable energy?
Kevin Chavez: My background in finance led me to understand the potential of renewable energy investments. However, I yearned for a more hands-on role where I could witness more results. Joining PCI Solar as part of the development team allowed me to see projects come to life from concept to construction. The subsequent acquisition by Holt Renewables further solidified my commitment to this industry.
Steven Ugalde: Lastly, what has surprised you the most in your experience within this industry?
Kevin Chavez: One of the most surprising aspects has been the continued momentum and innovation within the industry, despite regulatory challenges. There’s a growing recognition of the need for renewable energy solutions, and we’re witnessing increased investment and research to address this demand. While there are hurdles to overcome, I’m optimistic about the industry’s trajectory.
Steven Ugalde: Thank you for sharing your insights, Kevin. And thanks for being a TXSES Platinum Business Member.
Kevin Chavez: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.